How to Become an Altar Boy

Many young men desire to become altar boys and serve their local Catholic communities by assisting the priest at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Altar boys must receive training before they can serve mass.

Instructions

1. Talk to your local priest or contact your Catholic parish about becoming an altar boy. Some parishes have certain requirements, including parish membership and age minimums, you must meet before you become an altar boy.

2. Read about your duties. Buy a copy of "Learning to Serve: A Guide for New Altar Boys" by Fr. Charles Carmody. Look for other altar boy resources at Catholic stores and online.

3. Sign up for altar boy training at your parish or in your diocese. Find out how many training sessions the parish holds and which ones you must attend. Some churches let you meet with a small group of boys and study together.

4. Study the Order of the Mass and the correct responses, which the altar boy must give during mass. Read the Canon of the Mass.

5. Arrive on time for all scheduled masses when serving as an Altar Boy. Assist with set-up as instructed.

6. Participate in parish and diocesan altar boy events, such as an annual altar boys' picnic or altar boy service projects.