Altar Server Society


"The closer you are to the altar, the more you will remember to speak with Jesus in daily prayer; the more you will be nourished by the word and the body of the Lord, the better able you will be to go out to others, bringing them the gift that you have received, giving in turn with enthusiasm the joy you have received.   

- Pope Francis

Age

Altar serving is open to those in 5th grade and older.

Responsibilities

Altar servers will be responsible for arriving on time for Masses scheduled and assisting the priest with the offering the Divine Liturgy.

Contact

For more information please contact: Parish Office 415-454-8141

Please email sign-up form to:

altarserversociety@saintraphael.com

or, drop forms off at the parish office.

5 Reasons to Become an Altar Server

Responsibility: Altar servers learn the Mass and commit to a regular schedule of service.


Punctuality: Altar servers arrive early to each Mass in order to determine their roles, prepare items and dress in prior attire.


Attentiveness: Altar servers learn the deeper meaning behind each step of the liturgy as well as grow in a deeper focus to the liturgical actions.


Poise: Altar servers learn how to enter into a prayerful encounter with the Eucharist, becoming aware of the various parts and sacred items within the Mass, so as to develop a spiritual disposition in the Mass. 


Maturity: Altar service contributes to a server’s maturity as they learn lessons and put their knowledge into practice.

About the Patron of the Altar Server Society


Saint José Luis Sánchez del Rio is the newest Mexican saint, recently canonized on October 16th. Although José was young and died as a martyr at age 14, he was a powerful example of youth, bravery, and faith.

José was born in 1913 in Sahuayo, Michoacán, México. He was the third of four children. José loved his faith and grew up with a strong devotion to Our

Lady of Guadalupe.


When José was twelve years old, the Cristero Wars began in Mexico. During this period in history the Mexican government attempted to extinguish the influence of the Catholic Church throughout the country. It persecuted the Catholic Church by seizing property, closing religious schools and convents, and executing Catholic priests. In defense of the Church, the peasants of many of the central and western states in Mexico rebelled against the government. Even though he was too young to join the rebellion, José desperately wanted to be a Cristero and stand up for his faith. He begged his mother saying, “Mama, do not let me lose the opportunity to gain Heaven so easily and so soon.” He was eventually allowed to join the effort as a flag bearer.


During a battle José was captured and was asked to deny his faith and the Cristero cause. José refused and was tortured terribly. Refusing to renounce his faith angered the government soldiers so much that they cut off the bottom of his feet. As José was forced to walk through town, he recited the rosary, prayed for his enemies, sang songs to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and proclaimed, “I will never give in. Vivo Cristo Rey y Santa Maria de Guadalupe!”


Information above taken from:http://secretariat.synod.va/

“Speak, for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3: 10

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