Altar servers are invited to a Summer Mass and Picnic at 6 pm on Wednesday, July 18th. Please gather in the chapel by 5:45 pm. Omar Carmona is coordinating fun activities, and our Knights of Columbus will prepare great food.
The altar server occupies a privileged place in the Holy Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Therefore, altar servers are much more than simple helpers of the priest. Above all, you are servants of the eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, so you are called in particular to be young friends of Jesus. Be determined to go deeper and to cultivate this friendship with him. You will discover that in Jesus you have found a true friend for life.
The white clothing worn by altar servers recalls the white clothing of baptism. Saint Paul the Apostle tells us “for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). The white clothing of the altar servers reminds everyone at Mass that we are all reborn as adopted children of God, and as adopted brothers and sisters of Christ.
The altar server often has a candlestick in his hand, for “you are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Your service cannot be limited to the inside of a church. It must shine in everyday life: in school, in the family, and everywhere else you go. And remember, all the kids you age are waiting for the real Light of the world, Jesus Chris, even if they don’t yet understand this longing. So, do not hold your candlestick only inside a church, but carry the light of the Gospel to all those who are in darkness and are living through a difficult time in their life.
Finally, how happy it would be if something more sprang from your friendship with Christ the High Priest! How great it would be if some of you were to discover a vocation to the priesthood! Jesus Christ has urgent need of youths who will give up everything and follow Him. Moreover, might not the Lord also call one or two of you girls to embrace the consecrated life to serve the Church and the brothers and sisters? Even for those who wish to be united in marriage, the service of altar servers teaches that a real union must always include readiness for reciprocal and free service.
Thank you for serving at the altar of the Lord!