Yes, girls are fully permitted to serve at the altar in the Catholic Church.
The Evolution of Altar Service
Historically, the role of "altar boy" was exclusively for males. However, the Catholic Church formally allowed females to serve at the altar starting in March 1994. This significant change was authorized by Pope John Paul II, marking a pivotal moment in the participation of lay persons in liturgical actions.
The allowance for female altar servers is rooted in the broader understanding of lay involvement in the Church's liturgical life. The Code of Canon Law, specifically Canon 230 2, provides a foundation for this by stating: "Lay persons can fulfill the function of lector in liturgical actions by temporary designation." While this canon specifically mentions lectors, the principle it establishes for lay participation extends to other roles, including that of an altar server, allowing for both males and females to participate.
Understanding the Role of an Altar Server
An altar server, sometimes referred to as an acolyte, plays a crucial role in assisting the priest or deacon during Mass and other liturgical ceremonies. This role is open to both boys and girls who have received their First Holy Communion and meet local parish requirements.
Key duties typically include:
- Carrying the processional cross, candles, or thurible.
- Assisting with the chalice, paten, and other sacred vessels.
- Holding the Roman Missal for the priest.
- Helping with the washing of hands (lavabo).
- Ringing bells at significant moments during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
- Assisting with the collection.
The term "altar server" is often preferred today as it is more inclusive and accurately reflects that the role is open to all genders, moving beyond the traditional "altar boy" designation.
Key Changes in Altar Serving Permissions
To illustrate the shift in policy, consider the following timeline regarding the permission for female altar servers:
| Era | Permission Status for Females | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Prior to March 1994 | No | Long-standing tradition of male-only altar servers. |
| March 1994 - Present | Yes | Authorization by Pope John Paul II; rooted in principles like Canon 230 2. |
Requirements to Become an Altar Server
While the specific requirements can differ slightly by parish, common prerequisites for becoming an altar server often include:
- Having received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion.
- Demonstrating a desire to serve and a reverence for the Mass.
- Being mature enough to understand the responsibilities and follow instructions.
- Attending training sessions provided by the parish.
Official Church Stance
The decision to allow female altar servers was a development that aimed to encourage greater lay participation in the Church, consistent with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. While the option for female altar servers was granted, it remains up to the local bishop to decide whether to permit the practice within their diocese, and subsequently, up to individual parish priests to implement it. However, the vast majority of dioceses and parishes worldwide have embraced this practice since 1994.
For further information on the roles of lay persons in the Catholic Church's liturgy, you can refer to the official Code of Canon Law Canon 230 2 on the Vatican website.
