Altar Servers: Young Parishioners Sharing Talents with God and Parish

The sacrifice at the altar is the most important part of the Mass, and the Eucharist is at the center of the Catholic faith. Altar servers have an amazing opportunity to see everything up close and help facilitate the Mass. All ministries are important, but in these ministries, young men assist at the altar and show reverence and respect for the Mass.

Liz Cruz coordinates the Altar Server Ministry at St. Patrick’s. She and her husband, Ryan, are parents to four sons and a daughter — two of their sons are altar servers. Liz is very passionate about this ministry and how it lays the groundwork for a lifetime of faith for the young men of our parish.

“This ministry fosters engagement in the Mass, fellowship, vocation awareness, and a place to grow and learn from Father and one another,” Liz says.

Raised here at St. Patrick’s, Liz and her three sisters sang in the choir and served as lectors. Her brother, Joe, was an altar server — Liz witnessed the impact this ministry had on Joe. When Liz and Ryan moved back to the area in 2014, they went to several different Catholic Churches. One of the reasons they came back to St. Patrick’s was the Altar Server ministry.

“We were desperate for our sons to be a part of a thriving, well-trained, altar-serving community at their critical ages, to draw them deeper into their faith and understanding of the Mass,” Liz says. “I was thrilled that Father was facilitating that at St. Patrick’s.”

Altar servers at St. Patrick’s are typically invited by Fr. Estrella. Interested young men can schedule a time with their parents and Fr. Estrella to see if the ministry would be a good fit. Liz and Fr. Estrella coordinate the training for new servers. Serving at the altar is a vital ministry that should not be taken lightly.

“By prayerful reflection and Father's invitation, this, in my opinion, is the number-one ministry for young men to get involved in to serve their parish,” Liz says. “There is a true desire to move up in ranks in the altar serving ministry, which goes hand-in-hand with increased holiness, reverence, and a desire to serve others.”

Liz adds that the servers set the tone for the congregation. They also learn a lot along the way.

“The altar servers experience the Mass from a completely different perspective,” she says. “The knowledge they gain about the parts of the Mass, the workings of the Mass, and the organization of everything on and off the altar is truly incredible.”

Liz and Ryan look forward to seeing all of their boys help Fr. Estrella by serving at the altar.

“I am very passionate about the young men in our parish, and Catholic young people everywhere, serving their parish in any capacity that they are able,” Liz says.

If you would like to learn more about becoming an altar server, please contact Liz Cruz at 530-798-1531 or lizzy.guerra@gmail.com.

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