The Connection between Altar Serving and Vocations to the Priesthood
by Matt O’Connell - Vocations Coordinator, Christchurch Diocese
In late August, Pope Leo XIV addressed altar servers from France on their pilgrimage to Rome for the Year of Jubilee. He spoke to them of the importance of Mass ...
“And the Church, from generation to generation, carefully preserves the memory of the Lord’s death and resurrection, of which she is a witness, as her most precious treasure. She preserves and transmits it by celebrating the Eucharist, which you have the joy and honour of serving. The Eucharist is the Treasure of the Church, the Treasure of Treasures. From the first day of its existence, and then for centuries, the Church has celebrated Mass, Sunday after Sunday, to remember what her Lord has done for her. Dear Altar Servers, the celebration of Mass saves us today! It saves the world today! It is the most important event in the life of a Christian and in the life of the Church, because it is the rendezvous where God gives himself to us out of love, again and again. Christians do not go to Mass out of duty, but because they absolutely need it; they need the life of God, who gives himself without return!”
Pope Leo then goes on to encourage the young altar servers to “persevere faithfully.” He notes that they are “doing (their) parish a great and generous service.”
He reminds them that “when you serve, and when you approach the altar, always keep in mind the greatness and holiness of what is being celebrated. Mass is a time of celebration and joy. How, indeed, can we not have joy in our hearts in the presence of Jesus? But Mass is also
a serious, solemn moment, marked by gravity. May your attitude, your silence, the dignity of your service, the beauty of the liturgy, the order and majesty of the gestures, draw the faithful into the sacred grandeur of the Mystery.”
Finally, Pope Leo encourages them to be open to a vocation to the Priesthood.
“I also hope that you will be attentive to the call that Jesus may address to you to follow him more closely in the priesthood. I address myself to your young, enthusiastic, and generous consciences, and I am going to tell you something that you need to hear, even if it may cause you some concern: the shortage of priests
in France and throughout the world is a great misfortune! A misfortune for the Church. May you, little by little, Sunday after Sunday, discover the beauty, the happiness, and the necessity of such a vocation. What a wonderful life, that of the priest who, at the heart of each of his days, encounters Jesus in such an exceptional way and gives him to the world!”
Pope Leo makes a very important point — the link between altar serving and vocations to the priesthood. Statistics show that over 70% of newly ordained priests have, as young people, been altar servers in their parishes. Vocation directors note that serving at the altar can play an important role in a young man experiencing, up close, holy Mass and the role of the priest in offering the sacrifice of the Mass. It gives young men a deeper appreciation of the priesthood.
What might we do to encourage more young men to become altar servers and how might we support them and sow the seeds of a possible vocation?
Here are some ways:
1. Newly ordained priests speak of the encouragement of their families to serve at the altar. Families, if you have boys, encourage them to serve and speak to them about the possibility of a vocation.
2. Parishioners, please pray for your parish altar servers. Prayer is so important, because we get the vocations we pray for.
3. Gather your altar servers regularly for formation and training. Make sure you have an annual retreat. Consider having an Altar Server Appreciation Sunday in your parish.
4. Consider taking your altar servers on a small pilgrimage. Pope Leo spoke to the young altar servers about the importance of pilgrimage. He said “it helps us to “convert,” that is, to turn to Him, to grow in faith and in His love, to become better disciples so that our lives may be beautiful and good under His gaze, with a view to eternal life.”
5. Consider making an annual visit to the Pro-Cathedral to meet with our Bishop and other altar servers from around the Diocese. This annual gathering, to begin in 2026, will be a great opportunity for prayer, fraternity, and support.
Pope Leo concluded by thanking the altar servers for their faith. He said that it is a “great comfort, a sign of hope” and he asked them to “persevere courageously, and (to) bear witness to those around you of the pride and joy that serving at Mass brings you.”
