The Ministry of Altar Server
The role of the altar server is to assist the priest at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and at other liturgical celebrations. Our children find security and nourishment in the Lord. When their world expands beyond their family, hopefully they will look for sources that will continue to nourish the growth started by their parents. Introducing them to the ministries of the church at an early age will encourage this growth. Parents are encouraged to talk and pray with their children when discerning a vocation to this ministry.
If your child is interested in learning more about this ministry please contact the church office at 541-258-5333
Who can be an altar server?
Any boy or girl who has made their first Holy Communion is eligible to serve at the English and Spanish Masses. Servers’ schedules are issued for all Masses, trying to accommodate the servers and their families. After training, the English-speaking servers will be scheduled to serve at the 5:15 pm Mass on Saturday at least once a month.
Training Meetings:
In order to impress on the servers the importance of this ministry and how to be an efficient and respectful server, it is required that they faithfully attend monthly training meetings. Spirituality and reverence are strongly stressed during their training. They are taught the names and purposes of all the linens, vessels, and other articles used at the liturgies, as well as the method of preparation and use of the incense. Training meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the church, except in July and August. The September meeting is held on the second Monday to accommodate Labor Day.
Guidelines:
Frequent confession is strongly recommended for all altar servers. Servers are asked to wear solid colored clothing: no stripes, logos, or other designs as these show through the server’s albs. Servers should wear dark shoes if possible. Jewelry that might be a distraction should also not be worn.