An altar server is a lay person who is granted the special privilege of carrying out many of the liturgical functions normally reserved for the ministry of an instituted acolyte. A server’s role of assisting in the sanctuary is integral to the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and good liturgy. 

At Cathedral High School, student altar servers assist whenever the school organizes or attends liturgies at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Servers carry the cross, the processional candles, hold the book for the priest-celebrant when he is not at the altar, carry the incense and censer, present the bread, wine, and water to the priest during the preparation of the gifts or assist him when he receives the gifts from the school community, wash the hands of the priest, and generally assist the priest-celebrant and deacon as necessary.