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Altar Servers (Weekend English Masses)
Offer Jesus your hands, your thoughts and your time, and He will not fail to reward you, giving you true joy and making you feel where the most complete happiness is." Always behave in a way that “is fitting in the service of holy things."
(Pope Francis, Message to the Altar Servers of Portugal, May 1, 2021)
Altar Servers are an essential ministry in service of the Priest and Deacon during the celebration of the Mass. It is a privilege to serve in this ministry and requires commitment and dedication.Children and Teens who have received First Eucharist are welcome to serve in the Ministry of Altar Server.
Altar Server Ministry Leader
Contact: leader-altarservers@stmarktampa.org
Becoming an Altar Server is an amazing way for our youth to get actively involved at St. Mark!
New Altar Servers begin as Assistant Servers and move up into the positions of Candle Bearer and Cross Bearer when they are physically able to handle the candles and the cross.
Assistant Server
An Assistant Altar Server helps with the preparation of the altar and clearing the sanctuary after the distribution of Communion. The assistant may also hold the missal for the celebrant as needed.
Candle Bearer
The Candle Bearer carries a candle in the entrance procession and helps with the preparation of the altar and clearing the sanctuary after the distirbution of Communion.
Cross Bearer
The Cross Bearer carries the cross in the entrance procession, the procession of the gifts, and the recessional. The cross bearer assists with clearing the sanctuary after the distribution of Communion.
Thurifer
The Thurifer carries the thurible when incense is used and, in the absence of a deacon, incenses the celebrant and the people during the Preparation of the Gifts.
Altar Servers who have shown dedication and commitment with very few absences and who show the qualities of being a good leader have the honor and privilege of being selected for leadership positions.
Master of Ceremony (MC)
The Master of Ceremony (MC) is an experienced server who has leadership potential and commits to be present at all assigned Masses. The MC is fully knowledgeable of the structure of the Mass, the objects used in the Mass, the liturgical year, and the responsibilities of every altar server role. The MC ensures that the servers perform their duties, directs them as needed, and handles any unusual circumstance that may arise. New Masters of Ceremony are selected each year. Upon completion, the new MC is formally commissioned. Only formally commissioned MCs may wear the gold trimmed surplice.
Senior Master of Ceremony
The Senior Master of Ceremony is an experienced MC in good standing who is willing to dedicate additional time to the training of altar servers in the various positions. This position is selected from among the MCs.
Our Senior Masters of Ceremony are Anthony Beebout and Emma Maggio
Current Masters of Ceremony
2022 Altar Server of the Year
Every year the Diocese of St. Petersburg Office of Vocations sponsors an Altar Server Appreciation Mass at the Cathedral of St. Jude. Each parish selects one Altar Server as the Altar Server of the Year.
This year Anthony Beebout received the Altar Server of the Year award for St Mark the Evangelist Parish. Anthony is s senior in high school and has been an Altar Server for seven years. He has served as a Master of Ceremony (MC) for the past three years and currently is a Senior Master of Ceremony helping to train and mentor our younger Altar Servers.
Anthony receiving his award from Bishop Parkes on March 27, 2022 at St. Jude Cathedral
