Each week, beginning in mid-October and continuing until the first Sunday of Advent, The Leadership Institute will publish a series of articles that will be distributed at all parishes in the Diocese of Bridgeport as we await Bishop Caggiano’s promulgation of the Revised Liturgical Norms.
An intro to each article and the links to each in English and Spanish can be found below. A new article will be added each week. Click here to learn more about the Norms.
The young men and women who answer the call to serve at the altar as servers fulfill and important duty. They are called to help the celebrant, to set the table, and assist as he receives the gifts of the community. They do all these things as invisibly as they can so as to not distract from the solemnity of Mass. This week, read more about the history of Altar Servers and the important ministry they provide.
The Role of Altar Servers in Liturgy
The server is both a member of the assembly and a minister in the sanctuary. With a foot in both worlds, the server has an unusual perspective when participating at Mass. He or she is called to fully and actively participate in the liturgy, and yet is also called to serve in a particular way.
At the last supper, someone had to set the table and prepare the meal. The servers are not mentioned, but unquestionably the very first Eucharist would have relied on servers. When the early Church gathered together for the breaking of bread in homes, someone had to perform the same functions. In time the liturgy became more stylized, and so did its ministers.
Continue reading our fourth Catechesis Article here.
