Altar server training

[anamchara]

I found the booklet “Called to Serve: A Guidebook for Altar Servers” (Nevin - Our Sunday Visitor) very helpful. It also has a nice section on the vessels and vesting. It’s not that expensive and can be ordered in bulk so each server has their own.

As for their posture - I have seen quite a few calisthenics on the altar It may help to suggest they keep their hands together (fingers straight, right thumb over left, pointing upward) whether they are standing, kneeling, or sitting; feet together (flat on the floor when standing and sitting); and their left hand on their chest when their right hand is appropriately busy. It cuts down on the squirm factor since its almost impossible to fidget in this position.

Whether they are boys or girls - hair pulled back, no nail polish and no earrings (or any other piercings).

You may also want to have them sign a written agreement - a few sentences acknowledging their important role and duty - particularly to be reverent and to be there when scheduled, volunteer if needed and no one is there, and to try their best to find a replacement if they can’t be there when scheduled.

My prayers for success and patience!

Thanks so much Joan…you have brought up some good points. I was planning on having the girls tie thier hair back but wasn’t sure if I was going too far with it. I will look into that book you suggested!

Have you done this before?

 

[brotherhrolf]

I agree about the tennis shoes. Nothing looks more out of place on our altar servers as to see those ungainly boat shoes sticking out from underneath the server’s albs.

When I was an altar boy pre and post V II we had assigned cassocks and surplices which we took home for laundering. As a choir member, I have an assigned alb which I take home for laundering. This is a good practice and helps the sacristans. (Providing, of course, that the vestments are machine washable).

Once you get your servers trained consider organizing them into teams. This is the way it was done when I was a boy. Assign your most senior server as “captain” and let them help you with the training. I was the “captain” of my team. I taught my younger brother and another boy the Latin responses and how to serve the Mass using a Necco wafer (candy) as the host and a wine glass with a card table as the “altar” over the course of a summer. Back then you went through training over the summer and started serving when school resumed.

 

[scaron]

I am in charge of the servers at my parish (Immaculate Conception in Glenville, NY). A couple of things from this thread …

On shoes - I had originally considered asking for no sneakers or casual footwear in the Server guide I put together. Father reminded me that for some kids, there is no option - these are the only shoes they own or can afford! So I guess the idea of having shoes available in the Server’s Sacristy would be the only way we could implement this.

More worrying for me than sneakers, however, are the girls who are beginning to experiment with high heels. Our credence table is at ground level, and there are three (hard, tiled) steps up to the sanctuary. I think it is only a matter of time before someone takes a header with glass cruets or the chalice in their hands!

On training - I do regular training for our servers (actually, next week 1/9 and 1/10!). In a perfect world I would assign new servers with a more experienced child. We are blessed to have several more senior high-school aged kids who have been serving for years who are very willing to help with new children. I find that is by far the best way to bring new servers up to speed - they learn much more from the experienced servers in the actual Mass setting then from listening to me in training! (maybe that says something about my teaching skills!)

My biggest problem, and I’d be very interested in hearing how other folks deal with this) is servers not showing up or getting substitutes for assigned Masses. In general, for each Mass I have some kids who are there pretty regularly and are willing to fill in (my own son serves 2 or 3 times a month - and is generally only scheduled once a month or so). This is obviously not a great situation - I would love to know if others have problems/ solutions with this.

 

[MSJoan]

Anamchara,

Indirectly. My family has been part of this parish for decades. For a number of reasons, our parish has an orientation and a lot of “on the job training” (OJT). Our son has been an altar server for the past 6 years. Although my son can be a typical teenager (girl friend, cell phone, etc), he is very reverent and focused on the altar. The younger servers look up to him and he helps with the OJT. I also know many of the boys through my involvement with Boy Scouting as a religious emblem counselor and member of the local Catholic Committee on Scouting. As a result, I enjoy the privilege of being one of those adults the youth listen to. The youth really want to know and serve our Lord the best they are able. They have always been very receptive and appreciative of my “helpful hints”.

I will warn you that involvement with the youth can be frustrating at times, but you will feel so blessed by the experiences - good and bad. In time, they may become very comfortable with you and ask questions they wouldn’t ask their parents. It can also be a form of youth ministry. As they learn more about their role, they may also begin to ask “why do we” questions. I’m not saying you need to be a theologian, but you may be surprised at the catechesis that occurs in your interactions with them.

Also, for your own safety, never be alone with them. Always ask that at least one parent be present during the training sessions. If measurements are required for cassocks, etc., ask their parents to be there and do the measuring/fitting.

