Society of St. Berchmans – Altar Servers

Altar Servers serve for three masses (4:00pm Saturday, 9:00am and 11:00am Sunday)  To become an Altar Server you must have received your first Holy Communion.

Who are altar servers?

An altar server assists the priest and deacon in the celebration of the Mass and other Liturgies.

Reason to Serve

Altar servers are taught to do the simplest duties with beauty and with a spirit of service.  Children learn to be accountable and on time by serving at the altar.  They develop good judgment and a devotion to Holy Mass from a young age.

Patron Saint of Altar Servers

A Jesuit seminarian from the 17th century, St. John Berchmans is renowned for his steadfast devotion to God, strong sense of religion, and commitment to learning.  He is regarded as a role model of virtue and sanctity for young people and is the patron saint of altar servers and his feast day is November 26th.

“You will discover that in Jesus you have found a true friend for life.”  – St. John Paul II

Fun Fact!

The name Altar Servers, comes from the Latin word “ministrare” which means “to serve”

What does an altar server do?

  • The altar server assists the priest and deacon in the celebration of the Mass and other Liturgies
  • They are role models in our parish community by how they act on the altar
  • They participate in the Mass as a member of the community by praying and paying attention
  • They show their love of God and the Faith of their family
  • They meet God in His presence in our Church community, Holy Communion, prayer, and the proclamation of the Word of God

Novena of St. John Berchmans

Litany of St. John Berchmans

Eternal God, you invite us always to give you our love and are pleased with a cheerful giver. Give us a youthful spirit, to be like St. John, always eager to seek you and to do your will. Help us to be patient, devout, pleasing by our nature and aiding everyone by our inclination.

We ask you Lord, through the good offices of Saint John Berchmans, to have a dedicated spirit and revere Mary our Mother, achieving perfection, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen