Why do you serve as an Altar Server?

The altar server is an important part of the celebration of the Mass and assists the priest and deacon throughout the liturgy. This ministry is not just a job. It is a way to meet new friends, better understand the Mass, and assist the worship of our entire parish!

All children 4th grade and older who have received First Communion are welcome to serve at the altar for Holy Mass. If a young person in your life would like to be an Altar Server, contact Director of Liturgical Ministries, Dan Lagacy, at 773-561-5343 x 13 or via email.

Hear from our current servers...

AMANDA:
“Hi my name is Amanda. I’ve been serving for 2 years and 9 months – since I was 8 years old and now, I am ten. I am very grateful to get this opportunity to serve Jesus, God, and the Church. The reason why I continue serving is because it’s so beautiful to serve. I also want to get closer to God and Jesus. Ever since I started serving, I started to believe more and more and now I truly believe. I enjoy serving because I see people uniting at the church to visit God and Jesus. It’s beautiful to see the community who comes to the church. Serving inspired me a lot. I hope more kids would like to serve! God bless you!”
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SAMANTHA:
"My name is Samantha. I have been serving for 10 years. I have been in St. Ita’s Children’s Choir since I was 6 years old, and one year later, I started training to become an altar server. I wanted to find different ways to help out around the parish. To be an altar server to me means I have the opportunity to strengthen my relationship with God. It helped shape my spiritual identity.

​Serving at the foot of the altar is an incredible privilege. To be so close to the consecration is one thing, but to have unique roles in the preparation of the altar, assisting in the washing of the priest’s hands, ringing the bells - just to name a few- puts the altar server right in the middle of it all.

​It has been gratifying training for the hands-on service and being an active participant during this sacred time. Mary, Mother of God Parish is such a warm-hearted, tight-knit community, and altar serving helped me forge deep connections with other parishioners. I met some of my best friends through altar serving and weekly Masses. I am forever grateful for the opportunity I have been given for these past 10 years- whether it be being a candle holder, cross bearer, incense holder, or singer- and aspire to continue serving."
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JOSPEH:
​“My name is Joseph. I began my journey of service when I was eight years old, and now at sixteen, I continue to find joy and purpose in helping out at church. Initially, I started simply to make my mom happy, but I soon discovered that serving is both refreshing and fulfilling. What I enjoy most about serving is knowing that even small acts can make a big difference. Every time I lend a hand – whether by sharing a smile or offering support – I feel like I’m an important part of our community and contributing to something greater than myself.

Through serving, I’ve learned about commitment, responsibility, and the value of selflessness. This experience has enriched my life and deepened my connection to the people around me. If you’re thinking about joining in, I encourage you to give it a try – you might be surprised at how much joy and strength it brings to our community.”