Dear Parishioners,
For many years, we have been blessed by the faithful service of our altar servers, who assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in a variety of important ways. Each role they fulfill is both practical and deeply symbolic, helping to draw our attention more fully into the mystery unfolding at the altar.
Among the various ways our altar servers assist at Mass, parishioners will already be familiar with several of the more visible roles, including the following:
• Cross-Bearer — the server who lifts high the processional cross at the beginning and end of Mass. This act reminds us that we are a pilgrim people, following the Lord, who leads us by His Cross into new life.
• Book-Bearer — the server who assists the priest by holding the Roman Missal during certain prayers of the Mass. This quiet but essential ministry supports the reverent proclamation of the Church’s prayers.
• Thurifer — the server who carries the thurible containing burning incense, especially at funerals and major solemnities like Easter Sunday. The rising smoke signifies our prayers ascending to God (Ps 141:2) and honors the altar, the Gospel, and the Eucharist as sacred.
New to this list of sacred duties is the role of Candle-Bearer, introduced at the10:30 a.m. Mass on Pentecost Sunday!
• Candle-Bearer — two servers who carry lit candles at key moments during the liturgy, particularly during the entrance procession and other designated times. The light they bear is not merely functional or decorative; it is profoundly symbolic. Christ Himself declares, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12). As the Candle-Bearers process into the church, they remind us that Christ enters with His people and illuminates the Church.
At its heart, this new role is deeply theological. In a world often marked by confusion, division, and spiritual darkness, the presence of these flames becomes a gentle but powerful proclamation of hope. The light pierces the shadows, just as grace pierces sin, and just as the Holy Spirit—whom we especially celebrate at Pentecost—enlightens and enlivens the Church.
We are grateful for the dedication of our young altar servers who will take up this new responsibility, and we invite the entire parish to pray for them as they serve in this important role. May their service deepen our reverence at the altar and help all of us more fully recognize Christ, the Light of the World, who remains with His Church in every celebration of the Eucharist.
As I mentioned last weekend, if you are interested in becoming an altar server, please contact Molly Bellmont in the Parish Office at mollybellmont@nativitybloomington.org.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Bill Duffert