Altar Server Recognition

Most priests’ first memories of serving the Lord are as altar servers. According to The Class of 2024: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood, an annual national survey of men being ordained priests for U.S. dioceses and religious communities conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), found that three-quarters of new priests were altar servers. As for religious women, a 2021 survey released by the USCCB found that 24 percent of the newly-professed women religious had been altar servers. While not as influenced by serving as boys, serving at Mass is a factor for girls, as well. Altar server activities recognize and reinforce in young people the joy of serving the Lord.