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Altar Servers’ Handbook |
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Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Dardenne Prairie |
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Revised 8/28/2010 |
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An Altar Server’s Prayer O God, You have graciously called me to serve You at Your altar. Grant me the graces that I need to serve You faithfully and with my whole heart. Grant too that while serving You, may I follow the example of St. Tarcisius, who died protecting the Eucharist, and walk the same path that led him to Heaven. St. Tarcisius, pray for me and for all servers. |
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An Altar Server’s Promise I understand that serving Mass is an honor, and that Servers are Liturgical Ministers of ICD Parish. I understand that this is a serious commitment, and I promise to: · Be at every Mass that I am scheduled to serve, or to find a substitute. · Be an example to the people of the parish in my participation at Mass, listening to the prayers and readings, making the responses, singing along and not talking needlessly during Mass. · Be an example to the people of the parish in they way I live my life. · Show due respect to the holy things I will handle as a server, especially the cross, candles, vessels, books, and vestments. · Follow the instructions of the priest and deacon during Mass. |
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If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact: Sandi Shymanski * ICD Server Coordinator * 636-240-2329 Or Fr. Nick Winker * frnick.winker@icdparish.org * 636-561-6611 ex. 516 |
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Dear Altar Server, The parish priests would like to thank you for your commitment to serve Mass here at ICD. Altar servers are an important part of the celebration of Mass and an important part of the life of our parish. You will assist in the celebration of Mass and be an example to the people of the parish. You presence will make our celebration more a fitting celebration. When the president or a king goes someplace he is accompanied by soldiers to protect him and to show that he is important. As altar servers you will be the honor guard for the King of Kings. You are not just carrying a cross or candles but showing honor to God and letting other know how important He is. We hope and pray that not only does your service honor God and help the people of the parish to pray but that it brings you closer to God. It is a great honor to be so close to Jesus in the Mass and to help lead His people in worship. At the altar you will carry the sacred vessels which will hold the Body and Blood of Christ. What a privilege to be so physically close to God! This is something that we has priests know very well. For many Catholics through the centuries, being an altar server was the first time they really dedicated themselves to God. Many priests and even saints found their vocation while serving at the altar. We hope that in making the sacrifices and showing the discipline required to be an altar server you will truly encounter our Lord Jesus. While you may have heard the invitation to be a server from a parent, a teacher, a priest, or a friend, it is really God who has called you to be an altar server. We hope you cherish this gift as much as we did, and continue to serve for many years.
In Christ,
Msgr. Ted Fr. Steve Fr. Nick
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O great High-Priest, Jesus, not only did you offer yourself as the perfect sacrifice for me, but you give me your body to eat and blood to drink. I ask, by that awesome love that you have for me, that I may come to this mystery with the reverence and honor you deserve. Make me, through your grace, always to believe and understand, to think and to speak, of this great Mystery, in a way that pleases you and is good for my soul. Grant me to approach this Mass with a clean heart and a pure mind.
I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Guide me as I serve You today at the Altar. Help me to give you all that I am. If I happen to make an error, may it be a lesson so my service will be perfect tomorrow. Amen. |
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Prayer in the Sacristy before Mass |
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Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless your Holy Name. Cleanse my heart from all evil and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding and inflame my will that I may serve more worthily at your holy altar.
O Mary, Mother of Christ the High Priest, obtain for me the most important grace of knowing my vocation in life. Grant me a true spirit of faith and humble obedience so that I may ever behold the priest as a representative of God and willingly follow him in the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ. Amen. |
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Altar Server’s Prayer before Mass |
