Level 3 Certificate in Altar Servers Studies

The Guild of St Stephen is delighted have have partnered with the Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Studies (MHIRS) and St Mary’s University in Twickenham, London to deliver a first of its kind course in the ministry of Altar Serving.

It is a distance learning course delivered over the internet and through a Saturday study day providing practical workshops and training from experts in the field in 6 modules over a period of 6 months. It is a UK ‘Level 3’ equivalent qualification which is the equivalent standard of an A-Level or international Baccalaureate diploma. The course will run once a year starting in October.

Target audience

For learners looking to become confident in using fundamental liturgical knowledge and skills.

  • Guild member

  • Non-Guild members in other lay ministries of the Church

  • All other persons that MHIRS and the Archconfraternity find qualified to enrol on the course within the United Kingdom or overseas.

  • Evidence of literacy, numeracy and health and safety aspects is required for this qualification with a minimum age of 18.

Modules

  • Aims:

    • To introduce the Catholic faith as an integrated whole, including doctrine, worship, life, and Prayer and an understanding of Natural Theology.

    • To introduce students to the nature of catechesis, its origin and source in God, its place in evangelisation, its content, purpose and message, and to begin to use Scripture, liturgical texts and key Church documents as sources;

    • To develop insight into the Catholic view of humanity and the Grace of God received

    Chapters:

    • Faith and Revelation

    • Trinity and Relationship

    • The human person and grace

    • Morals

    • Catechesis as Scriptural and Doctrinal

    • Aims & Objectives of the Archconfraternity of St Stephen

  • Aims:

    • To introduce students to the scriptural foundation of the Church

    • Understand Church governance, Apostolic Succession, the Communion of Saints, the role of the Laity, Fundamental Ecclesiology

    Chapters:

    • Scripture and the one, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church

    • Apostolic succession

    • Ecclesiology and Structure of the Church

    • The Pilgrim Church

    • Role of the laity        

    • Church in the ‘these times’

  • Aims:

    • History of Biblical Writings collections

    • Structure of the Bible

    • To understand essential principles in the study of scriptures.

    • Mass readings

    • Concept of Service and Worship in the Scripture

    Chapters:

    • Origin of biblical texts and the canon

    • How to study the scriptures

    • Interpretations and applications

    • Church teachings and the revealed written Word of God

    • Scripture and the Lectionary

    • Lay Ministry of the Word

  • Aims:

    • To introduce students to the concepts of public worship

    • Understanding of the Sacraments and Sacramentals

    • Main Liturgical documents

    • Basic roles of music and the arts in the liturgy

    • Ministers of the liturgy and Prayer

    Chapters:

    • Introduction to the history of and the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

    • What are Sacraments?

    • Understanding GIRM of the Roman Missal

    • Basic roles of music, the arts and diversity in the liturgy

    • Ministers of the liturgy and Liturgical Prayer

    • The altar, sacred vessels and sacred vestments

    • The altar server, past and present

  • Aims:

    • To introduce the concept of leadership and the Church's hierarchical order

    • To introduce the theology of service leadership

    • Introduce the importance of apologetics

    • Communication

    • To have insight into the civil legislation to which the Church must comply, particularly those guiding communication, equality and inclusion.

    Chapters:

    • Church Hierarchy and leadership

    • Apologetics

    • Means of Communication & technology;

    • Communication skills for serving and leadership

    • Organisational skills; leading Altar Servers and serving as an MC

    • Regulations and compliance in protecting people

  • Aims:

    • To introduce students to the basics of Service in the context of Christ's message and community

    • Reflect on effectively linking your Service and ministry to the Service of Christ.

    • Understand the importance of formation in Service of the Church

    • Reflections on the challenges facing Service

    Chapters:

    • The Basics of Theology of Service

    • What drives people to serve?

    • Requirement for Serving

    • Opportunities to Serve

    • Importance of formation and training in serving

    • Dealing with serving going wrong

Full Course Information

You can download the full course information which includes full details of each module at the link below.

Assessment

One written assignment of 1000 words are submitted for two modules, as well as a pastoral reflection of 250 words for one module.

The remaining modules will be assessed by formative methods such as quizzes, discussions and peer assessments. In addition, students will complete a reflective journal recording their pastoral / serving experiences. These methods will consider individual needs and learning group diversity.

There are no formal ‘exams’.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate:

  • A deeper understanding of the fundamentals of the Catholic faith

  • Personal growth in spiritual life and awareness of sacramental ministry

  • Development of skills for the ministry of serving

This is not a practical course on ‘how to serve Mass’, it is to assist with the further spiritual development and ongoing formation of the server, and to contribute to the ongoing development of the life of the parish and diocese.

Cost

The course is self-funded. Dioceses and parishes are encouraged to fund or part-fund this programme for prospective learners. The cost is £500.00 which is similar to other courses.

Expression of Interest

If you are interested in being part of this course, please complete the following Expression of Interest form, and we will be in-touch soon.