When you throw a party it’s so helpful when you have a few people who are assisting you with all the work before, during, and after the party. Everybody enjoys themselves more when a few people are attending to the details. In a similar way, the altar servers at Sunday mass help with the details of celebrating the Eucharist.
Altar servers enhance the community’s prayer by helping to make the ritual of the Mass proceed with reverence and grace. Servers are boys and girls who have already made their First Holy Communion and attended a training class. Having young people serve at the altar reminds us that there is a place for everyone to participate in a significant way at Mass. Their ministry includes being an example to the rest of the community through their faithful attention and participation during the liturgy.
This is the last letter in a five week series talking about parties and Liturgical Ministers. I hope everyone has a greater appreciation for the many volunteers who are dedicated to making sure our celebrations of the Eucharist inspire us and lead us into a deeper relationship with God. I love celebrating the Mass when we are all united in prayer, song, scripture, communion and hospitality. I hope you do, too.