Altar dressers are an essential part of our liturgical ministry, responsible for preparing and maintaining the altar’s appearance during Mass and special services. Their role ensures that the sacred space is both beautiful and reverent, reflecting the glory of God in every celebration.

Who Can Become an Altar Dresser?

• Age Requirement: Young or Adults who are dependable, have a reverence for liturgy, and a heart for service.
• Personal Qualities: Altar dressers should be detail-oriented, organized, and respectful of the sacredness of the liturgy and the altar.
• Training: Altar dressers will undergo training to learn the appropriate procedures for preparing and maintaining the altar during liturgies.

Responsibilities of Altar Dressers

• Prepare the Altar: Altar dressers ensure that the altar is properly adorned with the appropriate linens, candles, flowers, and other elements in preparation for Mass and special occasions.
• Maintain Altar Linens and Decorations: They take care of altar linens, ensuring they are clean, neatly folded, and properly arranged. They also assist with the placement of flowers and other decorations for special feast days or seasons.
• Assist with Liturgical Items: Altar dressers assist with setting up sacred vessels such as the chalice, paten, and ciborium, ensuring they are ready for the Eucharist.
• Clean and Store Sacred Items: They take care of cleaning and storing sacred liturgical items, ensuring they are properly cared for and stored between Masses and services.
• Assist in Special Liturgies: Altar dressers help with the preparation of the altar for weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other special liturgies, ensuring that everything is in place for these important celebrations.

How to Become an Altar Dresser

1. Register: Those interested in becoming altar dressers can register by contacting the parish office or speaking with the liturgy coordinator.
2. Attend Training: New altar dressers are trained in the correct procedures for preparing and maintaining the altar, with a focus on reverence and attention to detail.
3. Serve During Mass: After training, altar dressers will serve on a rotating basis, preparing the altar and ensuring that it is maintained throughout the liturgy.

Why Become an Altar Dresser?

• Serve with Reverence: As an altar dresser, you help create a sacred environment that enhances the beauty and solemnity of the liturgy.
• Contribute to the Liturgical Life: Your work behind the scenes directly impacts the worship experience, ensuring the altar is a fitting place for the celebration of the Mass.
• Spiritual Fulfillment: Serving as an altar dresser is a deeply spiritual ministry, providing an opportunity to serve God in the preparation of the sacred space for worship.

Contact Us
For more information about becoming an altar dresser, please contact the parish office or speak with the liturgy coordinator.

Join Us in Serving the Altar
If you are drawn to the beauty of the liturgy and would like to help prepare the altar with care and reverence, consider becoming an altar dresser. It’s a meaningful way to serve the Church and enhance the worship experience for all.