Altar Society

The members of the Altar Society assist in caring for the Church and the necessary elements required for the celebration of the Eucharist.

An important part of the Altar Society’s work is to make sure our church environment is organized, clean, decorated with beautiful flowers every day and having candles available for people that come to worship and pray. They make sure our church is ready for Masses.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

— 1 Corinthians 15:58

Altar Society General Guidelines

The attitude that Altar Society members bring to their work is all-important. With sincere devotion of mind and body, they should strive to make their service an acceptable offering to our Lord. Altar Society members will not need praises for their work nor be depressed by correction and guidance, but will make their Christian witness with quiet rejoicing. Altar Society members make their work a sacred duty, and their acceptance of the priest’s invitation is the indication of their willingness to work under the priest’s directions and guidance. All suggestions and ideas are properly directed to the priest for his consideration, acceptance, or rejection. It is the priest’s responsibility to make final decisions.

Take the work as coming from the Lord. Offer it to Him. Do it for Him. Leave it with Him. Kneel for a few moments of silent prayer. “This work is for God’s house. May I do it worthily?” Genuflect any time you cross in front of the Tabernacle, enter or leave the altar.

All work about the altar should take place after the Saturday 8:30 Mass. If the priest vests in the sacristy see that he has privacy before and after the service in which to collect his thoughts and say his prayers. There should be no sign of confusion or hurry in an act of devotion.

The Altar Society Coordinator should be sure all members understand their duties and the exact time the work is to be done. No member should fail to do his/her assigned duty.

When a worker is unable to serve, she or he should arrange for another member to be their substitute and be sure to notify the team captain and the Altar Society Coordinator.

All members should be loyal to the Altar Society ministry, the rector, the parish, and the church. They should cooperate at all times, remembering that their service is to God.

With the help of the priest, the Altar Society Coordinator should put into writing the duties
to be performed by the members.

A “Cleaning Check List” is provided and lists everything that needs to be done.

Any member of the Altar Society attending daily mass can take care of anything needing
attention. The key motto here is: If you see something out of place, fix it or clean it up, if it something needs attending, take care of it.

  1. Straighten up books in the pews.
  2. Check Holy water fonts – clean them and fill if needed.