SUITABLE NAME & IDENTITY FOR THE ASSOCIATION

 The importance of a name on the bearer cannot be overemphasized. We see God changing names of people that were not reflecting their calling like in cases of Abram to Abraham (Gen. 17: 4-5), Jacob to Israel (Gen. 32:27-28), Simon to Peter (Math. 16:17-18), e.t.c. or naming people as regards their purpose like in the cases of cases of John the Baptists and  Jesus among others. The naming events used by great players in the scriptures should make us reflect on the name we are bearing.

Over the years, different names have been attributed to this association in different places by people, they include: Altar Boys Association, Altar Servers Association, Altar Knights Association, Mass Servers Association, Man Servant Association, Mass Servant Association, Knights of the Altar Society, etc.

Out of these names, three (3) have been dominant in most parts of the world, they are: Altar Servers Association, Altar Knights Association, and Mass Servers Association.

Everyone may have their own reasons for referring to us as any of these, but the question is this: Out of these three names, which is  all-encompassing, and which best suits our calling?

The less dominant names have issues. Like Mass Servant Association and Man Servant are wrong conceptions as we are neither servants of Mass nor servants of man. We are servants of God and we do so by the assistance we render to the Clergy, the visible representation of Christ, for smoothness and ease in the celebration of the Holy Mass. As for “The Altar Boys Association”, it has the issues of gender and age. This makes people see the association as a place for just young males. It makes older males look too old to serve, and it doesn’t give room for female servers who also serve at Mass in some parishes. When Female servers are called altar girls, it comes with the same problem of gender restriction.

The three (3) dominant names represent the association better but usually it is difficult to choose which to bear, any of them can serve, but let us look deeper into them in order to arrive at the most appropriate, if any.

1. Altar Knights Association or Knights of the Altar:

This name brings in the concept of Knighthood. The Altar knighthood as is read from its history, has good interpretation. It is explained in the Knights of the Altar Handbook as follows:

“Why the name Knight? Medieval Knighthood, in the service of

manor lords, calls forth such ideals as honour, loyalty, justice, chivalry,

and respect for all. In the use of the term knight, the Altar Server is

reminded of his duty to serve the Lord of lords with fidelity and honour, to

treat others with respect and justice, and to live an upright personal life,

defending always, the rights of God and His Holy Church.”

Very great interpretation I must say; the inclusion of the concept “knighthood” gives it some literal meaning like warrior, guard, etc. which makes it ambiguous as it doesn’t depict our primary purpose directly and so not ideal as its meaning may be misconceived. 

2. Mass Servers Association:

This name sends a clearer message concerning the purpose of the association to the hearer. We are Servers at Mass. That’s the major purpose around which all our activities lie. It encompasses all genders and ages. But, it would also encompass every worker in the church serving at Mass, including church warding, catechist, and even the priest. This sole reason makes it a bit ambiguous to bear.

3. Altar Servers Association

This name stands out to be the best of all options, though the word Mass is omitted in it, it immediately takes one’s mind to the altar where the essence of the Mass takes place, the liturgy of the Holy Eucharist. This name also accommodates any age and gender. Even though the majority of our duties happen in the sanctuary as a whole and not just the altar, but the altar is a major focal point. Additionally, it includes our functions at liturgical and paraliturgical events outside the Mass such as Benediction, liturgy of hours, stations of the cross.

One may say, what is the essence of all this name thing? And I ask, how many other associations have different names attributed to them? So, why don’t we solve this identity issue once and for all.

Thus, throughout this handbook, I will be referring to this association as Altar Servers Association due to the facts stated above. We are servers at Mass in the sanctuary and other liturgical celebrations about the altar.