Someone who assists a priest or minister in liturgical service is an altar boy or altar servant. Altar servers perform most of the functions of the former “minor order” of ordinal clerics known as acolytes. The term server should be used for those who carry out the functions of the instituted acolyte. Altar servers today are not ordained, but are ‘commissioned’ by theirs parish priest.
Altar boys in the Catholic Church were first regarded as belonging to the clergy, thus they had to learn prayers, songs, and had to behave in a well manner and follow all the rules that were set on them. Many became priests later in life. It is very great honor to be an altar boy at the Lord’s Altar for the Holy Mass. The altar boy helps the priest in those things which he does at the altar during the Holy Mass and other liturgical events. He also sets a good example to the whole congregation, since he is highly visible and able to help the people in the church to also be reverent.
Altar servers must have received first confession and Holy Communion. Being a server means serving God and people at the Holy Mass. Altar servers can be said to be very fortunate that he has been chosen by God to give service during the celebration of the liturgy. The liturgy is a public act of worship that the church gives to God, so the service of the Altar server is exceptionally important. They are the closest persons to the Altar and to the priest who represents Jesus Christ during the celebration of the Holy Mass and the administration of the Sacraments.
