At St. Patrick, approximately 130 Altar Servers assist Priests and Deacons at the many varied liturgical celebrations in our parish.  For the past eight years, Father Frank Parisi has been the Altar Server Moderator.  His most recent predecessors incude Father Bob Brennan and Father Bob McKee.

Prior to serving at the altar, students participate in a two-month training program (or as Father Frank would call it, Boot Camp).  Often, with the assistance of more esperienced servers, they learn everything from the names of all the vessels and vestments used at Mass, to where these items belong in the sancturary as well as how to serve Masses, weddings and funerals.  As part of their preparation, they serve alongside the more experienced servers.  Once their training is complete, a formal installation ceremony is held, usually in the middle of October.

At St. Patrick's, young people may become Altar Servers beginning in sixth grade and may continue as long as they wish.  Once they have been formally installed, Altar Servers are placed on the monthly schedule and begin assisting during the dozens of Masses celebrated each week in our parish.  They may be called upon to serve the 6:45 AM weekday Mass (everyone's favorite) or during funerals, weddings, weekend masses, or spicial Liturgies; such as, Communion, Confirmation, or Christmas and Easter masses.

The role of Altar Servers has reflected many of the chages within the Church.  Formerly open only to young men, st. Patrick has been training boys and girls for this important ministry for the past eight years  In years gone by, Altar Servers were taught Latin responses for use in the Latin Mass.  Still, the basic duties have remained teh same - to prepare the church for the liturgy, assist the Priests (and Deacons), and hopefully, help all of us to focus our attention on the meaning and the mystery of the Mass.

Altar serving does not go without its benefits.  Students at St. Patrick School are sometimes called upon to miss class in order to serve a weekday Mass or a funeral.

Altar servers also are treated to social events such as bowling, visits to the diocesan seminary, and baseball games.  Often, friendships are made or enriched through altar service.

Scott Williams, a college freshman and an Altar Server for many years, sees it as a way to make evident your faith.

"Altar serving is an excellent way for kids to publicly demonstrate their faith in the Lord while serving him," he said.  "ALtar serving has helped me keep close to God and working with Father Frank is always fun."

There are other pluses as well.  Many servers will admit that their participation in the Mass gives it a whole new meaning for them.  They understand the liturgy better and look forward to their role in the celebration.

And there are certain Masses Altar Servers will always remember.  Kristen Catania, a seventh grade student at St. Patrick School, served at the funeral of a fireman killed in the line of duty in the World Trade Center tragedy.  "I was able to serve a fireman's funeral along with Liz Reilly and Lindsey Cleary.  it was a great honor, but it was also very sad when you looked at the family members," she said.  "I like being an Altar Server.  It's a lot of fun.  It;s a privilege to be an Altar Server."

Become an Altar Server

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