Red Cord for servers

[disneyfan1206]

Hello Everyone!

Ive noticed alot lately in some pictures of TLMs that some servers wear this red cord thing. I serve the TLM every Sunday and we have never used them. Does it mean something or is it just part of the serving vestments.



In this picture only one server is wearing it so that is why im wondering if it means something

Thanks!

 

[YoungTradCath]

The cord and other paraments are often used for creating a “rank system” of servers. It’s an esprit de corps sort of thing, used as a motivational tool. It seems to create a certain camaraderie and filial pride among male servers. I’ve never seen it used in parishes/situations where female servers are used; methinks this would not motivate them as much as it would men.

Excellent Mass by Fr. Robert John Araujo, S.J. btw.

 

[disneyfan1206]

Ya i figured it had something to do with that

Excellent Mass by Fr. Robert John Araujo, S.J. btw.

I keep seeing more and more Jesuits saying the TLM. I go to a Jesuit University and we have the TLM every Tuesday but i have never but since i dont live on campus its hard for me to get to events like that.

 

[edward_george]

It is most likely part of this:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guild_of_St._Stephen

-ACEGC

 

[TimothyH]

The cord and other paraments are often used for creating a “rank system” of servers. It’s an esprit de corps sort of thing, used as a motivational tool. It seems to create a certain camaraderie and filial pride among male servers. I’ve never seen it used in parishes/situations where female servers are used; methinks this would not motivate them as much as it would men.

Excellent Mass by Fr. Robert John Araujo, S.J. btw.

It looks like it is used to distinguish the lead or senior server from the others, and it is probably an an incorrect assumption about the female servers not being motivated by such a thing.

My parish distinguishes lead altar servers by allowing them to wear a St. Benedict cross suspended from a ribbon colored to match the liturgical color of the day. Lead servers have to be 7th grade or higher and have demonstrated leadership and skill.

I actually train the lead servers. There is an esprit de corps and no small amount of honor is given to those chosen to be senior servers. As the trainer, I speak to the parents too, and express what a great privilege has been given their child to be selected.

The young servers look up to the senior servers who wear the ribbon and they are highly prized by both girls and boys. More girls than boys have asked to be senior servers.

-Tim-

 

[TimothyH]

By the way, I just noticed… that is a spectacularly georgeous Church from what I can tell. It looks simple and austere but elegant at the same time. Does anyone know where this is?

I also like the long surplices. I wish mine was longer like that.

It is most likely part of this:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guild_of_St._Stephen

-ACEGC

Thanks for that link. I might try to set this up in my parish. We have >100 servers.

-Tim-

 

[Mrs_Sally]

I have never seen that. We have about 100 servers and the boys seem to be able to figure out who is senior and who isn’t. We only use MCs for Triduum and Christmas Masses, but even then they are not dressed differently.

 

[TimothyH]

It is most likely part of this:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guild_of_St._Stephen

-ACEGC

I read this link further…

*There is a special ceremony of enrolment into the Guild. During the ceremony the server makes a solemn promise (the wording of which is given above) and is presented with the Guild Medal, which is made of bronze and is worn around the neck, hanging from a red cord.

The medal means two things:

First, the parish priest, or local director of the Guild, has decided this particular server is eligible and worthy to be admitted to the Guild. Second, the server accepts and wears the medal as a sign of commitment - commitment to server regularly: commitment to serve as well as possible. A commitment is a serious promise, and this promise is a serious one because it is made to God and the Church.*

It seems like Ed is right.

-Tim-