Constitution and by Laws

Diocese of Butuan
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

ALTAR SERVICE MINISTRY
ASSOCIATION OF THE CHILDREN OF MARY
Poblacion, Bayugan City
ALTAR SERVICE MINISTRY AND ASSOCIATION OF THE CHILDREN OF MARY

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
I.GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1. The official name of the group is ALTAR SERVICE MINISTRY AND ASSOCIATION OF THE CHILDREN OF
MARY (ASM-CoM), a ministry of young men and women dedicated to serve at liturgical services in the parish
and to promote Christian brotherhood and sisterhood through spiritual formation.
2. The Altar Service Ministry and the Association of the Children of Mary is a subordinate of the Worship
Ministry and is directly under the Parish Priest.
3. The Altar Service Ministry and the Association of the Children of Mary is compliant to the norms and
guidelines set by Universal Law.
II.GENERAL OBJECTIVES
1. The Altar Service Ministry and the Association of the Children of Mary aims to:
1.1. Form young men and women as responsible stewards of liturgy and of the parish;
1.2. Prepare them as future servant-leaders of the Church;
1.3. Instill in them love for God and for the Church through formation series;
1.4. Foster brotherhood, sisterhood and unity with fellow servers; and
1.5. Imbue vocation promotion and awareness as nuns, priests, religious, and consecrated lay.
III.QUALIFICATIONS
1. A bona fide altar server must be:
1.1. A good Catholic in faith and deed.
1.2. Willing to commit him/herself to perform him/her duties and responsibilities as Altar Server.
1.3. Willing to grow spiritually through this ministry by his/her participation in diocesan and parish
formation programs.
1.4. Physically and mentally fit.
1.5. A recipient of the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Eucharist.
1.6. Recommended and approved by the Coordinator and/or by the Officers after having passed
evaluation or observation.
1.7. The aspirant must first fill up an application form, and afterwards will be interviewed by the
Coordinator.
1.8. The aspirant must undergo fifteen (15) days of observation during weekday Masses.
1.9. The aspirant will be evaluated and screened by the Officers.
1.10. A bona fide resident parishioner.
2. If he has been previously inactive, but wishes to join formally the ministry, he has to undergo evaluation as
prescribed by the Coordinator. He will be approved only after passing the evaluation and interview.
3. If he lives outside the parish but wishes to apply as altar server, he needs to secure first Permission Letter
from his domicile parish priest. Upon approval and referral by his parish priest through explicit writing, he will
be then allowed to apply. Failure to present recommendation letter from the parish priest will forfeit his
application.
4. If he transfers residence outside the parish, he will be allowed to remain as altar server for a maximum of
three (3) months of transitory period starting from the date of his transfer. After his transitory period, he has
to secure Permission Letter from his domicile parish priest before being allowed to serve.
5. An applicant lacking in any of the given qualifications, as the Coordinator may deem necessary, may be
denied admission to the ministry.
6. The aspirant’s parents must sign the application or membership form of their child as a sign of their consent
in permitting him to join the ministry.
Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

