Thank you for your devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and your interest in service at the Altar. Pope Francis reminds us that serving at the Altar draws us closer to Jesus, which "enables you to open yourselves to others, to journey together, to set demanding goals and to find the strength to achieve them." Altar servers may be any age but must be Catholic and have received their First Holy Communion. 

Serving means full and active participation in the Mass:  

• Arrive 15 minutes early for any special duties (baptism, incense, chalice exchange, etc.)  
• Coordinate with the other servers beforehand to minimize talking during Mass 
• Focus on the ambo during the readings and participate in the Psalm response and Acclamations 
• Move only at the proper times, keeping your attention on the altar whenever the priest is there
• Avoid moving about the sanctuary except during the appropriate moments of the Mass
• Maintain good posture and avoid distracting movements 
• Help with cleanup after Mass (extinguish candles, clean vessels in the sacristy, etc.) 

Download the full Altar Server Guidelines for your convenience, or pick up a copy in the sacristy.

Each celebration of the Eucharist needs enough ministers of Holy Communion to ensure a reverent and orderly distribution. Bishops, priests, and deacons serve as ordinary ministers; when additional help is needed, the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers.  

Extraordinary ministers must be fully initiated, confirmed Catholics in good standing. They show deep reverence for the Eucharist through their demeanor, attire, and careful handling of the consecrated bread and wine. Ministers receive spiritual, theological, and practical formation during initial training and at the annual one-hour meeting, following the diocesan norms (NDRHC no.28).  

Our extraordinary ministers do not follow a schedule — simply take a cross from the board outside the sacristy when you arrive for Mass.  

The lector is appointed to proclaim the Word of God at Mass — reading the Scripture lessons (the priest proclaims the Gospel), reciting the psalm if there is no cantor, and offering the intercessions when no deacon is present.) The Liturgy of the Word should be celebrated so the Holy Spirit can open the hearts of listeners; texts are to be proclaimed clearly, with appropriate moments of silence before and after the readings and the homily.   

As the General Instruction of the Roman Missal reminds us, when Scripture is read in the Church, God speaks to His people, and Christ is present in His Word —making this ministry one of great importance.  

The hospitality ministers— Greeters/Ushers — warmly welcome everyone with the love of Christ. Since they shape a guest’s first impression, this is one of our most visible and important ministries.  

Ministers commit to serving at 4:30 pm, 8:30 am, or 10 am Masses. Annual training is provided; each minister receives a name badge. Training covers how to assist parishioners with restrooms, welcome packets, wheelchairs, and what to do in emergencies—an essential part of this ministry.