Apprentice to the Priest
Sons of the Altar
A tribute to my six sons of the Altar
Sharon M. Willoughby
March 27, 2008

An altar son may desire to serve the Lord
on the altar as an apprentice to the priest.

Before he begins on the altar,
he prepares by loving Christ in his heart.

He grows to know the Lord
by studying his catechism
and by faithfully living a Sacramental life.

Frequent Confession and
reception of Holy Communion,
with an active life of prayer,
prepare him to appreciate the privilege
of serving during the Holy Mass.

Having an understanding of the
Seven Sacraments and
the outward signs of Christ
that impart His grace,
enables the altar son to participate more fully
in the expression of Divine Providence.

As Simon of Cyrene came forth to accompany
the Lord on Calvary,
the altar son is attentive
to the Calvary of the Altar.

His movements of purposeful reverence
may inspire the faithful to realize the effects of
all that is seen and unseen.

The altar son loves closely on the altar.
The altar son loves deeply in the pew.
When he is not serving on the altar,
he is bringing the altar to the pew
in his faith, understanding, prayer,
acts of reverence and piety.
He is a faithful witness
amidst the Mystical Body of Christ.

With the heart of a servant,
he awaits, patiently and obediently,
for the time when he will approach
the altar in thanksgiving and service
to the priest and Holy Mother Church,
all in accordance to the will of the Lord.

He is brother, son, witness, and disciple of Christ.