About the Servers
It would be utterly impossible for our church to offer its worship to God without the numerous volunteers to contribute so faithfully to this "work of the people" (the meaning of the word "liturgy"). The servers' act of worship is to perform their duties with care and attention.
If you are interested in becoming a server, talk about it with the head of the servers, Eileen Morrison, or one of the clergy. Generally, indivduals should be a member of the parish for a year before becoming servers. This policy ensures that new members have a chance to integrate fully into our community before being asked to have a leadership role. Depending on the person's age and ability, the server usually starts with roles such as being a torch-bearer or banner-bearer for festive masses and progresses to being an acolyte assisting the priests during Mass. Younger children can participate by carrying the un-burned box of incense (called the "boat"). Over time, a server may graduate to the role of being a thurifer (carrying the pot of burning incense) or even become a sub-deacon (which involves assisting the celebrant and assisting priests at Solemn Mass, chanting the epistle reading, and administering communion). Ultimately, those who have learned all these tasks may become a master of ceremonies. The "M.C." coordinates the liturgical action during the Solemn Masses and is responsible for the set-up and clean-up.
Server Training
Most of the training to be a server is done one-on-one, however, rehearsals are organized before Holy Week and some special liturgies. In addition, training sessions are scheduled from time to time by the rector and the head of the servers.