The primary role of the Altar servers is to assist our priests in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass.

At St James, we are very blessed to have a good number of generous young people who volunteer in this service ministry after they have made their first Eucharist.

Training is undertaken twice a year. 

After several years of dedicated and committed service, and usually from year 7 onwards, the server is inducted into the Guild of St Stephen at St Patrick’s Cathedral or in the parish Church where they are presented with the bronze Guild Medal.

We, as a community of faith at St James, are grateful for our Altar Servers. We value their generosity and the great dedication in which they serve. 

Caitlin, one of our Altar Servers, writes: 

“Volunteering as an altar server at St James Parish is a wonderful way to grow in faith as well as in responsibility and other virtues from a young age. 

We are not mere helpers of our Parish Priests, we are the stewards of Jesus. I’ve been volunteering in St James Parish as an altar server for 9 years. 

Other than serving at regular weekend masses, I had the opportunity to serve at Masses for Sacrament of Confirmation for our parish primary schools, Holy Week and other special occasions like the recent blessing of our church renovation opening. 

I’m grateful for Russell for his guidance and his dedication in leading this ministry. Not only has this experience increased my reverence and prayerfulness, and led me to a deeper relationship with God, but also my leadership and life skills.”