St. Gabriel's Passionist Parish

Altar servers play a major role in the Sunday Mass. They assist the priest before, during, and after each Mass.

Before Mass, they make preparations at the altar and at the back of the church. For example, the cruets for the water and wine, hosts, chalice, towel, bells, candles, etc., all have a special spot. Altar servers begin the Mass by carrying a large cross and leading the procession of ministers and the priest from the back of the church to the altar. During the Mass, altar servers deliver to the priest the cruets of water and wine and the towels. They ring the bells at appropriate times. At the end of Mass, the altar servers again carry the large cross and lead the procession to the back of the church. There is still a bit of work to be done after the Mass, depending on whether another Mass is following it or if it is the last Mass of the day.

If you are in Grade 4 or higher, you can be an altar server. Most serve at one Mass per month and commit to serving for at least one year. It is necessary to attend the training session in the fall. At this session, you will meet other servers and have your questions answered.

Altar servers proudly wear a white robe with a red rope tied around the waist. Some of our altar servers have been recognized for their outstanding service to the parish. Yearly, at a special ceremony conducted by the Archbishop at St. Michael’s Cathedral, they have received a gold Cardinal Carter Medal on a red ribbon, which they proudly wear around their necks.

Hours that are spent as an altar server can be used in the required hours of community service for your confirmation or for your secondary school diploma.

Altar servers are eager to serve God, the Church, and the Catholic community.

For more information, please contact the parish office