Altar Servers
Altar Servers are a very special team of people in our parish. Its members are children and adults who have undertaken a serious responsibility, to serve God, their parish and the priest.
Altar Servers should be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and to carry them out well and with appropriate reverence. They should have already received their First Holy Communion and normally receive the Eucharist whenever they participate in the liturgy.
The team is led by Terry, Master of Ceremonies (MC) who links closely with the Priest, other Ministers and the Parish office to ensure that all the services run smoothly. The MC allocates the various serving roles of acolyte (candle bearer), crucifer (cross), thurifer and incense boat before each service and briefs the team with relevant instructions.
Altar Servers Training
During their time of training, Altar servers learn to do all of the roles that are needed to ensure that the Mass is celebrated properly, and with reverence.
Training sessions takes place in the Church throughout the year and are conducted by the MC. If you are interested in becoming an Altar Server, ask Terry or the Parish office for the date of the next training sessions. Sessions are for both St Gregory’s and Our Lady of Peace.
New servers learn where and how to robe in the sacristy, the correct procedure for processing into the Church and leaving at the end of Mass, how to bow and genuflect and positions they should assume during the course of the service.
Servers will become familiar with liturgical objects, such as the Missal, Lectionary, Lectern, credence table, etc. and also with the tools they will use during Mass, such as candles, cross, thurible, etc.
Guild of St. Stephen
St Stephen is the Patron Saint of Altar Servers. Servers who have served regularly and well for a period of one year and have mastered the roles of Crucifer, Acolyte Thurifer, Boat and Book Bearer are enrolled into the Guild of St Stephen. They make a commitment to continue to serve regularly and well.
Photographs: St Stephens Day Guild Mass 26th December 2024