Please contact Mrs. Caroline Alder (410-747-3768) with questions related to the schedule, and the Parish Office at (410) 744-6560, ext. 1 for other information.

Altar Server Information

Purpose

Responds to the requirements and needs of the priest and/or deacon during liturgical celebrations. It is a wonderful opportunity for the youth (ages 10-17) of our parish to become more closely involved in the liturgical celebrations at St. Mark Church.

Duties Involved
Weekly Masses (Saturday & Sunday) Held in Church and Chapel

Altar Servers are typically scheduled to serve one or two Masses per month. The Masses (i.e., 4:00 p.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m.) normally attended by the family of each Altar Server can be accommodated in most cases. Periodic schedules are made available on the bulletin board in the Church and Chapel, by request through postal mail, and of course through the Altar Servers Ministry Page. No Altar Servers are needed for Daily Masses, Monday – Friday or Funerals.

Holydays and Special Masses

Altar Servers are requested to volunteer to serve at Holydays and and other Special Masses. Servers are to notify Mrs. Alder at (410) 747-3768 as to particular Holydays and other Special Masses they are able to serve. Altar Servers are scheduled for weddings from time to time based on length of service and a proven record of dependability.

Requirements/Responsibilities
  • Boys and Girls ages 10–17 who are parishioners of the parish.
  • Parental Approval.
  • Willingness to undergo an hour information meeting (including training session) prior to serving a Mass for the first time. [Look for future announcements in the Parish Bulletin or on the Altar Servers Ministry Page regarding the next training sessions.] A parent or guardian must attend the informational meeting.
  • Assist the priest and other ministers.
  • Participate by praying, singing, and responding during the celebration.
  • Signing in at each Mass.
  • Finding a substitute when you cannot serve as scheduled.
  • If you are unable to serve on the date for which you have been scheduled, please use the roster on the Altar Servers Ministry Page and make arrangements with another altar server to cover for you.
  • Please review each schedule, and if you find you have a conflict, please use the phone list on the Altar Servers Ministry Page to find a replacement.
  • If you have any special requests or will be on vacation, please contact Mrs. Alder at (410) 747-3768. She will try to accommodate your requests.
Benefits
  • Closer involvement in the liturgical celebrations of St. Mark Church.
  • Serve along with family members involved in other parish ministries.
  • Gratitude for serving at weddings and funerals.
  • Contributions by youth in the Altar Server Ministry demonstrates strong personal qualities of lasting commitment, devotion, leadership, and a willingness to volunteer.

Future Reference: Contributions by youth in the Altar Server Ministry demonstrate strong personal qualities of lasting commitment, devotion, leadership, and a willingness to volunteer. Fr. Whatley is a good source for future references and written personal recommendations required by high school, honor societies, colleges, and scholarship committees.

ALTAR SERVER DO’S
  • Get a substitute if you cannot be there for your scheduled Mass.
  • Arrive clean, dress nicely and modestly, and be well groomed (comb your hair, tuck in shirt tails; wear clean clothes, shined shoes, and long pants or dress; clean face, hands, and fingernails; always have a clean hankerchief or Kleenox on hand).
  • Arrive 15 minutes before Mass begins. At approximately 10 minutes prior to Mass, please proceed to the back of the Church or Chapel with the priest until it is time to process up the main aisle of the Church or Chapel for the Processional.
  • Sign in with your initials on the schedule posted in the sacristy’s liturgy schedules’ binder/bulletin board and check with the priest celebrating the Mass or the sacristan on duty to see if special items will be used (such as incense or holy water); ask for special instructions for Baptisms and during the seasons of Lent and Advent.
  • Actively participate in the Mass.
  • Be attentive to the priest; he may need special assistance at any time.
  • Maintain good posture at your seat and station.
  • Always be reverent – especially around the altar and tabernacle.
  • Move slowly when around the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
ALTAR SERVER DONT’S
  • Do not wear shorts, sweat pants, blue jeans, short skirts (above the knee), cut offs, torn or unhemmed clothes, tee shirts, sweat shirts, sneakers, or flip-flops.
  • Do not run to your stations.
  • Do not slouch or cross your legs while sitting in your chair.
  • Do not point or talk aloud with your fellow altar servers.

Questions? Call the Parish Office at (410) 744-6560, ext. 1 regarding altar server information and Mrs. Alder at (410) 747-3768 for schedule requests, conflicts, questions, or if you are looking to serve more often or at other times, or if you have any special requests or will be out-of-town on vacation.

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