Blessings,

 

[MSJoan]

Scaron,

We also have the problem of altar servers not showing up. My dear son has on several occasions served two Masses on the same day. A few suggestions: (1) An individual discussion with the parent(s)/guardian(s) before the training. I continue to be surprised by the number of Catholics who don’t realize they need to attend Mass every Sunday and Holy Day. (Being sick is an exception - vacation and camping trips are not.) The child must be very comfortable with you to share their parent’s behavior, so in my Catholic Scouting activities, I talk with the parents first - in the most non-threatening, non-condescending way possible. Sometimes it’s the child who leads the parents back into the fold. (2) A pre-training meeting for all the parents and youth to explain the expectations. (3) Make sure the list of servers, including their preferred Mass and phone numbers is current and available – and that they have sufficient notice – consider e-mailing the schedule to the youth and parents each month. (4) A very simple written agreement signed by the youth, parent, and trainer (see my first post). (5) Have the senior servers call those who have been no call/no show to make sure everything is okay, ask if they knew they were to serve, etc. (6) Consider a “suspension period” for those who are regular no call/no shows. However, extreme caution must be exercised if this approach is taken. I find it is more often a parent/guardian issue as opposed to the child’s neglect of duty. Exercising this option could push the parent and child away.

Hope this helps.

 

[puzzleannie]

payless usually has sales on black leather loafers and oxfords around Easter-1st comm time and a pair can be had for $10 or so, keep an eye out. I would insist on black or navy dress pants too, from dollar stores at about $9, also on sale in the spring.

 

[acadian]

Keeping my eyes open on this thread, as I recently volunteered to do the scheduling for our parish’s altar servers. (We were going months at a time with no schedule because the previous person just had too much on her plate.)

We have 4 Masses per weekend, so we need 8 servers, and I have 18 on my list. (We have an aging parish.) So along with making out a schedule, I will also need to recruit. Making the schedule has been interesting, to say the least. I have tried to keep the kids in same gender teams, but that has not always been possible. We also have a pastor and a “sacramental minister” who alternate weekends. The kids much prefer serving with our pastor, so I try to divide up the weekends so that everyone has equal time.

My own kids were scheduled to serve on a Saturday evening in early December, and we had an unplanned trip out of town. I did call a couple of people in an effort to find a substitute. The other team that is usually available for that Mass had a basketball game, so I called the mom of a child who no longer serves regularly (other time commitments), and asked if he could serve. She readily agreed, but promptly forgot. Fortunately someone else stepped up to serve that evening, but it would have looked like it was my kids (and me) who were slacking if no one had showed up.

 

[anamchara]

Thanks everyone thanks scaron, I got your email and would love to take a look at anything you have.

MSJoan, thanks as well, I have a lot of years of experience working with with kids in church and girlscouts. I also work with children on a daily basis in my job I’m helping to start a youth group in our parish so I’m hoping to get some of our older youth involved. Relating with kids and parents comes naturally for me. My concern is remembering what the heck they are suppose to be doing. I don’t want to forget anything! It’s a daunting task to be the first who writes up all the duties as well, eek…AND I have to order all new cassocks and surplices. This ministry is starting at the ground floor so in that regard it is a bit intimating. The Father also wants me to at some point have an “open house” of some sort. I guess it used to be done years ago, back in the day with Altar boys.

Anyway, I’m sure it will all work out, these things always do.

 

[anamchara]

On shoes - I had originally considered asking for no sneakers or casual footwear in the Server guide I put together. Father reminded me that for some kids, there is no option - these are the only shoes they own or can afford! So I guess the idea of having shoes available in the Server’s Sacristy would be the only way we could implement this.

This is my concern as well. I’m going to ask for no sneakers,flip flops, sandals but I’m going to talk with the parents at the frist training about possibly getting some for the Sacirsty. They may just opt to go out and buy nice shoes anyway. I know what you mean about the girls. I have three daughters so I have an idea of what I’ll suggest for that. Girls have much more to choose from that can be nicely discreet and modest.

You guys have all been a big help! Talking about it helps organize it in my mind.

A big Thank You to everyone!!

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

As for their posture - I have seen quite a few calisthenics on the altar It may help to suggest they keep their hands together (fingers straight, right thumb over left, pointing upward) whether they are standing, kneeling, or sitting; feet together (flat on the floor when standing and sitting); and their left hand on their chest when their right hand is appropriately busy. It cuts down on the squirm factor since its almost impossible to fidget in this position.

