I’m convinced of the importance of transmitting the faith to our children starting when they are small. If someone asks me how, I would say that faith is transmitted by spending time in God’s company and in His service through small daily actions. Many factors play a role, but there is a precious activity that is within the reach of all children and which combines these aspects: the role of an altar server.
It’s worth noting that all of us who have been altar servers in our childhood treasure that period of our life with great pleasure and gratitude. As the Lord said, "Let the little children come to me" (Mark 10:14).
The fact is, there’s nothing more satisfying for a soul, even for that of a child, than to serve without expecting anything in return. And our joy grows even greater when it’s a matter of serving God himself at the altar, as do the angels in heaven!
St. Tarcisius, patron saint of altar servers, was an 11-year-old assistant to priests of 3rd-century Rome, and an example in life and in his death of service and self-giving. He was martyred on the Appian Way when pagans discovered him carrying Holy Communion to imprisoned Christians. They stoned him to death, but he refused to give them the container bearing Holy Communion, which they tried to pry from his hands and would likely have profaned.
For us parents, the task of educating our children is often arduous and requires great patience and perseverance. Perhaps few parents have ever really stopped to reflect on the virtues that their children can acquire through being an altar server.
We might be surprised if we analyze the benefits it brings to their personal, spiritual and cultural formation. Have you considered what they are?
If your children become altar servers, help them to feel proud of what they do, and pray for them. Help them to learn little by little to turn their actions into prayers and to grow in their faith journey.
I'd like to speak for a moment directly to any altar servers reading this: Be joyful to serve at the altar, to be closer to Jesus! And give thanks for this magnificent role which, at your young age, allows you to serve in the Greatest Miracle, where something extraordinary happens, and you have a front row seat.
