A REORIENTATION TO THE ALTAR

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A REORIENTATION TO THE ALTAR

• Privilege, not a Right.

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THE ALTAR SERVERS SODALITYSince 1966 Holy
Family CathedralKuwait City

• Spiritual Director Sylvester Dsouza
• Head of Altarservers Myronne Dsouza

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• For hundreds of years, service at the Altar
  has brought about countless priestly vocations.
• In the words of the Archbishop of Westminster
  Bernard Cardinal Griffen, "To serve at the altar,
  and sing in the choir, is next to the priesthood
  the highest privilege which a human can enjoy.
  Those sacred ceremonies should be carried out
  with devotion, dignity and attention to detail."

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WHO IS AN ALTAR SERVER?

• An altar server is a lay assistant to a member
  of the clergy during a religious service.
• The word altarboy or altarserver or more
  officially acolyte is derived from the Greek
  word akolouthos, which means 'attendant'.
• The term altar server, which was also in use, has
  almost completely replaced altar boy, because,
  with the permission of the diocesan bishop, girls
  may now be allowed to serve in this capacity
  besides, an increasing number of adults serve at
  the altar.
• Altar servers perform most of the functions of
  the former Minor Order" of ordained clerics
  (acolytes).
• The term "altar boys" should always be replaced
  by "servers".

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POSITION IN THE HIERARCHY

• As an altarserver is un-ordained and plays a
  role primarily at the youth level, he comes in
  one of the last levels of the church
  structurewith the Eucharistic Ministers and the
  lay helpers in a group that is often called "the
  minor order".
• Pope ? Cardinals ? Archbishops and Bishops ?
  Priests ? Deacons ? Eucharistic Ministers ?
  Lectors ? Altar servers
• Therefore, for many who want to ascend higher
  into the ladder and one day be chosen to serve
  God, serving at the Altar is the first way to
  start. So it may be the last, but it is certainly
  one of the most important.
• Even Popes have been altarboys, since time
  immemorial.

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A SODALITY

• so dal i - ty  
• A sodality is defined as an association or
  society in the Roman Catholic Church for lay
  people, for a religious purpose.
• Altar servers cannot form a community or
  organization. These have entirely different
  meanings.
• The term should come into immediate effect in
  Kuwait and the Cathedrals altar servers should
  rename themselves as the Altarservers Sodality
  of the Vicariate.

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OUR PATRON SAINT

• St. John Berchmans
• The patron saint of altarboys all over the world.

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ARE WE ACOLYTES?

• The Order of Acolyte was conferred on
  seminarians at a minor ordination. After the
  reforms of the Minor Orders in 1972, the Acolyte
  survived but became one of two lay ministries
  (along with that of lector) instead of an Order.
• In the post-Vatican II Church, an acolyte has
  all the responsibilities of an altar server
  except a few additional ones. The acolyte can
  also act as a Eucharistic Minister and can
  celebrate Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
• While acolytes did not receive the sacrament of
  Holy Orders, they were considered part of the
  clergy, and were a required step on the way to
  Holy Orders. Candidates for the priesthood must
  still receive the "ministries" of lector and
  acolyte before ordination.
• Altar servers are often called acolytes in
  todays church, and it is mostly permitted.

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GENUFLECT

• O come, let us worship and bow down, let us
  kneel before the Lord our Maker! and At the
  name of Jesus, every knee shall bend.
• Servers can genuflect whenever entering a church
  pew, the sanctuary or crosses in front of the
  tabernacle. The exception is when carrying things
  like crosses, sacred vessels, books or candles
  they do not genuflect.
• When the Body of Jesus is present on the Altar or
  Jesus is exposed during Eucharistic Adoration, we
  DOUBLE GENUFLECT (both knees touching the floor,
  the right knee first. Pause with knees on the
  floor and bow your head to Jesus).
• Because the elevation of the Body and Blood of
  Jesus are solemn times, (the bread and wine we
  offered has now become the real BODY and BLOOD of
  Jesus Christ) it is proper to look at the
  elevated Jesus and say to yourself "My Lord and
  my God."
• Each and every single time the server walks past
  the Tabernacle, he HAS to genuflect on his right
  knee. Bowing is not an option here.

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MALE OR FEMALE SERVERS?