I was trained in basically this way except we did not keep our hands folded while sitting. Instead we were to put our hands on our knees. This helped sit up straight and I think it’s a more natural position as well.

The priest who trained me was a hard-liner on server discipline, which did wonders for my posture and behavior during Mass. One joker, trying to find a chink in the armor of “You don’t move around (fidget) during Mass” once asked, “Can you move if you get shot?” The priest answered him, “You can move after Mass.”

 

[bknebel]

I would also make sure that you have JUST altar boys… it has been my experience that parishes that limit it to just boys have better luck and more seriousness within the ministry. Sure, girls can handle it just the same, but i’ve noticed that if you let girls do it, no boys will sign up, because they feel ’ the women have it handled.’

 

[anamchara]

I would also make sure that you have JUST altar boys… it has been my experience that parishes that limit it to just boys have better luck and more seriousness within the ministry. Sure, girls can handle it just the same, but i’ve noticed that if you let girls do it, no boys will sign up, because they feel ’ the women have it handled.’

I was avoiding this subject Bk on this thread as I am using both. I didn’t want this thread to turn into a debate over this. But thank you anyway!

 

[Patrick]

Just an idea for you to consider

Our altar servers meet every Saturday morning for 1.5 hours from September to June. We start each week with an opening prayer and then read the Sunday reading together. Then we have a 10 minute discussion on the readings and what they are about. The idea is that the children find it easier to stay focussed during Liturgy of the Word if they have an understanding of what it’s about.

We have a large liturical calendar on the table where we meet and each week they find where we are in the church year. It helps them understand the church season and they look forward to feast days etc. Sometimes we’ll read about a saint or feast day as we move through the year.

Then we go to the church and learn something about being an altar server. This can be anything from naming the things they use, to learning prayers and responses, to learning how to walk in procession, carry the proc. candles and cross etc. We often incorporate games. For example, I made a set of cards with pictures of things on one card and name of that thing on another. I turn them all over and let them match them up (like the Concentration game). Obviously, they learn that the “host dish” is actually a "ciborium. I have similar cards for responses: One says, “The Lord be with you” and the matching card says “Amen” etc.

Occasionally, we have a field trip. For example, The Sat. before the 1st Sun of Advent each year, we go to the local Christian store to get advent candles, an Ordo for the church, new liturgical candles etc. They get to understand that we are starting a new church year.

We also do whatever has to be done to help out at the church. For example, we put up the “giving tree”, help pack boxes for the St. Vincent de Paul, etc.

We end each meeting with a closing prayer and of course, juice and cookies is always a good thing.

The first Saturday of each month, our priest allows us to place the blessed sacrament in the montrance and other children in the parish join the altar servers for Holy Hour. This has been a wonderful experience for all of us - adults included. I’m amazed at how even very young children make it through Holy Hour so nicely.

Lastly, I can tell you that we have had good experience with teaching the children slowly and adding additional responsibilities as they get older. For example, our youngest altar servers (grade 3) only learn to walk in procession and carry the candles. Grade 4’s learn to carry the cross and ring the bells. Grade 5’s learn to serve at the altar. Grade 6’s learn to carry the censor and incense and assist the priest with the humeril veil and cope as needed. Grade 7’s stand next to the priest and assist him with the sacramentary, prepare and clear the altar before and after the liturgy of the eucharist/communion. We find that adding responsibilities as they go gives them something to look forward to and we tend to keep them longer.

Obviously, this takes a big commitment from the leaders but the results have been worth it. I’m sure it won’t work for every church, but we like it!

Good Luck!

 

[anamchara]

Wow Patrick, that sounds wonderful. You have given me some good and new ideas! Thank you.

 

[Cristiano]

The priest who trained me was a hard-liner on server discipline, which did wonders for my posture and behavior during Mass. One joker, trying to find a chink in the armor of “You don’t move around (fidget) during Mass” once asked, “Can you move if you get shot?” The priest answered him, “You can move after Mass.”

Can you please grant a copyright to this statement. I would like to print it, post it in the sacristy, and distribute it to few of the servers in my parish.

 

[anamchara]

Can you please grant a copyright to this statement. I would like to print it, post it in the sacristy, and distribute it to few of the servers in my parish.

I laughed when I read that as well. I think I might just relay this story to the kids.

 

[Flint]

It may help to suggest they keep their hands together (fingers straight, right thumb over left, pointing upward)

While I think this hand posture is wonderful and should be encouraged, it would be odd to instruct them on which thumb to place over the other. Individuals will automatically place one thumb over the other, often depending on if they are right/left handed and right/left brained.