Altar Servers are members of the church's assembly who assist the priest and/or deacon during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (or in other Liturgical celebrations: such as weddings, baptism, or funerals). Although an altar server may be serving the physical person of the Priest, he is an Altar Server to Jesus Christ, the Supreme High Priest. 

Altar Servers are a huge part of the Church's Tradition. and eases the flow and increase the piety of the Liturgical celebration. Since the second century, servers have always had a place in the Eucharistic Celebration (The Holy Mass). They would help prepare for the celebration, assisted at the table and put things back in order afterwards. Just as Jesus sent Peter and John to go ahead of the other Apostles to prepare a place for the Passover meal. "He sent out Peter and John, instructing them, 'Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.'" (Luke 22:8). 

Message from Saint John Paul the Second
In 2001, in a general announcement but directing himself to a group of Altar Servers, Saint John Paul the Second reminded the Altar Servers the importance of their role as Altar Servers and their vestments. He beginnings by stating, "Your commitment to the altar is not only a duty, but a great honor, a true holy service...you are far more than mere 'helpers of the parish priest.' You are servants of Jesus Christ, the eternal high priest. Thus you altar servers especially are called to be young friends of Jesus. Stive to deepen and foster this friendship with him."

His Holiness also spoke to the Altar Servers present about the importance of their liturgical vestments. "The Vestments worn by Altar Servers are very special. They recall a garment that everyone puts on when he is welcomed, in Jesus Christ, into the community...even if you no longer fit your baptismal garment, dear altar servers, you have put on that of an altar server."

God in his great wisdom works to each one as he sees fit. The calling of God happens in different ways for different people. Altar serving use to be a stepping stone towards the priesthood, although this is not entirely the case now, Altar serving is still a great place and time to discern.

Ask yourself: 
- Do I want to learn more about the Mass? 
- Do I have a longing or desire to be on the Altar? 
- Do I want to participate actively in the Holy Mass? 
- Do I watch the other altar servers during Mass? 
- Do I want to serve Jesus in the Holy Mass? 
- Do I think I am unworthy to be an Altar Server? No one is worthy to be an Altar Server, if we feel unworthy that may actually be a good thing as we would be more pious and respectful in Mass? 

Altar serving is NOT...
- It is not a place to joke around. 
- It is not an entitled right, if we are not behaving, Father may ask us not to serve.
- It is not to be required, parents should not demand their child to Altar Serve. The child should by their own desire want to serve. A parent can ask but not require.
- I should fight against the temptation of wanting to do it to be seen.

OTHER CONDITIONS: 
- The child should be mature enough to know the reverence and respect required in the Holy Mass
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If you do not know how to Altar Server and want to be an Altar Server...not to worry. Let Father know you would like to serve and He will set up a date with your parents for you to rehearse. 

The best way to learn to be a good altar servers is to watch the other servers and to always watch the priest.