Talent Connect – is a new, 52 week series featuring one LP ministry each week. All of us have talents and discovering where we can use them in our community is a key to growing in our faith. So take a look each week and find out where you fit in at La Purisima.
 
ALTAR SERVERS

Both boys and girls who are in at least the 5th grade and have celebrated their First Communion can become Altar Servers. The most important qualification is the desire to participate in an intimate way during the Mass and perform all assigned duties with attention, dignity and reverence. It is an extreme privilege to kneel so close to the Altar when our Savior becomes truly present. The primary role of the Altar Server is to assist the Priest in the celebration of the Liturgy during Mass and help the Deacon as needed. This is done through specific actions and by setting an example to the congregation of active participation.

Each spring, 4th graders are invited to participate in altar server training in preparation for their service which begins when they enter the 5th grade. Teams are formed and the younger servers are mentored by the older as they gain experience serving. There is no age limit and a child can continue to serve on through their teens.

Schedules are formed around preferred masses with most serving once a month. They may also be asked to serve at special masses, weddings or funerals. Servers are requested to arrive fifteen minutes before Mass.  Those who choose to serve as Altar Servers are some of the most important people in the parish. “It has been a blessing to introduce kids to the Mass and see them embrace the Liturgy as a result” says Chick Kenney, who with his wife, Christine have been coordinators of this ministry for over three years. It was through their children Kevin and Lauren that they became involved.

If you are interested in more information, contact Chick and Christine Kenney 714/744-4731, Thu Nguyen 714/998-6552 for Vietnamese or Rosalia Ascencio 714/289-1862 for Spanish.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me to serve you at your Holy Altar during the celebration of the Eucharist. I know that the priest takes your place when, together with your people and in the name of the Church, he commemorates your Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Help me to carry out my role in this memorial of the Last Supper with dignity and precision and wholehearted participation. Let me so remain united with you on earth that I may one day share your glory in heaven. Amen.