Do You Have What It Takes To Be A
St. Luke Altar Server?

It’s time for Fall Training!  On Sunday, September 30, 2018 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, we’ll be training new Altar Servers - and it could be you!  If you’re in 4th grade or up, turning at least 10 this year, and have made your First Communion, WE NEED YOU!  We’ll train you to serve at Daily and Sunday Masses, Holy Days of Obligation, and other special events.   

ASSIST AT MASS as true and devout Christians, with such modesty and recollection that nothing should distract you.  Let your mind and your heart be intent solely on honoring God.   
St. John Bosco

St. Luke Altar Servers are an essential compliment to St. Luke's Holy Mass.  Known for their excellent training, good manners, hard work, and faithfulness - as well as their kindness - because we pick only the best of the best.

To serve the Altar is an important responsibility.  In Heaven, the Holy Angels perform the task of the Altar Servers, and STL Servers take their job very seriously.  As they carry the cross and assist the Priest and Deacon in the procession, preparation and reverence on the altar, and other important tasks, it's easy to see why these young men and women are preparing their lives for leadership and service.  They serve at Daily and Sunday Masses, Holy Days of Obligation, St. Joseph's Altar, Stations of the Cross, Archdiocesan events when requested, and so much more.  If you need help, St. Luke's Altar Servers are known for their generosity and respect for they know they respect the Lord and the Church even when they are away from the Altar.  

To Be an ALTAR SERVER is not to do a particular kind of volunteer work - it's WHO YOU ARE.  Often, young Catholics don't even realize that they are already doing and living the role of the Altar Server but without the alb!  So, what makes an ALTAR SERVER great?

In the Archdiocese of New Orleans, both boys and girls may serve at the Altar at the pastor's direction.  Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the Altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people, wash the hands of the priest, assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary.  None of these are difficult tasks, but they require a young man or woman who is humble enough to be taught and a strong, intelligent leader that can foresee a need without being told once they gain enough training and experience.

WE'LL TRAIN YOU...

Altar Serving is a young Catholic's response to the love of Jesus and the heart of our Church.  It takes preparation and desire, but if you're
a practicing Roman Catholic (meaning, you attend Sunday Masses every week and have an understanding of the importance of the Sacraments) and if you've received First Holy Communion and you're at least 10 years old by the end of your fourth grade year, then we will be happy to train you to serve Christ at the Altar.  Altar Servers can do their important work until the graduate from high school or turn 18.  

The training is not hard, but the joy and respect you'll gain from your service to your God and your faith community will help you at every walk of life as you become an adult.  Our adult ministers often compliment the maturity and dedication of STL Altar Servers - who set the tone and the reverence of the congregation as we worship.

HOW WE SERVE...
WE LEARN IN STAGES...
A brand new Altar Server is given the rank of Escort - "one who accompanies".  You'll recognize them, because they wear the long white alb with the cincture but without the scapula.  Priests, Deacons, and senior Altar Servers immediately offer a little extra time and guidance for escorts while they are on their probationary training period as they master tasks and learn the names and location of the vessels and items they use.  This is a rich time of learning and growing for the Altar Server, and everyone in the ministry is quick to offer support and encouragement.  There is no set time for the Escort period, since every young man or woman grows into the work at their own pace.

After completing their training and learning, an Escort will be given an opportunity to show their mastery of the tasks assigned to him or her - since every STL Altar Server has the capacity and knowledge to know how to serve at a Sunday Mass ALONE if called to do so.  (Rarely)  Once he or she shows his or her proficiency, an Escort is promoted to Altar Server.  They are easy to spot in their scapulas (the long rectangular garment worn over their albs that reflect the Liturgical celebration.)  

Finally, after completing at least four years (as an 8th grader) in the role of Altar Server, or one complete year as a High School student, an Altar Server is promoted to Senior Altar Server.  These young men and women are the heart of our ministry - representing our best and brightest.  Known for their generous and mature demeanor, STL Senior Altar Servers are asked to serve throughout the Archdiocese when needed and help in the training of Escorts and less experienced Altar Servers.  It's a job fit for a grown up - one carried well and with pride by our Senior Altar Servers.  They can be recognized since they wear the Senior Altar Server medal cross.

ALL WORK AND PLAY!

The Altar Servers at St Luke are a welcome and appreciated community of the Young Church, and because they serve in a capacity essential to the worship of God, STL is pleased to provide fun activities and events for our Altar Servers who do so much to enrich the faith of our parish.

ALTAR SERVER CHRISTMAS PARTY
Our  Altar Servers rock around the Christmas tree every year with their annual party!  Full of fun activities with our Priests, Deacons, and families.  We order pizza, play games, and win prizes - this fun event is held in December.








 

THE ALTAR SERVER OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO...

Each year, one of our Senior Altar Servers is chosen to be recognized for his or her dedication and outstanding service to the parish at a beautiful celebration of the Young Church presided over by the Archbishop of New Orleans.  

It's not easy work to be an Altar Server.  They represent our entire Faith Community as they respond to the needs not only of the celebrant of the Mass but also to the needs of our parishioners, as well.  They represent the future of our Church, and we couldn't be more proud of them.

THE ALTAR SERVER OF THE YEAR FOR 2018 is Jacob Nguyen!

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE?  INTERESTED IN JOINING?