The Altar Server Ministry at St. Martin de Porres provides an opportunity for parish youth to be active participants in the weekly Mass. Servers aid the presider throughout the Mass by bearing cross and candles, preparing holy objects and vessels, presenting books, and helping the presider to glorify and sanctify the celebration. This opportunity allows youth to develop a deeper appreciation for the ceremony and ritual that is such an anchor to our Catholic faith.

All parishioners--both boys and girls--in 5th-12th grade who are baptized and have recevied 1st Communion, are invited to participate in the Ministry. Training and visibility make altar servers role models for the entire congregation, so servers are well prepared in the parts of the Liturgy, the Order of the Mass, proper decorum, and care for the sacred articles and garments.

Altar servers usually are assigned to serve at the Mass their family regularly attends. Most serve once per month, but some may serve more or less, depending on the Mass time.  

The Altar Server schedule is drafted every two to three months. Please alert either the ministry coordinator or the liturgy coordinator of any technical difficulties, or scheduling errors. Anticipated scheduling conflicts should be submitted by the 10th of the month prior to a new schedule release. Requests can be emailed to liturgyscheduler@smdpyl.org. For conflicts that arise after a schedule has been distributed, please use the ministry email roster to request a substitute.

Altar Server application is available below or in the parish office for all children in grades 5-12.
We accept servers year-round. Training is offered annually and held generally in the summer time. Two sessions are required.

Upcoming Trainings:
Session #1: holy objects & vessels, decorum, expectations and places.
June 15 or June 22, 2023 from 7:15 - 8:45 PM in the church
Session #2: practicing the various server roles
July 6 or July 13, 2023 from 7:15-9:00 PM in the Church

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email from the Altar Server Coordinator and be able to choose your training dates.  New servers usually begin in August or September, working with experienced server teams.

Altar Server Recognition

• Annual Altar Server Recognition Mass -- the parish will select a Mass to thank the Altar Servers fo their contributions, which is presided over by the Bishop or Pastor.
• Altar Server of the Month -- selected by St Martin's liturgical staff. The selected server is featured in the parish bulletin, is recognized by the presider at Mass, and receives a gift and certificate.
• Altar Server of the Year -- the 'best of the best,' selected from among the Altar Servers of the Month, is recognized personally at the Annual Recognition Mass.
• Appreciation Party -- the parish hosts an annual thank you party for those who have served over the preceding year.