Recognizing altar servers for their dedication and service to the Church has become a popular activity in dioceses throughout North America. Altar servers play an important role in the Mass. Young men and women take time out of their busy school and extracurricular schedules to dedicate themselves to the Church in a special way. They serve at morning, midday, and evening Masses and perform a task that is essential to the liturgy. However, their contributions are sometimes overlooked.
There are various ways to recognize altar servers. Pizza parties with awards ceremonies where certificates of appreciation are distributed are popular. The effort of a parish or diocese to take the time to recognize altar servers and their contributions can be a very positive—and much appreciated—gesture. The awards themselves are often given out by a priest at an individual parish.
