Going up to altar of God

They stood just outside the doors to the church, eyes forward, hands at prayer or folded around a cross or Sacramentary, their youthful exuberance channeled into reverent stillness.

The young parishioners of Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Queensbury were being trained for an important job: altar servers.

"They're excited about it," said Anne Smoczynski, who runs the training program at the parish. "They can't wait to actually do it."

Training

The servers' education encompasses five one-hour sessions at which interested fifth- and sixth-graders learn about the prayers, vocabulary and movements needed to assist the priest.

"It's certainly not a difficult thing," said Mrs. Smoczynski. "They do generally pick it up very well. This year's group is very serious about it. They have homework -- to learn prayers. [They're] in the front; [they're] a role model and supposed to set the standard.""

For the first two weeks of their lessons, the children train in school clothes, which disappear under ivory robes by the third week. During the final week, Rev. Joseph Anselment, the pastor, is present. "Anne does a great job," he said. "It's a real ministry."

Graduation

At the end of the process, the group attends a Sunday Mass, where they are commissioned.

"Father gives them a blessing," their instructor explained. "It's nice, because the whole congregation gets to see that this is happening and brings to the forefront that the youth of the Church are participating."

The children are introduced to serving real Masses during Friday afternoon liturgies in Lent that accompany the Stations of the Cross.

Training film

As part of the training program, a local videographer was hired to make a training film about the parts of the Mass. Copies are given to the new trainees to help them study.

And there's a lot to know, say the servers: what to do if a deacon is present...the right time to ring the bell at the consecration...when to say certain prayers...what to bring to the altar during the Presentation of the Gifts...and when to offer the priest the Sacramentary.

Mrs. Smoczynski cautions the children about certain eventualities they may face: What if Father isn't ready for the cruet? What if there's a visiting priest? What if Father finishes up too fast and is waiting too long? What if a server gets sick in the morning and can't come?

"If there are changes," she counsels the youngsters, "play it by ear, but don't let it throw you."

Fun to serve

Many of the servers use the word "fun" to describe their ministry. They like the responsibility of being a role model for the rest of the parish and enjoy direct participation in the liturgy.

"I like coming to church a lot," Jessica Murphy, 10, said. "I like to learn more about it, and I think being an altar server is fun."

Being an altar server can be a lot of work, noted Alyssa Weingart, 12. "You get to be part of the community of the Church," she said. "You get to learn what everything is, and that's really exciting."

She wasn't sure she wanted to be an altar server when she first became eligible; but, after watching some of her friends participate and hearing their stories, she said it "sounded interesting."

She was intrigued by "the way they did everything and how they found the right page in the Bible."

Family matter

For many of the trainees, serving is a family tradition. Maggie Corbett's older brother is one. Aileen Noble, 13, and Paul Smith, 10, are following in the footsteps of siblings. Many of their parents were also altar servers and encouraged their children.

"I wanted to get more into the Catholic faith," Paul said. "I like learning more prayers."

Christine Reeves, mother of trainee Sarah, said that they're a busy family, always moving from activity to activity but always making sure to take time for their Church in ministries, such as religious education and lectoring. Her husband was an altar server, and they wanted their children to have the same experience.

"We know how important our faith is," said Mrs. Reeves. "They knew it was their time to participate."

Mrs. Smoczynski believes that being an altar server can help children appreciate their faith, understand community and participate in a meaningful way. "They experience more because they're part of it. It's a special thing to be; it's part of our Catholic identity," she said.

(2/3/05)