Article – Altar Servers, Part III

Having reflected a bit about the present identity crisis of adolescent girls, we should note that boys are also affected by the cultural confusion. The ministerial priesthood, acting in the person of Christ, brings us to the heart of the meaning of masculinity and its relation to femininity. Boys need to learn their identity and mission of participation in the Fatherhood of God, especially in sacrificing themselves for the woman. Many deceptive voices glorify the use of women as objects.

Becoming an acolyte remains a necessary step in preparation for priestly ordination. It is obvious that serving the Mass is a logical preparation for becoming a priest. Certainly many priests, if not most, were altar servers at one time. But serving Mass also impresses deeply the self-gift of the Bridegroom to His Bride the Church, the call of every married man.

Also, the sanctuary of a church is a consecrated space. Only the High Priest, and only once a year, was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies in the temple in Jerusalem. Only a priest or a deacon is allowed to open the tabernacle unless there is an urgent need. Hence, the sanctuary is symbolic of the presence of the Holy Trinity and the Great Divine High Priest, Jesus Christ, who acts on our behalf. It is fitting that His presence be represented by men.

Finally, as many have pointed out, men and boys who are insecure or who don’t fully understand their masculinity, will avoid what is seen as feminine. If serving Mass is a “girl thing”, many boys will not want to do it. In some cultures men are found outside the church socializing while the women are inside attending Mass. Some may recall the classic Norman Rockwell painting of the mother and children leaving for church while the shame-faced father reads the newspaper in his pajamas.

This is not an excuse to exclude girls, but is a reality that shows our differences and innate need to be true to how God made us to be. More to come…

-Fr. Peter