An altar server is a person who assists the priest during a Catholic Mass or other religious services. They are responsible for various tasks such as carrying the cross, lighting candles, and holding the book for the priest. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of an altar server, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
An altar server is a person who assists the priest during a Catholic Mass or other religious services. They are responsible for various tasks such as carrying the cross, lighting candles, and holding the book for the priest. Altar servers are usually young boys or girls who have been trained and are often members of the parish.
Origin
The origin of the altar server can be traced back to the early Christian church. In the early days of the church, the bishop or priest would perform all the tasks during the Mass. As the church grew, it became necessary to have assistants to help with the various tasks. The role of the altar server evolved over time, and today it is an important part of the Catholic Mass.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an altar server is “a person who assists the priest during a religious service.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an altar server as “a person who assists the priest in the celebration of the Mass.”
Associations
Altar servers are closely associated with the Catholic Church and are an important part of the Mass. They are often seen as role models for other young members of the parish and are held in high esteem by the community.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for an altar server include acolyte, server, and crucifer.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for an altar server, but some may consider a layperson or a non-religious person to be the opposite.
The same root words
The word “altar” comes from the Latin word “altare,” which means “to sacrifice.” The word “server” comes from the Latin word “servus,” which means “servant.” Therefore, an altar server can be seen as a servant of sacrifice.
Example Sentences
- The altar server carried the cross during the procession.
- The priest asked the altar server to light the candles on the altar.
- The young boy was excited to become an altar server and serve his parish.
- The altar server was praised for his dedication and commitment to the church.