While the Parish Priest leads the celebration of our Mass, the Ministers of the Altar are his key support people. Formerly referred to as Acolytes, these Ministers of the Altar act as contact points for other helpers such as Altar Servers, Ministers of the Eucharist and Ministers of the Word.

Like Wardens, Ministers of the Altar are responsible for opening and closing the Church, and along with Ministersof the Eucharist, share the task of helping distribute communion. They also provide the Blessed Sacrament, read Scriptures and lead prayers while visiting parishioners who are unable to attend services.

This service can be conducted in Parishioners’ homes or at local hospitals. Increasingly, Ministers of the Altar are also involved in leading liturgies of the word and communion services whenever a priest is not available (usually on some weekdays).

The Ministry of the Altar at St. Charles is open to both men and women. Candidates undergo an appropriate formation program before taking up their roles and receive annual renewal guidance.

Ministers of the Altar, like anyone who serves in a parish ministry, discover that the privilege of giving is indeed a very rich gift. One cannot help but be touched by the presence of Christ whether on the altar during mass, or while visiting someone’s home to pray and provide communion.