The Altar Server Ministry at St. Martin de Porres provides an opportunity for parish youth to be active participants in the Sunday 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 fundamental 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. Altar 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. With their training and visibility, they become role models for the entire congregation.

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. All servers are also given the opportunity to serve on major Holy Days throughout the year, as well as special occasion Masses. More information on these Masses is provided as the opportunities arise.  

These videos, crafted in Summer 2024, are provided for SMdP Altar Servers to use as a visual reference. They can be viewed in a variety of media player apps. 

Preparation of the Altar

Entrance Procession

Consecration

Incensing the Gospel Reading

Incensing the Gifts, Presider, and Assembly

Communion

End of Communion

Recessional

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 [email protected]. 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.

Sat, July 20, 9-10am OR Mon, July 22, 7:30-8:30pm 
 - in the church

Session #2: practicing the various server roles
Dates TBA - 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 Fall, 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.