Altar Servers

Altar serving is open to anyone who has made their first Holy Communion 
boys and girls, men and women. Although the role often appears reserved to young
people, at some Masses more mature parishioners serve at the altar.  David Burge M.C runs the Altar serving programme - there are regular courses for people to register their interest and learn to serve Mass.  These are published in the newsletter and open to everyone.

Altar servers, whether newly trained, teenaged, at university or beyond, are a credit to the parish. Please encourage them.  

 If you are interested in becoming an altar server here at St. Joseph's, please e-mail the Presbytery (Upminster@dioceseofbrentwood.org) or call Rachel or Fr John on 01708-222432.

Prayers of an Altar Server
O God, You have graciously called me to serve You upon Your altar.
Grant me the graces that I need to serve You faithfully and wholeheartedly.
Grant too that while serving You, may I follow the example of St. Tarcisius,
who died protecting the Eucharist, and walk the same path that led him to Heaven.
St. Tarcisius, pray for me and for all servers.
Before Mass
Oh Jesus, my King and Lord, by the grace of the heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit,
guide me in all righteousness as I serve You today at the Altar so I may be always worthy of Your presence.
If I happen to make an error, may it be a lesson so my service will be perfect tomorrow.
Jesus, I love you with all my heart. Amen.
After Mass
Lord Jesus, thank you for the opportunity to serve You during the Holy Mass.
In Your Sacred Presence, my heart is filled with joy and peace.
May Your Spirit always guide me so I may grow in Your love by the grace of the Heavenly Father. Amen.