The Life of an Altar Boy in the 1960s and Today
Whether in 1964 or 2012, the expectations of altar boys were the same. Altar boys were expected to uphold the values of their church and respect the sanctity of the religious traditions they performed during mass and other services.
The most widely used guide for altar boys in the 1960s was Learning to Serve: A New Guide for Altar Boys by Father Charles J. Carmody. Published in 1961, the handbook continued to be utilized after Vatican II and is even used as a reference material in modern times. Supplemental materials and specific guidelines from each church provided additional expectations on how altar boys should conduct themselves.
Often altar boys began their training as early as the second grade learning the various Latin responses they would need to recite during mass. However, for all their hard work, altar boys who attended their training classes and followed the church's guidelines would be rewarded with annual social outings to theaters, amusement parks, and other local places. Today most Catholic services are conducted in English or each church community's shared language so most altar boys are not trained in Latin. In addition, the boys themselves often have a lesser role in services and are often supervised or aided by adult volunteers or church members. Nevertheless, altar boys today still enjoy the same sense of being a part of a supportive environment and continue receive the same social opportunities that were offered to past altar boys.
The most widely used guide for altar boys in the 1960s was Learning to Serve: A New Guide for Altar Boys by Father Charles J. Carmody. Published in 1961, the handbook continued to be utilized after Vatican II and is even used as a reference material in modern times. Supplemental materials and specific guidelines from each church provided additional expectations on how altar boys should conduct themselves.
Often altar boys began their training as early as the second grade learning the various Latin responses they would need to recite during mass. However, for all their hard work, altar boys who attended their training classes and followed the church's guidelines would be rewarded with annual social outings to theaters, amusement parks, and other local places. Today most Catholic services are conducted in English or each church community's shared language so most altar boys are not trained in Latin. In addition, the boys themselves often have a lesser role in services and are often supervised or aided by adult volunteers or church members. Nevertheless, altar boys today still enjoy the same sense of being a part of a supportive environment and continue receive the same social opportunities that were offered to past altar boys.
Altar Boy Practices and Procedures
Because there are so many sources detailing the duties and responsibilities of altar boys, this section summarizes the shared practices and procedures that are found in church guides. Specific rules and pictures from these guides have also been included. The guides used in this summary can be found in the "Further Reading / Additional Guides" section further below on this page.
Postures and Gestures
The following information was taken from the Holy Trinity Altar Boy Handbook but represents the necessary rules regarding posture and gestures within traditional Catholic churches.
In addition to these rules, altar boys are also expected to focus their eyes on either their next task or whoever is speaking during the service. For example, during the Homily all altar boys should be looking at the Father.
Postures and Gestures
The following information was taken from the Holy Trinity Altar Boy Handbook but represents the necessary rules regarding posture and gestures within traditional Catholic churches.
In addition to these rules, altar boys are also expected to focus their eyes on either their next task or whoever is speaking during the service. For example, during the Homily all altar boys should be looking at the Father.
Unique Altar Boy Guidelines
- The Emmanuel Altar Boy Handbook notes the role of parents, especially the father, as the "key to the formation of a good altar boy." The guide asks fathers to review and discuss the guidelines of becoming an altar boy with their sons and states that "Dads hold the key to building strong father’s and priests for our future church." The handbook goes on to ask fathers to prepare their sons for communion, guide their sons in daily prayer, and help their sons examine their conscience. How might this information explain Father Flynn and Mrs. Muller's concerns for Donald? In what ways does Father Flynn assume the role of Donald's father figure?
Further Reading / Additional Guides
Available below are several current church manuals further detailing the jobs and expectations of altar boys.
blessed_sacrament_catholic_church_altar_servers_manual.pdf | |
File Size: | 1332 kb |
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emmanuel_altar_boy_guide.pdf | |
File Size: | 119 kb |
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holy_family_catholic_church__guide_for_altar_servers.pdf | |
File Size: | 233 kb |
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holy_trinity_altar_boy_handbook_to_print_9-8-09.pdf | |
File Size: | 2683 kb |
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saint_joan_bosco_catholic_church_altar_boy_manual.pdf | |
File Size: | 607 kb |
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steps_to_the_altar-_a_photo_of_1960s_altar_servers_stirs_memories.pdf | |
File Size: | 1027 kb |
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st._ursula_catholic_church_altar_servers_manual.pdf | |
File Size: | 842 kb |
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