altAr service

In our Parish, a group of boys and girls regularly serve during Mass to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy. Any boy or girl who has made their first Holy Communion are eligible to become an altar server. Full training is given and all items required are provided.

Contact: 

Fr. Tom McElhone  on 01634 232 972 or parishsecretary63@gmail.com

Tony Roberts on 01634 361 549 or anthonyroberts3@virginmedia.com

UNDERSTANDING THE GUILD (at Rainham)

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We are a Guild of Altar servers separate and autonomous; and we are affiliated to THE ARCHCONFRATERNITY of Saint Stephen.

The qualifications to become an Altar Server are to have received your First Holy Communion and to be a regular attendee at Mass. (Normal age of entry is EIGHT but anyone, of any age (above that) may apply.

Having been accepted by the Parish Priest the applicant is asked to attend four sessions of training during which period we discuss the basic aspects of the churches beliefs, the system by which the Guild operates, how to dress in an alb and cincture and how we process to and from the Sanctuary.

We also cover the basic tasks of a server at Mass and the respect we are required to show especially to the ‘Blessed Sacrament.’ and the ‘High Altar’

The new server is asked to complete a Three month period during which time they wear a very plain alb. (This protects them from embarrassment as it is obvious that they are unaware of procedure and require some assistance)

After this period the new server is issued with a standard alb and is now eligible to join the ‘Guild of Saint Stephen at Rainham’. (Enrolment is normally held at Saint Stephen’s Day Mass and also near 26th June each year).

On joining the Guild the server is awarded a medal on a THIN red cord

In 2005 The Archconfraternity celebrated 100 years since its establishment with a celebratory Mass, led by Archbishop Kevin Macdonald.

Rainham was asked to provide the serving team for that Mass.

To celebrate the anniversary the Archconfraternity issued a set of Laurel leaves to be worn with their medal.

At Rainham it was decided that only those who actually served the Mass would receive these laurels and so ‘some of us’ wear them with our medals. They have no other significance.

ALL servers are required to serve a ‘minimum’ of one year in each grade as they progress through the Guild tree and to pass a series of tests based on their experience and knowledge. These tests cover aspects of serving, identifying apparel and church history and fittings.

THIN cord minimum age 8

Acolyte and Book

THICK cord minimum age 10

Acolyte and Book

GREEN collar minimum age 12

Acolyte/ Book/Assist at Altar/Boat for incense

RED Collar minimum age 15

All of the above tasks plus Thurifer.

Eligible to carry large Processional Cross

BLUE Collar minimum age 18

All of the above tasks plus assist with Roman Missal

As can be seen Red and Blue Collars must serve in that grade for a minimum TWO & THREE years respectively depending on their age

It is normal for a Blue collar to serve at least FIVE years before being considered for elevation to M.C. (Older applicants may serve a minimum of three years.)

This allows them to gain experience of “Once a year” Mass’ and events and also covers the “University” years

No one ‘ASKS’ to become an M.C. After the relevant time period the matter is discussed by ALL current M.C.s and the elevation then proposed to the Parish Priest (whose decision is final)

It must be noted that we in Rainham are the only “known” parish to test and award grades to our Altar servers.

These grades are a ‘mark of experience’ and do not hold (possibly with the exception of an M.C.) any authority whatsoever.

I am always happy to discuss any aspect of Altar Serving.

Yours in Christ

Tony Roberts on 01634 361 549 or email anthonyroberts3@virginmedia.com

St Thomas of Canterbury

Altar Server - Family Tree

You can click on the Guild of St Stephen homepage for the their latest news of current events and details.