Cathedral Altar Servers assist at weekend Masses, weddings, funerals, Stations of the Cross, and other liturgical services. New server orientation and training sessions are held several times a year. The Cathedral Parish needs committed, reverent servers to assist at the altar.

Are you interested? Email Fr. Raney

Saint John Berchmans, for whom our Cathedral is named, is the Patron Saint of Altar Servers. Notice that Saint John is wearing his black cassock and carrying the white surplice & his bible, and standing in front of an altar.

Please notify us in advance if you are going out of town.

Letter to Parents

Parents of Cathedral Altar Servers,

The Altar Server is an important minister in the Church, serving at the altar of God.n fact, Pope Saint John Paul II said to Altar Servers: You are far more than mere ‘helpers of the parish priest.’ Above all, you are servants of Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest. Thus you altar servers especially are called to be young friends of Jesus. Strive to deepen and foster this friendship with him. You will discover that in Jesus you have found a true friend for life.

Read Pope Benedict words to the Altar Servers Pope Benedict said to a gathering of Altar Servers: “When you take part in the Liturgy by carrying out your altar service, you offer a witness to all. Your absorption, the devotion that wells up from your heart and is expressed in gestures, in song, in the responses: if you do it correctly and not absent-mindedly, then in a certain way your witness is one that moves people… You are very close to Jesus in the Eucharist, and this is the most important sign of his friendship for each one of us. Do not forget it…. May you always be friends and apostles of Jesus Christ!” 

I appreciate your service and commitment to your child’s ministry. I know of your dedication and time commitment, making the Cathedral Parish a true faith community and helping your child be close to God and a “young friend of Jesus.” Please convey to your children the importance of serving God as an Altar server. Being an Altar Server is not something to take for granted. It is a great privilege to be able to serve in the Sanctuary, the most sacred part of the Church.

Please, get them to Church on time (at least 15 minutes before the service begins). Their cassocks and surplices must be put on, censor and candles lit, etc. before Mass.

Please explain to your children the importance of good conduct while serving. The Sanctuary is very sacred, and serving there requires the utmost respect. They are models to others in the
congregation.

Please have your children attend any practice sessions for the special Masses of different liturgical seasons. This is especially important for the younger children.

Our preferred means of communication is email. Finding replacements or swapping Mass times is the responsibility of the parent and server.  Please do not call the office.  Tell your child to feel free to ask the priest questions before or after Mass.

Thank you so much for your family’s support in the life of the Cathedral Parish.