St. Rita
Altar Servers
Serving Christ at the Altar
"Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be."
— John 12:26
Serving at the altar is a unique privilege and an opportunity for young men to grow closer to Jesus Christ through the Sacred Liturgy. By assisting the priest and deacon during Mass, altar servers learn reverence, responsibility, and a deeper appreciation for the Eucharist while becoming active participants in the life of the Church.
Our Mission
Forming Ministers of the Altar
Our Altar Server Ministry is designed to inspire young men to deepen their faith through service to the Church as Ministers of the Altar.
Serving at the altar provides a hands-on, personal experience of God's work in the Sacred Liturgy while fostering spiritual growth, responsibility, and leadership. As young men serve alongside the clergy and one another, they are encouraged to grow in faith, develop a spirit of service, and remain open to wherever God may be calling them—even to a future vocation to the priesthood or religious life.
What Does an Altar Server Do?
Altar Servers assist the priest and deacon throughout the celebration of the Mass by helping ensure the liturgy is celebrated with reverence, dignity, and beauty.
Responsibilities may include:
- Carrying the processional cross
- Serving as a candle bearer
- Presenting the Roman Missal (book bearer)
- Assisting with incense as the thurifer
- Serving as Master of Ceremonies
- Assisting the clergy throughout the Mass with attentiveness and reverence
Training is provided, and servers gradually learn each responsibility as they grow in experience.
The Journey of an Altar Server
Our Altar Server program is more than learning the movements of the Mass—it is a journey of faith and formation.
As altar servers grow in knowledge, experience, and dedication, they progress through a series of ranks that recognize their development and prepare them for greater responsibilities during the Sacred Liturgy.
Each advancement includes both:
- Educational Formation – learning the prayers, traditions, and responsibilities of serving at the altar.
- Practical Experience – demonstrating proficiency while serving during the Mass.
As they advance, altar servers are entrusted with additional responsibilities, allowing them to grow in confidence, leadership, and reverence.
Altar Serving at St. Rita
Who May Serve?
Young men who have received First Holy Communion and have a sincere desire to serve Christ and His Church are invited to become Altar Servers.
Ministry Expectations
Altar Servers are expected to:
- Participate faithfully in Sunday Mass.
- Attend training sessions and ongoing formation.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass.
- Serve with reverence, attentiveness, and respect.
- Honor their ministry commitments by serving as scheduled.
- Continue growing through the ministry's educational and experiential formation program.
Ministry Leaders
Very Reverend Alonzo M. García, Dean
Mr. Travis Durman
Ministry Highlights
🙌 Become an Altar Server
Answer the Call to Serve
Interested in serving at the altar? We'd love to help you begin this rewarding ministry.
📖 Altar Server Manual
Everything You Need to Get Started
Families interested in joining should review the Altar Server Manual together before submitting an application.
📅 Training Opportunities
Learn to Serve with Confidence
New Altar Server training sessions and ministry announcements will be posted here throughout the year.
🌟 Current Servers
Thank You for Your Service
Resources, schedule updates, and ministry announcements will be posted here throughout the year.
Why It Matters
Serving at the altar is more than learning the movements of the Mass—it is an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus Christ.
Altar Servers witness the Sacred Liturgy from a unique perspective, developing a deeper appreciation for the Eucharist and the beauty of Catholic worship. Through this ministry, they learn responsibility, reverence, teamwork, and joyful service—qualities that often remain with them throughout their lives.