• Traditionally, the role of altar server has
  always been reserved to males and rightfully so.
  By having males serve at the altar, a young man
  is better able to discern the priesthood since he
  is involved with the Liturgy.
• Some parishes are even returning to the practice
  of all-male altar servers. Historically, the role
  of altar server has always been reserved to
  males.
• In 1970 the Vatican condemned female altar
  serving. Not until a circular letter from the
  Congregation for Divine Worship and the
  Discipline of the Sacraments to presidents on
  March 15, 1994, did the Vatican officially allow
  female altar serving.
• We have to remember the Last Supper and also
  remember Jesus as a male. Sometimes, geographical
  position of the diocese plays a role.

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EXTRACTS FROM MANUALS

• Talking amongst each other is absolutely
  forbidden.
• An altar server must also learn the proper name
  to all of the items used during the Liturgy. One
  day you may have to teach the rest, or become a
  leader yourself!
• The altar server must have a basic understanding
  of the Catholic Faith and understand the
  Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. It is an
  eye-opener to see that many candidates have never
  heard of genuflection.
• Remember, as an altar server, you stand next to
  the priest who stands at the Cross of Calvary. At
  the Consecration, you stand near the altar on
  which the Bread and Wine become Jesus Christ. You
  should humble yourself and bow your head before
  the power of God.

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• You are assisting at the Holy of Holies. Display
  reverence and worship Our God. Undoubtedly, altar
  servers receive countless blessings from Almighty
  God from serving devoutly at Mass.
• Before Mass, when you are waiting for the
  procession to the altar, you should be preparing
  your mind and heart for the sacred duties upon
  which you are about to enter.
• At the altar your movements should be stately and
  dignified, not hasty or affected.
• In cases where there is an incense bearer, that
  server will lead the procession (ahead of the
  cross). In Kuwait the Head of Altarboys also
  performs the role of Incensor.
• All candidates must demonstrate their ability to
  make use of the tools of the trade such as
  matches, candle lighters, books and candles etc.
  On the job training is very important.

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• Genuflecting is a form of worship of our God and
  should only be done to Him alone. It would be a
  grave mistake to genuflect to any altar, cross,
  picture or crucifix.
• Servers should not handle any consecrated bread
  or wine unless specifically directed in any
  situation.
• Servers must remain in the sanctuary during the
  entire Mass and are not to leave for any reason
  other than illness or the direction of a senior
  server.
• The wearing of old, unpolished or tattered
  footwear is not tolerated. In any position you
  maintain a straight posture.
• We bow to the priest because he assumes the
  person of Jesus and we thus need to show him
  honor.
• The bells are rung three distinct times in honor
  of the Trinity.

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THE SODALITY IN KUWAIT

• In the Vicariate of Kuwait, there have been
  altarboys serving as early as the year 1966, as
  per church records under Msgr. Sanmiguel, the
  second Bishop of Kuwait. This means we are more
  than 40 years old.
• O T H E R G R O U P S
• There are two known, smaller altarboy groups in
  the cathedral with which we have no association
  on record.
• - Filipino altarboy group
• - Maronite group
• O T H E R P A R I S H E S
• Where there is a church, there is an altarboy.
  This is true in the parishes of Salmiya and
  Ahmadi, but then again there is no association on
  record with them.
• Pontifical masses (with maximum participation)
  are usually held in the Cathedral and our
  sodality has been entrusted with the task of
  service for time immemorial.

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THE CHURCHS REPRESENTATIVE

• The altarboys of the Cathedral have, for more
  than a decade, fallen under the able and caring
  guidance of the Deacon Sylvester D'souza. He
  assumes the role of our 'Spiritual Director' and
  helps clear any doubts about the service, or
  handle any complaints that may arise during
  service at the Altar.
• The Deacon Sylvester has always been the
  spiritual director of the altarboys of the
  cathedral since 1992, and is regarded as a
  paternal figure by all the boys. The Deacon of
  the Cathedral is also responsible for other
  groups of the 'minor order', such as our
  Eucharistic Ministers.
• A Deacon is the first step towards priesthood,
  and there are permanent Deacons. A permanent
  deacon is not called "Father" as a priest would
  be, but as "Deacon.

