Altar servers have a place of prominence and distinction in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. They assist the priest as he leads God's people in this great act of worship. They do this through the actions they perform and the way in which they perform them.

Altar servers carry the cross and the processional candles; hold the book for the priest celebrant when he is not at the altar; carry the incense and censer; present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the people; wash the hands of the priest; and assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. When appropriate, a server may also ring the bells as a signal to the faithful.

Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns and other chants of the liturgy. Servers are seated in a place from which they can easily assist the priest celebrant and deacon.

Occasionally, altar servers are needed to assist with special liturgies, weddings, and funerals.

Flagship Activities:

• Assist the priest as he leads God's people in the worship of God
• Community-building activities, including excursions to various nearby shrines and occasional social functions such as outing to an amusement park; more ideas are welcome!

Prayer and support, especially a kind word of thanks to the children who serve when you see them after Mass, are always welcomed!

Altar Servers are girls and boys in grades 3-12, who assist the presider and deacon at the Lord's Table for all Masses and other liturgies. They are either parishioners of St. Augustine Catholic Church or students of Saint Augustine Catholic School.

What a great way to serve the Lord! Your child will experience a closeness and sense of duty to God.

Altar servers must receive proper formation and training before they can serve at Mass. Training classes are at least twice a year, normally on a Saturday morning in the church for approximately an hour and a half. Formation includes instruction on the Mass, its parts, and their meaning; the various objects used in the liturgy (their names and use); and the various functions of the server during the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Servers receive guidance on maintaining proper decorum and attire when serving at Mass and other functions.

Boy and girls who wish to serve in the Youth Altar Server Ministry must meet the following guidelines:

• Have made their first Holy Communion
• Be in the 3rd - 12th grade
• Be a student at St. Augustine School or a parishioner at St. Augustine Church
• Be mature enough to understand their responsibilities and carry them out well and with appropriate reverence

Children accepted into the program will receive training materials, hands-on learning, a schedule of Masses to serve, and an altar server wardrobe.

For more information, please contact the parish at 202-265-1470.