Altar serving at St Columba’s and St Theresa’s
My name is Richard Curtis. I was baptised and confirmed at St Columba’s and was an altar server at St Columba’s from 1996 to 2007.
After moving back to Chester in 2015, I was asked by the parish if I would like to help by training the altar servers.
It is a privilege to support the altar servers and I have always thought it is a great honour to serve on the altar. Although I do not serve at most weekends’ masses now, I do serve at Holy Day masses around Easter, Christmas and at special masses such as Confirmation and Bishop visitations.
I would encourage any and all children to take up altar serving – not only because it helps connect you more to the mass and give you more purpose, it also improves other life skills such as attention to detail, the ability to improvise and the confidence to perform in front of a large congregation.
To be an altar server, you must have received your First Holy Communion. Commonly, altar servers are between 7 and 18. However, I still consider myself an altar server and I am well into my 30s! We welcome altar servers of all ages at St Columba’s & St Theresa’s Parish.
As a new server, I will give you a number of short, informal lessons, usually after mass, but other times are possible too, to walk through and build up your understanding of how we serve at mass.
Once you are confident to serve, you will be allocated an alb and can start to serve at mass alongside more experienced altar servers.
If you are interested in becoming an altar server or would like to find out more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at: rich.curtis89@yahoo.co.uk or 07787782255
Two of our altar servers share their experience:
DEYON SAJI – TESTIMONY
Volunteering as an altar server at St Columba’s was an invaluable experience. Along with the practical aspects of service, it was amazing being part of a supportive community and growing in faith. Being up at the altar taught me responsibility and attention to detail. It was also a great chance for me to give back to the church and serve others, which felt rewarding and meaningful. I would recommend altar serving to anyone. It is a great way to become more involved in the church and give back to the community.
DELIA SAJI – TESTIMONY
Serving as an altar server was a meaningful experience that taught me the importance of responsibility, dedication, and teamwork. I enjoyed assisting the younger altar servers and helping them understand how things worked; it was rewarding to see them become more confident in their roles. Altar serving strengthened my connection with the community and allowed me to serve others in a supportive, spiritual environment.
Overall, altar serving was an incredible experience that not only taught me valuable skills but also gave me the chance to be part of the service in a meaningful way and feel more connected to my faith and community.