Occasional confessions of an altar server

Here you will find occasional posts about my experiences as an altar server at a local parish church. Being an altar server is a form of service, which is an important part of Christian life and practice.

So what is an altar server? Broadly speaking, we are responsible for making sure the church is ready for services, particularly the Eucharist and evensong alongside other members of the congregation like the sacristan. This involves ensuring that the wafers wine are set out ready for the priest to consecrate them; the appropriate Gospel is marked; putting out the collection plate and sanctus bell. We also lead the procession when acting as crucifer and thurifer. In short, our job is to ensure everything runs smoothly so that the clergy can concentrate on conducting the services and leading worship. In addition, serving is an act of devotion through making sure we are ready, personally and collectively, to welcome Christ.

There is also another side to altar serving. We have to make sure our movements are as unobtrusive and seamless as possible and that when something goes wrong, no one notices. Clergy are also unpredictable beasts and like to change things on the fly. A good server will not bat an eyelid or flap, but continue as though it was always meant to be.

A sense of humour is an essential qualification to be a server. No one tells you this though.