Saint Olaf altar servers

Courtesy photo/Saint Olaf School

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BOUNTIFUL — When Father Rene Rodillas became administrator of Saint Olaf Parish and School, he initiated a new program for training altar servers. Many students from kindergarten to eighth grade have the opportunity to serve at school and Sunday Masses. Five students now serve at each Mass instead of three. The youngest students assist at the altar with the water and towel for the priest to wash his hands. Older students are candle and cross bearers. It is unique to observe the contrast between small students whose feet do not reach the floor sitting next to much taller, older students.

A new ministry has evolved for the older students as they help train the younger ones.

When asked what it is like to mentor the newest members of the altar serving team, Adam, an eighth grader, commented, "They are really nervous at first. It is my job as a role model to help them get more confident in what they are doing at the altar." He likes the new format because it gives more people opportunities to serve God in a visible way; he also enjoys the experience of doing something important with his friends.

Bayla, in the sixth grade, has been a server for two years. She likes the opportunity to be a trainer so that the new servers can learn to fulfill their responsibilities correctly.

"It is enjoyable watching them progress in knowledge and gain confidence in their duties," she said. "It makes me feel good to help the new servers get better at what they do and I am happy to help serve God in this way."

Second-grader Chad feels the same way. "It’s awesome to go up to the altar to help!" he said. "My job is to help set up the gifts, and the bowl, and the towel for Father. I’ve already done it three times and I can’t wait until the next time I get to serve!"

Stockton, a kindergartner, echoes this same sentiment. "It’s awesome! I love helping Father Rene – he is a great priest. Someday when I am bigger I want to carry the candles and the cross. But right now the cross is too big and heavy for me to see where I am going."

Not only does altar serving allow the students to better participate and understand the Mass, but it also allows them an opportunity to build bonds of friendship between students of every age.

Courtesy of Saint Olaf School