Adult altar servers assist priests during Mass

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
June 12, 2008

Standing near the altar as Mass begins, Michael Larson holds the Sacramentary, the book of prayers for Mass, for Father Paul-Louis Arts to read the opening blessing.

On Wednesdays and Fridays, Larson is an adult or "senior" server at noon Mass at Cathedral in Sioux City. He has been an adult server for about 10 years. He also helps as a server for funeral Masses.

"Prior to me, Jack Pendergast did this. I followed in his footsteps," he said.

According to Father Arts, rector of Cathedral, the role of adult server has been established for many years at Cathedral.

"I think it is a privilege and an honor to be a server," said Larson. "I believe in the Eucharist. I love that aspect of the Mass."

He added that as a server he concentrates on the Mass more. Being a server helps him become closer to the church and closer to Christ.

Larson and other adult servers perform the same duties as a youth server. Prior to Mass the server lights the candles and makes sure the lights and microphones are on.

Father Arts pointed out that there are six senior servers including Larson, who rotate days during the week.

Other parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City also have adult servers who assist with weekday Masses and funerals.

At Immaculate Conception Parish in Moville, Darlene Yockey has been a server for funeral Masses for about five years.

"When I was a young girl, I thought it would have been such a privilege if I would have been able to participate in the Mass in that way," she said. "That is something that I had always wanted to do."

Yockey signed up to be an adult server when the opportunity was presented at Immaculate Conception. She commented that being a server "puts more meaning in the sacrifice of the Mass. To be a part of that is a privilege. It enhances the meaning of what is taking place."

During the summer months, she and her husband live in Washington state and has served at Mass there when needed.

Bruce Chartier and his wife, Terri, are adult servers at St. Joseph Parish in Sioux City and serve at weekend Masses together. Terri also serves at funerals.

Bruce mentioned that the couple started serving about five years ago when the parish was looking for volunteers for various ministries.

"Although we are both cradle Catholics, I didn't go to Catholic school, so I didn't have the opportunity to be an altar server when I was younger," said Bruce. "We thought it would be something neat we could do together. It is pretty special."

The two help Father Michael Erpelding, pastor at St. Joseph's, before and during Mass. They light the candles and make sure the offertory gifts are ready as well as other items for the Mass. During Mass, they hold the book for the priest to pray the blessings, help prepare the altar, ring the bells and carry the cross.

Bruce commented that it is a blessing to share this with his wife. As a result of serving, the couple has gotten to know Father Erpelding better.

He said that being a server puts him and his wife up "where all the action is at" on the altar. For him, being a server also gives more meaning to the rites of the Mass.

"I will be starting my fifth year as a candidate for the permanent diaconate," said Bruce. "Being a server has been an affirmation for me that the diaconate is the path that God wants me to take."