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HEAD OF ALTARBOYS

• This is a title that was established in the
  Cathedral in the year 2004. It is the highest
  title awarded to an altarboy of the church, and
  its transfer is governed by strict rules and
  traditions.
• In the same year, following the installation of
  the 4th Bishop of Kuwait, the community
  established new changes and separated itself from
  the common group of Eucharistic Ministers
  Sacristans. The Deacon was also relieved of most
  additional worries about discipline/training for
  boys.
• D U T I E S O F A H E A D
• The fact that the sodality has a leader that
  looks solely into their affairs helps bring
  discipline and a sense of much-need union.
• Training practical training, 'classroom'
  teaching, explanation of any doubts
• Communication communicating any new rules or
  policy shifts from higher authorities, ensuring
  their implementation
• Public relations Being the speaker for the
  boys, handling complaints from parents and
  congregations
• Leadership unity and leadership, get-togethers,
  seminars, discipline

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HEADS OVER THE YEARS

• VIJU VARGHESE
• ( - 2003)
• Viju Varghese was the first known leader of the
  altarboys of the Cathedral.
• Appointed directly by the Deacon to look into
  matters of discipline at the Altar during masses,
  he came to be known as the Altarboy Supervisor.
• As per the rules at that time, Viju Varghese
  stepped down in 2003 upon reaching his age limit.

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• NEWTON FERNANDES
• (2004-2006)
• In 2004, the need was felt for a leader, and in
  that year, Newton Fernandes was elevated to the
  post of 'supervisor' by the Deacon.
• It was not until mid 2005 (at the Installation
  of the Bishop Camillo Ballin) that Newton was
  known as the cathedral's first Head of Altarboys.
  
• It was also for the first time that an Assistant
  Head was chosen to help manage the growing
  numbers of altarboys (which had swelled to nearly
  85), and this position was given to Neal Vaz.

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• GRACIOUS JOSEPH
• (2006 2008)
• By April 2006, Newton Fernandes decided to step
  down to make way for a new leader for the boys as
  he was reaching the end of his tenure.
• Following an election, debate and the consensus
  of several priests along with the approval of our
  Spiritual Director, Newton announced Gracious
  Joseph as his successor, and Rahul Gomes to be
  the New Assistant Head (as Neal Vaz had also
  stepped down by then).

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• On April 15, 2006, in a first-time ever ceremony
  that would mark the start of a long tradition,
  Newton Fernandes formally transferred his title
  to Gracious Joseph in the private ceremony that
  was held in the Bishop's Chapel, before the
  Easter Vigil for the year.
• The Deacon anointed the new Head with holy water
  and blessed him as well as the outgoing Head, who
  would now be referred to as an 'Emeritus'. A
  laminated Appointment Letter was presented to
  Gracious along with a Letter of Blessings sent
  all the way from Rome by the Archbishop Emeritus
  of the Arabian Peninsula and Kuwait, His
  Excellency Giuseppe de Andrea.
• As a final start to tradition, Gracious was
  adorn with a new cassock and cross which he would
  wear to all masses during his tenure.

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ELECTION OF A HEAD

• It is said that the right leader should be
  chosen to lead such a young flock.
• Keeping this in mind, it was decided (by the
  most senior altarboys of the sodality in 2005)
  that the Head of Altarboys should be chosen from
  among his own altarboy community and all
  traditions that were introduced in 2006 were to
  be strictly followed.
• A brief of what happens is on the next slide.

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• The existing Head of Altarboys announces the end
  of his tenure in the first week of February.
  Following his announcement, after several months
  of observing his boys, he is to choose 6 Nominees
  (each are to be given a Nomination Statement
  which is to be signed by their families). A
  debate is to be held to ascertain the leadership
  and public speaking skills of the future leaders,
  and on that same day, every single altarboy is
  put to a vote. The results of the vote are not
  revealed to anyone. At this point, the Spiritual
  Director is to be informed of the impending
  resignation.
• 15 days before the Easter Vigil, the Head is to
  address a gathering of the full altarboy strength
  and in their presence, proclaim the name of his
  successor. He then makes a resignation
  announcement. At no point during the whole
  process are parents or priests involved.
  Following this, the outgoing Head is to introduce
  his choice to the Spiritual Director and the
  Parish Priest. A briefing meeting is to follow
  with the parents of the head-designate.
• Following two weeks of intensive training for the
  head-designate, he is to be formally handed power
  and responsibility in a private altarboy affair
  one hour before the start of the Easter Vigil.
  The Head of Altarboys will resign one day before
  the Installation Ceremony.

