Prayer altar knights

Prayer Before Serving at the Altar

Open my mouth, O Lord, to bless Your Holy Name. Cleanse my heart from all evil and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding and inflame my will that I may serve more worthily at Your holy altar. O Mary, Mother of Christ the High Priest, obtain for me the grace of knowing my vocation in life. Grant me a true spirit of faith and humble obedience so that I may ever behold the priest as a representative of God and willingly follow him in the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ. Amen.

Prayer After Serving at the Altar

O Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal High Priest, I thank You for the privilege of having served at the holy altar of Your sacrifice. Now, as I put aside the garments of service, help me always to think of You and act accordingly as Your privileged servant. May I ever seek You and find You; may I always follow You; may Your priestly spirit be my guide, and Your service of love be my example. May Your Holy Name always be on my lips, and to Your praise and glory may every work of mine be done. Ever ready in Your service, may I always know and do Your holy will in all things. May I remain pure and blameless and be found worthy to serve You always, and by Your grace may I persevere to the end. Amen.

The "Knights of the Altar" is an organization for boys and men who serve at the altar in the Catholic Church, aiming to foster spiritual development and active participation in the liturgy. This organization, established in September 1938, provides a structured framework for altar servers, emphasizing honor, loyalty, and reverence in their service.

The core purpose of the Knights of the Altar is to form a guard of honor for the Divine Eucharistic King, render faithful service to God by assisting bishops and priests in liturgical functions, and inspire greater piety in the faithful through their reverent duties and good example. The name "Knights of the Altar" draws parallels to medieval knighthood, reminding servers of their duty to serve the "Lord of lords" with fidelity, honor, and an upright personal life. The terms "page" and "squire" are used to emphasize the training and dedication required, akin to the rigorous preparation of a knight.

Requirements and Training

To become a Knight of the Altar, individuals are chosen by a "Knight Director" and must possess specific qualifications. These include:

• Superior Character: A pure heart and soul, with a special love for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, demonstrated through frequent visits to the tabernacle and reception of Holy Communion.

• Intelligence: The ability to learn and recite Latin prayers from memory, and to understand and execute movements around the altar without hesitation.

• Trustworthiness and Reliability: Punctuality and commitment to scheduled service, recognizing the sacrifice made by Christ.

• Neat and Clean Appearance: Maintaining a presentable appearance, avoiding casual clothing or unkempt hair, as a sign of respect when in the presence of the Lord.

The training program often involves memorizing Mass responses in both English and Latin, mastering sacristy procedures, and being able to serve as Master of Ceremonies for complex Masses. Aspirants are expected to be role models with no disciplinary issues.

Investiture Ceremony

A significant event for those becoming Knights of the Altar is the investiture ceremony. This often includes a period of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, reminiscent of knights of old. The ceremony may involve a procession to a sacred location, where the priest solemnly presents the red cassock and white surplice, knights them with a cross, and invites them to pronounce a special prayer. This moment is often described as a dream come true for many boys.

Prayers Associated with Altar Servers

Altar servers often have specific prayers and patron saints. St. John Berchmans is the patron saint of altar servers, known for his exemplary life and humble service at Mass. His feast day is November 26th.

A common prayer for altar servers, often attributed to St. John Berchmans, expresses the honor and responsibility of their role:

"To be Christ’s page at the altar, To serve Him freely there. Where even the Angels falter, Bowed low in reverent prayer. To touch the throne most holy, To hand the gifts for the feast, To see Him meekly, lowly, Descend at the word of the priest. To hear man’s poor petition, To sound the silver bell, When He in sweet submission, Comes down with us to dwell. No grander mission surely Could Saints or men enjoy; No heart should love more purely, Than yours my altar server. God bless you, forever, And keep you in His care, And Guard you that you never Belie the robes you wear. For white bespeaks untainted A heart both tried and true; And red tolls love the sainted The holy martyrs knew. Throughout life, then, endeavor God’s graces to employ; And be in heart forever A holy altar server."

The Knights of the Altar also have a pledge:

"Lord, Here I am, all yours, ready to serve you. I shall strive to be faithful to my duty of serving at mass and of helping in Church. I shall strive to give good example to all, and to help my fellow Christians respect our home. May I be your loyal knight, wit the help of Mary, My mother and model. Amen."

Other prayers frequently recited in Catholic tradition, which may be part of an altar server's spiritual life, include the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, the Apostles' Creed, and prayers to guardian angels or St. Michael the Archangel. These prayers reinforce the spiritual foundation and devotion expected of those serving at the altar.

OTHER PRAYER: "Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for calling me to serve you at your holy altar during the celebration of the Eucharist. I know that the priest takes your place when, together with your people and in the name of the Church, he makes present again your Passion, Death, and Resurrection. Help me to carry out my role in this memorial of the Last Supper with dignity and precision and with full interior participation. Let me so remain united with you on earth that I may one day share your glory in heaven. Amen."