The ministry of altar server in the Catholic Church is very unique, other than the priest and deacons; no one else has the opportunity to participate so closely in the preparation of the Eucharist. At St. John Vianney, altar servers are chosen from those young men and women who display a desire for an intimate union with our Lord. Everything they do is a witness to their love of Jesus in the celebration of the Mass. Great care is taken to instruct each server on how to perform all duties and responsibilities with dignity and reverence.
Requirements to serve as an altar server:
- Be a registered member of St. John Vianney or another Catholic Church
- Regularly receive the sacraments
- Must be in 5th grade or older
- Be enrolled in a Faith Formation program through school, church or home study
How to Become an Altar Server
Training for new Altar Servers is scheduled several times throughout the year for students in the 5th grade through high school and adults. When future training dates are scheduled, they will be announced in the bulletin and on this website.
NEW SERVER Training Available
Please attend ONE session.
(Tuesday) April 18, 2023 6:00PM
(Wednesday) April 26, 2023 6:00PM
Altar Server Training Manual – click here
Any questions, please contact the Liturgy Office, at LiturgyOffice@stjohnv.org, (phone: (262) 796-3946), or the Altar Server Coordinator, Gerry Offenbacher at gjoffx2@gmail.com, (phone: (262) 786-4323.)
Ministry Scheduling
Many ministries at Saint John Vianney are scheduled through Ministry Scheduler Pro Internet-based software, especially the liturgical ministers—those that support and surround the Mass. This includes altar servers.
Ministers may request substitutes, volunteer to fill others’ substitute requests, and update personal information and scheduling preferences using the Web Terminal Login for Liturgical Scheduler Pro.
Contact the Liturgy Office for information on MSP’s easy to use app for your phones.
Altar Server Training Videos
For your benefit, below are training videos that will demonstrate each of the altar server duties and at what part of the Mass you will be expected to perform the duties. You are expected to know how to perform all duties if called upon.
A special thank you to Fr. Ed Kornath, Elizabeth, Mary, Ben, and Henry for their video talents!
“The closer you are to the altar, the more you will remember to speak with Jesus in daily prayer; the more you will be nourished by the word and the body of the Lord, the better able you will be to go out to others, bringing them the gift that you have received, giving in turn with enthusiasm the joy you have received.”
Pope Francis Encourages Altar Servers
View a Questions and Answer Brochure from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on the Archmil.org website >>