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AGE LIMIT FOR ALTARBOYS

• The starting age is 10 or First Holy Communion,
  whichever comes first.
• An Altarboy must stop service at the age of 18.
• For a Head of Altarboys, Assistant Head or
  Emeritus it is 21.
• Boys who wish to serve for a few more months
  beyond 18 can give a letter in writing to the
  Head.
• Visiting boys may be allowed to serve too. A
  letter has to be submitted to the church a few
  days before the specified mass.

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THE HALL

• Altarboys follow the exact discipline and
  dress code standards there, and breach of
  discipline is noted and taken seriously.
• Altarboys there are looked up to by the young
  congregation so their responsibility to be
  decently presented is greater.
• The Head of Altarboys does not serve in the
  Hall.

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PARTS OF THE MASS

• Hand movements and folding of hands
• Bowing techniques
• Back straight, sitting posture, position of legs
  with sitting
• Standing still
• Kneeling style
• Separation technique
• Reverence before the blessed sacrament
• Plate style
• Position of hands when sitting
• Arrangement of cushions
• Serving style ... height of the priest
• How to walk gracefully
• All these are UNIVERSALLY followed by altar
  servers.
• Practice these in detail with your Head.

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ADMISSION / ELIGIBILITY

• A D M I S S I O N
• This may be opened at any time at the discretion
  of the Head of Altarboys in consultation with the
  Deacon. It is preferred to keep the registration
  open twice a year... January and September. It is
  highly possible that the Head may refuse your
  application for a reason which he will specify in
  writing at the back of the slip and hand over to
  the deacon. In this case, parents who protest can
  refer themselves to the deacon who will have the
  final say in the matter.
• E L I G I B I L I T Y
• A written test is permissible for new entrants.
  Once you apply, you are put under strict training
  to learn the ways of the mass. Parents should not
  send their boys assuming that the altar service
  is nothing too great as long as they stand and
  behave in front of the crowd.
• This attitude is WRONG.

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PARENTS AND ATTITUDES

• It is not uncommon for a parent to want a child
  to be a server but the child has no desire and
  this is a disaster.
• Parents should rethink the purpose of sending
  their child to the altar. For guaranteed space at
  every mass? To wear colorful robes? This attitude
  is quite common, but questionable.
• Explain to the child the importance of the altar,
  and how holy you feel by being able to serve it.
• If they wear sports shoes or violate even one of
  the dress codes, the parents should have a
  conscious decision to NOT send their child to
  serve that day. Rather than being sent back by
  the Head, which is a guarantee as all Heads are
  strict on this rule. Dont say "I already ironed
  his clothes today, so let him serve. Next time
  we'll see". This attitude must be changed!
• Altarboy meetings and trainings are always
  closed-door sessions. Parents cannot participate
  in any such gathering unless it is mentioned
  before. This is common in most sodalities.

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• Some parents who enroll two children for the
  service do a practice of sending one as a
  representative for the other at mass or meetings.
  This attitude is again, questionable.
• Constant communication with the area supervisor
  or with the Head is necessary at all times to
  ascertain how your child is faring in the service
  and why no meetings have been held recently.
• On the non-obligatory days when no altarboy robes
  are required, the altarboys wear decent attire.
  This exception is no longer valid.
• Stop Yourself If your parents dont listen to
  you, remind them of the instructions of your
  sodality. Do not serve mass if you violate any
  rule. Dont think that just because the Head is
  not there, the whole congregation will not notice
  you. This is a wrong school-type behavior. Please
  respect the sanctity of the Altar.

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RESPECT

• Altarboys, considering that almost all are
  young, must learn the ways of discipline and
  respect.
• When the mass is in session, there is to be no
  whispering at the altar.
• In the sacristy, once you enter, there is total
  silence as you dress up. For obvious reasons. A
  lot of whispering leads to noise.
• When the Head is talking, TOTAL silence must
  prevail. This is true especially among senior
  boys, who must learn to respect the title once
  robes are worn.
• No giggling or whispering is permitted at any
  point during your presence in the sacristy unless
  you are asked a question.
• If you need to talk, please step outside the
  Sacristy door, no matter with your cassocks on.
  Your robes are your pride.

