Rites Of Investiture For Altar Servers.docx

RITES OF INVESTITURE FOR ALTAR SERVERS [After the homily] Commentator: Now, we are about to witness the Rite of Investiture and Commissioning of the Candidates to the Ministry of Altar Servers; who have answered God’s call to serve the Lord in His altar. Ramil: May I request the new candidates to the Ministry of Altar Servers to please come forward as your name is called: (Roll call of names. When their name is called, they will respond: “Present”)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Ramil: Rev. Fr. Christian Emmanuel Gabinete, before you and the community of believers are the altar servers and new members who wish to be officially recognized as members of the Ministry of Altar Servers. These altar servers are now qualified to become certified members to serve at the Eucharistic Celebrations based on the formation program they had prior to this rite. Priest: Our beloved young men and women of the altar, your presence before God and the people of God affirm your willingness and commitment to serve Jesus as Server of the Altar. Do you know what this means? Altar Servers: Yes, we do know that our presence signifies that we desire to commit ourselves to serve Jesus at the Eucharistic Table, in serving the community through the Holy Catholic Church and by living out our baptismal promises through good examples to our fellowmen. Priest: Will you give and show your faithfulness and loyalty to the Parish Priest and Church Authorities? Altar Servers: Yes, we will. Priest: Are you ready and willing to commit yourselves and your time to serve wholeheartedly to this kind of service and with full responsibility? Altar Servers: Yes, we are ready. PRIEST: God provides the Church with suitable ministers to assist in divine worship. It is His will that everyone may become an instrument of salvation for all. He himself called you today to respond to God’s invitation to serve at His Altar. In doing your task, you will be robed appropriately to the ministry you are about to undertake. Always remember that you should always wear your long-sleeved with due respect in accordance to the dignity it gives you. We shall now bless your long-sleeved. (The long-sleeved held in the arms by each candidate will be blessed with Holy Water.)

PRIEST: Dear Parents, (the Parents will stand) you have supported your children in their trainings and formations as Altar Servers of our Parish (Holy Infant Jesus Parish), may I request you to assist your children to wear their long-sleeved as you support them in fulfilling their ministry. (Parent/s will don the long-sleeved to their children. After which, the parents will go back to their seats)

PRIEST: My dear candidate of Altar Servers, you are now to declare before the Lord and His people your intention. Altar Servers: (Together. One of them will hold the microphone) Lord, here I am, all yours, ready to serve you, I shall strive to be faithful to my duty at serving at Mass and of helping in Church. I shall strive to give good example to all and to help my fellow Christians respect your home. May I be your loyal Knight with the help of Mary, my Mother and Model. Amen PRIEST: In Jesus Christ’s name, I, Rev. Fr. Christian Emmanuel Gabinite, as your Parish Priest, accept your good intentions by offering yourselves through your humble servanthood. May the good Lord always assist; bless; inspire and strengthen you; and make you grow in His love in the name of the Father + and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Altar Servers: (They will do the sign of the cross. Together with the priest, they will response: Amen) PRIEST: God of glory, your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, has shown us that true worship comes from a humble and contrite heart. Bless our brothers and sisters who have responded to the needs of our Parish, Holy Infant Jesus Parish; and wish to commit themselves to your service as humble servants of Your Altar. Grant that their ministry may be fruitful and our worship pleasing in your sight. (Sprinkling of Holy Water)

PRIEST: The offering of our Altar Servers has been accepted, as a sign of our acceptance and support, let us give them a big round of applause. (The newly commissioned will go back to their seat. Some newly commissioned and newly re-commissioned Altar Servers may help in the Liturgy of the Eucharist).