I. STATEMENT FROM GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL
In addition to the service of instituted acolytes, service at the altar by other ministers
represents a long liturgical tradition. These servers enhance the quality of the celebration
for the whole assembly by giving the priest freedom of movement, ensuring that all the
requisites for the celebration are available at the appropriate moments and by taking part in
the processions (GIRM 68).

* Servers hold the book while the presiding priest proclaims the presidential prayers with
outstretched hands. They bring and hold such things as books, censers, water jug
and towel, plates and dishes, and microphones. They lead the entrance and
concluding processions with cross and candles and they escort the deacon (or priest)
to the ambo and flank him while he proclaims the gospel reading. They may, on
more solemn occasions, accompany the procession with the gifts. They tend the
censer, prepare it for the priest or deacon, and themselves incense the assembly and
other ministers.
* The number of servers will depend on the circumstances and the tasks to be performed.

II. REQUIREMENTS
Young persons, boys or girls, who exercise the ministry of server should be mature enough
to understand their responsibilities, to carry them out well, and to adhere to a spirit of
reverence. They should already have received holy communion for the first time.
Adults, men or women, who exercise the ministry of server should be fully initiated, active
members of the community and of sufficient competency and temperament to undertake
this ministry with grace, respect, and discretion.

No distinction should be made between the functions carried out in the sanctuary by men
and boys and those carried out by women and girls. Every effort should be made to
include both males and females in this ministry and not to exclude either gender.

III. VESTURE
Vestments serve several functions in the celebration of the Eucharist. As festal clothing,
for example, they suggest the ritual and solemn character of the Eucharistic banquet, and as
insignia, they identify the specific function or ministry of those who wear them (GIRM
297).

The garment common to all ministers is the alb since it is a reminder of the baptismal
garment. All servers should wear the same vesture for it expresses unity and enhances the
visual dignity of the celebration.
Since albs no longer have the character of an undergarment, their form and design should
complement the ritual and festive character of the celebration. An alb is most appropriate
for the ministry of the altar server. The alb may be either white or off-white. It may have
a hood and could be bound at the waist by a cincture. The cincture may be of the proper
liturgical color of the season (GIRM 289).
It seems inappropriate to use a cassock and surplice since the cassock is a clerical garment.

IV. SEATING
The proper place for the seating of altar servers is in the assembly, perhaps in the front
row of seating, or, in older churches, some special area of the sanctuary. From this place
they should assist the presider as needed. They should not be seated on either side of the
presider; this place is reserved for the deacon.