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ROBES OF THE SODALITY

• Altar servers normally wear an alb or the
  surplice during a liturgy. According to the
  general rule of the Catholic Church, a surplice
  should be worn always over a cassock, but in
  Poland and other Eastern European countries it is
  worn over appropriate civil attire.
• Black and red are the most common colors for a
  server's cassock. If an alb is worn, the cincture
  may be of the liturgical color of the day.
• Servers do not wear a clerical collar or rabat,
  but a thin silver chain with a hanging cross is
  permitted.
• If no vestments are available, the altar servers
  wear appropriate ordinary clothes. This practice
  is however not allowed in the sodality of Kuwait
  as of 2005. Please iron your robes and dont
  embarrass yourself or us at the altar.
• Failure to observe these rules looks terrible
  not only at the altar, but also from a distance.

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• CASSOCKS SURPLICES
• Cassocks must be made in consultation with the
  Head. He has the right to refuse any garments
  which were made without his consultation by a
  parent.
• Cassock must reach the ankles and surplice must
  reach below the knee. Red borders must match.
• Any trace of your normal clothing (example cuff,
  collars, top button of your cassock) should be
  hidden.

SHOES Some priests come barefoot to respect the
sanctity of the altar. Nothing other than black
or brown FORMAL shoes are permitted. Black sports
shoes should be avoided.
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• CROSSES
• The Head of Altarboys, to distinguish himself at
  the Altar and as a symbol of his leadership,
  wears a small red cross on the center of his
  white surplice at all times. During a pontifical
  occasion, he may wear two red crosses.
• The Emeritus wears 2 silver crosses of the same
  size on his chest, one overcrossing the other,
  permanently for any mass that he chooses to
  serve.
• Procurement of all these items must be arranged
  by the Head.
• We have a Church Tailor called Andrew.
• His number is 7921504

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VARIOUS POSTITIONS/TITLES

• None of the positions (save the altarboys at
  large) are official in the church hierarchy. As a
  result, it is not essential for the Bishop to
  acknowledge an altarserver leader as he may pass
  communication through the Parish Priest or the
  Deacon. But it is highly recommendable to do so.
• Apart from the Head of Altarboys and Assistant
  Head of Altarboys, there are 2 other titles given
  to altarboys in our cathedral.
• Note that the titles are only applicable to the
  Cathedrals parish jurisdiction, and in Kuwait
  alone.

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• E M E R I T U S
• This is a latin word to say that one has
  "retired with grace". It could be applicable to a
  bishop, a cardinal or even a college professor. A
  retired Head of Altarboys is officially referred
  to as Emeritus Head of Altarboys. A signature (em
  2006) at the bottom of his correspondences shows
  that he is an Emeritus since the year 2006.
• An Emeritus, upon request, can perform all the
  duties of a Head of Altarboys at any mass, and
  must be accorded necessary respect. Advice can be
  imparted by him to the sodality, and this is
  respected. The two silver crosses signifies his
  position.
• Because of the many age issues in this type of
  leadership, the title of Emeritus is dropped by
  the age of 21.

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• S U P E R I O R
• This title is given to a very capable senior
  altarboy who is fit to be a role model to the
  sodality for whatever reason that the Head found
  in him.
• There is no duty here, as the Assistant Head is
  more than capable to handle it all.
• A R E A S U P E R V I S O R S
• This practice was launched in 2006 to facilitate
  transport and communication between all
  altar-families in particular areas.
• The Kuwait City Supervisor is by default chosen
  as the Sacred Heart Hall supervisor for the
  Children's Mass every Friday.

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A PRIVILEDGE, NOT A RIGHT

• You should understand that it is not your right
  to serve, it is a privilege given to you by the
  Catholic Church and the Apostolic Vicar which you
  should respect and cherish.
• Not every boy is made an altarboy, and not every
  young child is chosen to serve on the Altar. You
  are the few lucky, chosen ones.
• The Church has every right to refuse an altarboy.
  For any reason. Sometime there is no reason and
  the parents have to accept that their child is
  not meant to serve at the Altar.

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THE WORDS OF THE POPE

• Dear Altar Servers,
• You are, in fact, already apostles of Jesus!
  When you take part in the Liturgy by carrying out
  your altar service, you offer a witness to all.
  Your absorption, the devotion that wells up from
  your heart and is expressed in gestures, in song,
  in the responses if you do it correctly and not
  absent-mindedly, then in a certain way your
  witness is one that moves people.
• The Eucharist is the source and summit of the
  bond of friendship with Jesus. You are very close
  to Jesus in the Eucharist, and this is the most
  important sign of his friendship for each one of
  us. Do not forget it.
• Pope Benedict XVI

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