Cell phone #: 09303574602 E-mail: djscytheoriginal@gmail.com Facebook: http://web.facebook.com/AltarServiceMinistryBayuganCity/
Diocese of Butuan
IV.TERM OF SERVICE
1. The term of an altar server is one year in consonance with the Ministry Year.
2. A server may renew his membership for the next Ministry Year, as determined by the Officers, and if he
attended the formation program.
3. The term of Officers, including the Coordinator, is one year following the duration of the Ministry Year. Their
term of office may be extended depending on the discretion of the majority of all the members or of the
Parish Priest.
V.LEADERSHIP
1. The Parish Priest is the head and final authority in the ministry, in its activities and guidelines. As spiritual
father and chief adviser, he is entailed to cater the spiritual and holistic growth of his servers through regular
monitoring and formation series as provided by the parish. Moreover, the Parish Priest has the foremost
right to be informed of and to grant permission to any activities or guidelines being observed or proposed in
the group.
2. Assisting the Parish Priest in providing formation series and assistance to the ministry is the formator, a
competent individual who undergo liturgical formation from recognize institute of liturgy. They can either be a
parochial vicar, the appointed Director for Liturgical Affairs, guest priest, deacon, assigned or visiting nun,
religious brother, seminarian, or any lay person as requested or instructed by the Parish Priest. There can
be more than one formation in the group, depending on the need or function to assist in.
3. Another role of the formator, or one of them in the group, is to serve as Spiritual Director to guide the
spiritual life of the members, helping them to be more close to Jesus and to instill love for the Church,
Family, Studies, and Charity. He will also help lead the members in celebrating more sincerely the Eucharist,
go to confession, and attend to spiritual direction. He must possess good and orthodox Catholic foundation-
formation.
4. Former seminarians are, in whatever case, are not permitted to become formators or advisers for spiritual,
emotional, moral and security reasons.
5. The Ministry of Altar Servers will have a set of Officers who will supervise the activities and discipline of all
the members.
6. The Ministry President is the official head of the ministry.
6.1. He directs and oversees the activities and guidelines for all the members.
6.2. He serves for a term of one year unless he resigns or is removed from position by the Parish
Priest.
6.3. He has a full mandate from the Parish Priest and the Parish Pastoral Council.
6.4. He attends the meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council and of the Worship Ministry. He may invite
two (2) officers at most to join him in attending such.
6.5. He presides over General Assemblies and other important meetings for the group.
6.6. He may sanction, suspend, or expel any member pending the decision of the Officers.
6.7. He attends meetings with other altar servers’ coordinators in the diocesan and vicariate level. He
attends meetings of the Liturgical or Vocation Ministry (diocesan/vicariate/parish level).
6.8. He approves the membership of any aspiring candidate as altar server.
6.9. He supervises the tasks and responsibilities of the Officers and of the other servers. Himself as
Officer, he also fulfills the same duties as with other Officers.
6.10. He is chosen or elected from among the Officers of the ministry, pending the approval of the
Adviser.
7. The Vice-President takes charge of the ministry in the absence of the Ministry President.
8. An independent Administrative Council is appointed to help the Ministry President in administering the
ministry. They are composed of the lead servers. The following are the members of the council:
8.1. Director for Liturgical Affairs. He is responsible of the liturgical matters to be prepared by the altar
servers in the smooth observance of the Holy Mass.

Diocese of Butuan
8.2. Director for Formation and Education. He is in charge of providing meaningful formation activities and
seminars for the holistic development of the altar servers.
8.3. Director for Proper Decorum and Discipline. He is responsible for the proper observance and
implementation of the rules and regulation set by the Ministry.
8.4. Director for Business Affairs and Linkages. He is responsible for creating linkages and community
outreach in order to foster social responsiveness among the altar servers.
9. The identified positions in the Ministry are the following: Ministry President, Vice President, Secretary,
Auditors, and PIO/Social Communication Officer.
10. Officers assist in the supervision of the ministry. With the Ministry President, the Officers implement policies
directed to the entire ministry. They assist in the function of the President.
11. The Officers may be elected or nominated by a majority of all the servers.
12. The Officers function as consultative group of the entire ministry regarding norms, activities, and schedules.
13. The number of Officers is determined by the President.
14. The President can be selected only from among the Senior Altar Servers or those altar servers who have
been in the ministry for at least three consecutive years.
15. The Officers safeguard the discipline and order of the ministry especially during meetings and liturgical
services. They may reprimand or call the attention of erring servers.
16. The Officers assess the conduct and deficiencies of the servers. They may consult or report to the Director
for Proper Decorum and Discipline and the servers’ parents/guardians about the conduct of their children.
17. The Director for Formation and Education, together with the officers, has the duty to teach or review basic
liturgical training to all servers and aspirants.
18. The Officers have authority over the evaluation and approval of aspirants (including formerly inactive
members) with the final approval of the President.
19. The Officers oversee the maintenance of the sacred vessels and liturgical vestments of the servers.
20. The Officers attend monthly parish formation series, and, a must with the Coordinator, attend doctrinal,
moral, liturgical and spiritual formations in different institutes of formation or in the diocese or parish level.
VI.FORMATION AND ACTIVITIES

