The New Altar Server Program at OLMC

You may have noticed the altar servers are wearing different colors now from what you may be used to. This is one of the most outwardly visible signs of the reforms happening with our Altar Server ministry. The ministry is in the process of being transformed into a full-fledged formative program with the vision of planting and cultivating seeds to inspire and raise up the next generation of vocations to Religious Life and the Priesthood.

These changes that are shaping the new Altar Server Program started about a month ago and will take a few more months to roll out and implement fully. The Altar Server Program will provide an organizational structure, a progression and achievement ladder to promote and reward striving for excellence, altar server teams to foster fellowship and teamwork, regular training and practices to hone skills and encourage success, and a new sense of reverence, professionalism, and dedication to serving our Lord in His sanctuary.

The colors the altar servers wear will denote their rank (and their corresponding experience and assigned duties) within the Program. The ranks are named after the rank ladder one may climb after joining a Carmelite religious order. Brand new servers start off as Postulants, wearing all-white vestments. During Postulancy, altar servers learn the basics of the behavior and posture of an altar server and simple tasks such as carrying the processional candles. After fulfilling the requirements to advance to the next rank, altar servers become Novices, wearing red vestments. During the Novitiate, altar servers refine their skills and work towards becoming reliable and fully competent in their craft, such as leading the procession as cross bearer and knowing when things happen in the Order of the Mass.

After the Novitiate, altar servers become Oblates, wearing black vestments. Oblates will work on developing their leadership skills and mastering the intricacies of the liturgy, becoming fully proficient in the most complex tasks. Lastly, there are Prefects; adults who are in charge of leading a team of between four and six altar servers of lower rank. Prefects wear black as well but with minor differences from the vesture of an Oblate. They will work directly with the Priest and Deacon, being seated with them, and maintain the proper flow and dignity of the liturgy, providing skillful guidance to all ministers of the mass and responding to issues that may arise.