I've come to realize that being a part of a team is something deeply fulfilling for me. My perfectionism plays a role in how much I enjoy altar serving, but it is helping me to humble that part of myself. Besides, what team could be better than serving the Lord with your bros?
Altar serving has really given me a physical connection to the concept of being part of the sacrifice at Mass. As someone in the crowd, it's easy for me to feel like I'm on the outside and that I'm simply a bystander. Being a server reminds me that we are all active participants in what is occurring on the altar.
Personally, it has given me more reverence for the Mass. Especially at Hope, altar serving has a certain duty to it. When serving, you are an example for the congregation, and as such one needs to have the utmost respect and attention for what is happening on the altar. In this way, altar serving has reminded me to try to be a Catholic, and a servant, in every part of my life and not just at Mass.
Joseph “Joey” Flynn is a sophomore from Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is majoring in Biology.
I think what I enjoy most about being an altar server is what I learned about the Mass itself and the fact that I can participate in it now. I get to be a part of something much larger than myself and that is pretty special to me. Being an altar server, I now understand the significance of this incredible event that happens every day and I can even take part in its mystery. Aside from the knowledge I've gained, being an altar server forces me to go to daily Mass at least once a week, which is always healthy. Even when my faith is weak, I still go because I have made a commitment that I can't back out of just because I don't feel like it.
Luke Brady is a sophomore from Hillsdale, Michigan. He is majoring in Biology.