Mandated Schedule
1. All servers who are approved for membership for the new ministry year must attend Commissioning or
Renewal Mass after having attended the basic and renewal formation program conducted by the Director for
Formation and Education.
2. In the Commissioning Mass, aspirants receive and wear for the first time their official liturgical attire from the
start of the celebration.
3. The new President and the new set of Officers have their Oath-taking. The Administrative Council are not
included in the oath-taking ceremony.
4. Servers must attend all prescribed diocesan renewal seminars and meetings as scheduled from the diocese.
Failure to attend is a grave matter. Hence, the Adviser or the President has the right to cancel membership
of those who fail to attend the seminar.
5. All liturgical services are considered mandated schedule. Frequent unexcused absences are considered
grave matter and subject to proper sanction or disciplinary action by the Director for Proper Decorum and
Discipline.
6. Should there be an absence in a schedule, the individual server should make up for his absences through
volunteer service and/or present an excuse letter from parents/guardians.
7. There will be a General Assembly (G.A.) for the entire ministry.
8. The General Assembly is held every 1st Saturday of the Month as a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. All
members are obliged to attend.
9. The President, assisted by the Officers, presides over the session.
10. The General Assembly takes place within the parish vicinity.
11. The General Assembly follows a prescribed format provided by the Association of the Children of Mary.

Diocese of Butuan
Core Group Meeting

12. The Officers, who comprise the Core Group of the ministry, conduct for themselves a meeting to plan and
deliberate upcoming activities, especially evaluation on present members and on attendance in liturgical
services.
13. Either the Ministry President or Parish Priest summons the meeting for Officers 2nd Saturday at 1:00 pm.
14. The Core Group Meeting may adapt the same format of the General Assembly, with the discretion of the
Coordinator.
15. The Core Group Meeting may be held either within the parish vicinity.
Formation Series
16. Spiritual formation is at the core of the ministry. Spiritual talks, inputs, seminars, or prayer workshops may
be provided for the group at least once every two months, or as prescribed by the Director for Formation and
Education.
17. The Officers with the Director for Formation and Education may program basic and ongoing liturgical and
catechetical seminars for the servers, as prescribed by the Parish Priest or the diocese.
18. Servers must participate in seminars or workshops held in the parish, vicariate or in the diocese.
19. Frequent absence in formation programs is considered a grave matter and is subject to disciplinary action by
the Coordinator.
Role of Parents and Guardians

20. Parents and guardians play a crucial role in the spiritual and holistic formation of their children-servers.
Hence, they must remind and encourage their children to attend to their respective liturgical services and
other schedules in the ministry.
21. Parents and guardians are encouraged to provide opportunities for their children to deepen their spiritual
growth and participation in parish life, such as personal prayer time in the family, attendance in parish
formation series, or even in instilling vocation awareness to their children.
22. Parents are obliged to attend Parents’ Meetings when scheduled by the Coordinator.
23. Parents are encouraged to help in financial needs of the ministry when needed.
VII.TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The primary purpose of being an altar server is to serve God and the Church through the liturgical
celebrations (see GIRM 100; 187-193, except distributing or assisting in Holy Communion), and to become a
better Christian and person. Hence, his purpose for serving is not out of mere desire to earn recognition at
school or work, or of peer pressure or any selfish motives.
2. A server undertakes both liturgical service and spiritual growth. If he serves at Mass but doesn’t or seldom
attends formation series, he is driven of impure motive for serving and, hence, his attitude is subject to poor
evaluation.
3. A server is a man of God. He is expected to live a morally-decent life. Hence, he exemplifies good Christian
character whether inside or outside the parish. He is committed to spiritual formation and personal spiritual
growth in love for God and for Mary.
4. A server is a man for the Church. He serves out of love and dedication for the Church. He respects and lives
out the teachings of the Church. He respects, observes, and submits himself to the direction and guidelines
of the diocese and of the parish. He gives his total self and commitment in service. Hence, he also prioritizes
service above any of his busy schedule. He continues to serve regardless of his other personal
commitments outside the church.
5. A server is a man for others. He initiates and fosters good fraternal relationship with his fellow servers. He
6. shows humility and respect to his fellow servers, his Officers, and to other parish workers, even ordinary
7. Parishioners or churchgoers. Above all, he is a good model of service and modesty to others, especially in
his community.
8. A server fulfills his liturgical service in accordance to the following:

