At Epiphany, the Altar Server Ministry is offered to young girls and boys who are members of our parish. The ministry provides an opportunity to actively participate in the Church's rituals and deepen the faith of those serving, and is a wonderful way to join in Epiphany’s missionary focus of service to which Jesus calls everyone. By serving at the altar, our Altar Servers are not merely observers but integral members of the worshipping community. This experience allows them to develop a personal relationship with Christ and to grow spiritually.

Altar Servers perform a crucial role in our liturgies, particularly supporting the celebration of Mass as well as other religious ceremonies.

As young individuals, altar servers carry out numerous tasks that help create a reverent and orderly environment for worshipers. The primary duty of an Altar Server is to assist the priest during Mass. This involves setting the altar before the celebration begins, ensuring all necessary items are in place, candles lit, etc. During the Mass, altar servers carry the processional cross and candles, hold the sacramental prayer books, lead the procession of the Gospel to the pulpit, provide holy water for blessings, participate in preparation of the gifts for the Eucharist, ring bells for the consecration, and perform other tasks as assigned by the priest.

Furthermore, the ministry of altar serving cultivates discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. Altar Servers learn the importance of punctuality, attentiveness, and reverence. They acquire skills in coordination and cooperation while working with other servers and the priest. These valuable attributes, instilled at a young age, can positively impact their lives beyond the altar server ministry. Ministry formation and training sessions are offered throughout the year with the expectation of regular attendance.

For more information about the Altar Server Ministry, contact Joe Torre joe@epiphanychurch.nyc