I often get strange looks and questions from parishoners, parents, priests, seminarians, and many other types of people when I explain the expectations we have for our MEF servers at St. Ann's. While Fr. Reid sets these expectations, I willingly apply the training, constantly pushing the servers in every aspect that I can.
Let's get to the point: serving at the altar is not a right; it's a privilege. Fr. Reid approved every single server in our ministry for a reason. Not everyone is called to be a priest. Not everyone is called to kneel three feet away from the Celebrant during the most sacred aspect in our faith, the Consecration.
We take the Mass very seriously. Serving in the Sanctuary always takes preparation, diligence, and love. We are not Pharisees. Completing rubrics and spouting off an ancient language like robots without understanding what's going on is an insult to the Lord and unbefitting of altar servers. That's one reason it takes 6 months to complete basic training to be an acolyte at Low Mass. We focus on understanding and the goal is to cultivate a stronger relationship with God and a stronger love for Him. Start off as a "slave for Christ," train, learn, and listen, and then Christ will invite you to be his friend (John 15:15) as
Pope Benedict XVI reminded us in his message to Altar servers. Thus, once in the Sanctuary, you are loving God and glorifying Him through excellent and diligent serving.
As Lent comes to it's culmination, the emphasis on the Liturgy during Holy Week is heightened and intensified. Servers must step up to the occasion:
1. Mind your appearance before the King of Kings - haircut, shoes shined, showered, and shaved.
2. Reverence for the King of Kings - pause when genuflecting, move slowly and purposefully, keep your eyes down, mind the altar, the vessels, and the tabernacle.
3. Be conscientious to imitate the King of Kings - arrive in plenty of time, help without being asked, be the example.
4. Prepare to be in the presence of the King of Kings and to receive Him: Sacrament of Reconciliation, time spent in Adoration, and learning humility. Especially ask Our Lady for help.
Lastly, training does not stop once you leave St. Ann's. You bring everything you are to the Sanctuary when you serve, and therefore you must serve at home as you would serve at Church. Spend your day imitating Christ so that when you are in His Sanctuary you will bring with you the sweet aroma of charity from serving your family well.
Be silent angels this week and glorify God.