Diocese of Butuan
9. A server attends the following mandatory schedule:

10. Scheduled liturgical service
10.1. Sunday Masses
10.2. Weekday Masses
10.3. Funeral Masses (as requested)
10.4. School Masses (Betty Go, Carlos Albert, CCP)
10.5. Street, Area and barangay Masses
10.6. Formation series
10.7. Regular spiritual formation series in the parish
10.8. Annual summer diocesan basic and renewal seminar
10.9. General assemblies
10.10. All Stations of the Cross (a number of servers hold the vessels, the rest joins in the procession)
10.11. All Holy Week Activities (a number of servers attend to their designated schedule while the rest
simply attend the rites)
10.12. Processions of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi and Christ the King
10.13. Simbang Gabi/Misa de Gallo
10.14. All Fiesta activities
11. A server should be decent in outlook during liturgical services. Hence he must avoid from wearing:
12. Earrings and bracelets
13. Long or customized hair or fingernails
14. Slippers or rubber shoes
15. Denim/Maong, jeans, any colored pants other than black slacks
16. Wristbands or other distractive ornaments
17. Former (including “inactive”), or expelled servers, unless fully admitted, are not allowed to serve nor wear
the liturgical attire for present members.
18. Suspended members are not allowed to serve until they are fully allowed by the Coordinator to serve again
19. Servers who have been removed from the ministry are not allowed to serve during the Ministry Year for
which they are removed unless they are readmitted for the next Ministry Year which they apply for.
20. No server can function as Master of Ceremonies without explicit permission from the parish priest, priest-
presider, and he must undergo liturgical formation from a institute recognize by the diocese or formation
under the diocese.
21. Aside from the head sacristans, servers must ensure that all preparations for Mass are set (e.g. number of
hosts, bell and other vessels). After the Mass, they must help clean and return the vessels to their respective
place of storage.
21.1. A server handles all vestments, vessels, and parish properties with care.
22. A server is time-bound and sensitive in every schedule he is obliged at. He must attend all the required
schedule in the ministry, whether in the parish or in the diocese for his formation series or liturgical services.
If he has valid reason for not attending a meeting or service, he or his parents must inform his Coordinator
and Adviser at least 6 hours ahead of his supposed schedule. If he cannot serve, he must make up for the
number of services he missed. He must find a substitute server in his absence. Failure to comply with this
procedure frequently or having frequent unexcused absences is subject to serious disciplinary action, as
decided by the Coordinator.
23. A server must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation by the end of his third year high school.
24. In case he will not be able to fulfill his duties ahead of time because of certain reasons such as vacation
leave, special classes, or family schedule, a server may take a proper leave of absence.
25. The server and his parent must sign a leave of absence addressed to the Coordinator, and must indicate
specific length of time (i.e. date of leave and return) for his absence.
26. The parent must inform the Coordinator through call or appointment concerning the request for leave, and
must provide a valid reason.

