Patron Saint
Patron saint of Altar Servers: St. John Berchmans. Died August 13, 1621. Feast Day is November 26th.
Prayer to St. John Berchmans, patron of Altar Servers:
Dear St. John, you died at a very young age, but in that short time
you learned to live an exemplary life as a member of the Society of Jesus.
Directed by your Guardian Angel, whom you confidently invoked,
you learned to be a most humble server at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Help altar servers imitate you in their service at Eucharistic celebrations
as well as in their conduct with others. Amen.
Prayer to an Altar Server
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.
—— by St. John Berchmans
St. John Berchmans, be my patron!