“Serving at the altar is a privileged way to draw closer to Jesus, which in turn “enables you to open yourselves to others, to journey together, to set demanding goals and to find the strength to achieve them.”
Youth in grades 5 and up are invited to serve at the altar under the guidance of our deacons and priests. They gain valuable knowledge of the Liturgy and its parts as they assist the clergy in various roles at the Sunday Masses, Holy Days, Weddings, Funerals, and various liturgies with the Bishop.
“The closer you are to the altar the more you will remember to speak with Jesus in daily prayer; the more you will be nourished by the word and the body of the Lord, the better able you will be to go out to others, bringing them the gift you have received, giving in turn with enthusiasm the joy you have received.”
-Pope Frances from an address to a gathering of altar servers at the Vatican, 2016
Initial Training: 1 session with priest or deacon
Ongoing Formation: Annual meeting
Time Commitment: 1 – 2 masses per month
Contact
Deacon Len Penkala at (630) 615-7616 or lpenkala@st-raphael.com