Diocese of Butuan
27. A server who takes a leave but fails to present a letter or have his parent talk to the concerned persons will
be subject to serious disciplinary action as decided by the Coordinator.
28. A server who refuses to obey and respect the Parish Priest, Adviser, Coordinator, or any Officer is subject to
severe disciplinary action and, if repeated through explicit aggression, may face sanction of cancellation of
membership or expulsion.
29. A server must not have a grade lower than 80 (or equivalent of this) in his report card. Failure of this rule will
lead him to suspension in service until he improves his grade in a particular subject.
VIII.LITURGICAL ATTIRE
1. The ministry complies with the prescribed liturgical attire for altar servers as prescribed by the Institutio
Generalis Missalis Romani Nos. 336 & 339[3].
1.1. For his basic attire, he wears
1.2. Black leather shoes
1.3. Black socks
1.4. Black slacks or pants
1.5. White undershirt
2. Only present members wear the official liturgical attire.
3. Former or inactive members, unless fully admitted, are prohibited from wearing the official liturgical attire for
present members.
4. Servers’ vestment must be distinguished from the vestment of a seminarian or habit of a religious brother.
5. Aspirants undergoing evaluation period must wear at least white polo.
IX.SANCTIONS
1. A server who violates any of the guidelines as written herein or instructed shall be given a corresponding
sanction or disciplinary action depending on the gravity of the offense, as follows:
1.1. 1st – 3rd Offense. Oral reprimand and/or report to parents
1.2. 4th Offense. Suspension from service, if offense is committed more than three times or if a server
commits more than three violations.
1.3. 4th Offense. Either cancellation of membership or expulsion, if the server continuously violates the by-
laws and guidelines even after his suspension period, if there has been no improvement in his
character, or if he openly disobeys or blatantly shows disrespect, rebellious attitude, malicious and
scandalous acts such as public or sexual immodesty, blasphemy, or repudiation of authority or of the
Church teachings, or other grave offenses as decided by the Officers.
2. The following are the policies concerning Suspension Policy:
2.1. A server who is suspended is not allowed to serve during the given Suspension Period as prescribed to
him by the Officers.
2.2. Suspension Period may range from at least three weeks to three months.
2.3. A server who is suspended from liturgical duty is expected to fulfill his obligations such as going to
Sunday masses or helping in his family chores.
2.4. A server who is suspended is not exempted from attending general assemblies, formation series, or
other important meetings.
2.5. The Parish Priest, Formators, Coordinator, or a majority of the Officers may impose suspension on an
erring server.
2.6. After the end of his Suspension Period, the server is subject to approval by the Officers whether he can
serve again or be given extension of his sanction.
3. If there has been no improvement in the character of a server, after having been given parental or fraternal
correction and even suspension, or when he commits repeatedly grave offenses or scandalous acts as
discerned by the Officers, he is entailed to either of the following:
[3].

Diocese of Butuan
3.1. Cancellation of membership – he is removed from the ministry but he may apply either for the next
Ministry Year or after one (1) full year, depending on the discretion of the Coordinator. A server who is
removed from the ministry is subject to evaluation by the Officers before he can be allowed to apply for
the next term of service.
3.2. Expulsion – A server is banned for an indefinite length of time from the ministry. Only the Parish Priest
can lift the expulsion.
4. Frequent unexcused absences during services or meetings may be counted as grave offenses and are
subject either to suspension or cancellation of membership.
X.AMENDMENTS
1. These by-laws shall take effect immediately upon their adoption and approval of the Parish Priest, all the
Officers and Members of the Ministry of Altar Servers.
2. When effective, these shall supersede all guidelines which may have heretofore have been addressed to the
ministry.
3. Any proposed amendment to any of these by-laws may be initiated by a majority of Officers and shall be
subject for approval from the Parish Priest. The Parish Priest may overrule any proposed amendment to
these by-laws.
Altar Server Ranks

Ranks and promotions are not given by age or grade of the Server candidate, but are earned
through diligent effort, active participation, evidentiary support of assistance to others and solid
performance - not only during the liturgical year, but additionally throughout the summer months. The
ranks of Altar Servers are as follows:
• Aspirant – an aspirant in the Ministry who is learning the role of Altar Server, but has not yet been
formally installed. This is achieved by attending all training sessions and attending Sunday Mass sitting
with the other aspirants in the pews near the sanctuary – which will allow them to see clearly the task
performed by the Altar Servers.
Requirements:
- Should have received 1st communion and confirmation, or be older than 15 years old.
- Should have parents or other parishioners who agree to support their ministry
- A certified resident-parishioner under the territorial jurisdiction of the parish.
Duties
- Should faithfully attend Mass at least once a week.

Diocese of Butuan
- attend the basic formation seminar
• Junior Server (JS)– once the student has passed basic testing, and demonstrates some knowledge of
the Rubrics of the Mass, they are installed during a ceremony at a designated mass. They will wear the
soutane with the mozzetta during mass and given a black cincture.
Requirements:
- Must successfully completed the basic formation seminar/training
- passed the Exit Examination for Aspiring Altar Servers
Duties
- Should faithfully attend Mass every week, whether they are serving or not.
- learn from the other servers and from adult leaders, priests, and deacons about the Mass.
- serve at Masses when they are scheduled
- They should pay close attention to the older servers and to learn the basic terminology and flow of
Mass.
• Senior Server (SS)– this rank is awarded to servers who go above and beyond the call of duty and
have a strong understanding of the Rubrics of the Mass. Must be ready and willing to serve at Masses
they attend, especially if no one else is available to serve. Faithfully attends all training sessions as they
are offered, and volunteer to assist with the ongoing training of the newest servers. Process in at all
Masses they attend (whether scheduled or not). Take active responsibility for ensuring everything that
is needed for Mass is on the credence table (in the sanctuary). Serve on holy days, funerals, weddings,
Stations of the Cross during Lent and participate fully in the Holy Week Triduum. They will wear the
soutane with the mozzetta during mass and given a red cincture.
Requirements:
- Fill-in the Application for Promotion Form
- submit oneself to peer-rating
- should have served at 55 Sunday Masses and 10 other liturgies (baptism, wedding, funeral, etc)
- no major offense committed
Duties
- help the Junior Servers carry out their duties
- To learn and practice and execute the preparation and use the sacred objects during liturgies.
• Lead Server (LS) – this rank is awarded to servers who engage in all the above, Must demonstrate
leadership skills by planning and performing training for the new Altar Servers, while acting as mentors.
Has expert knowledge of the Rubrics of the Mass. Process in at all Masses they attend (whether

Diocese of Butuan
scheduled or not). Will be asked to serve when the Bishop is the celebrant at Mass. They will wear the
soutane with the mozzetta during mass and given a gold/yellow cincture.
Requirements:
- Fill-in the Application for Promotion Form
- submit oneself to peer-rating
- Should show leadership ability and a willingness to serve the least of the parish.
- Must have 5 documented hours of training younger servers.
- should have served at 100 Sunday Masses, 50 weekday Masses and 20 other liturgies including the
liturgies during the Most Holy Week
- Must have served at 3 hours of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 3 baptisms, 3 weddings, 3
funerals, and must have assisted a parishioner in bringing communion to the sick on 3 occasions. - Must
have 3 hours of service to the poor or needy of the parish, such as visiting the sick, feeding the hungry,
or other works of mercy approved by the ministry.
- no major offense committed
Duties
- To teach the younger servers by example and to help with training meetings throughout the year.
- To help in planning, rehearsing, and orchestrating servers for larger liturgies during the year in
conjunction with sacristans and priests involved.
The rank title will be added after the name of the altar server in all official documents of the ministry with
the title Bro. or Sis. Before the name.
This is a modification of the previously mandated ranks:
Previous Ranks Present (Equivalent) Ranks

Altar Server I AS-I Aspirant
Altar Server II AS-II
Master Server I MS-I Junior Server JS
Master Server II MS-II
Senior Server SS Senior Server SS
Lead Server LS Lead Server LS


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Diocese of Butuan

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

ALTAR SERVICE MINISTRY AND ASSOCIATION OF THE CHILDREN OF MARY

Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

VI.FORMATION AND ACTIVITIES

Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

Core Group Meeting

Role of Parents and Guardians

VII.TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

9. A server attends the following mandatory schedule:

Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

Altar Server Ranks

Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

- attend the basic formation seminar

Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

This is a modification of the previously mandated ranks:

Previous Ranks Present (Equivalent) Ranks

Office Address: Poblacion, Bayugan City (8502)

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