Certificate in Altar Servers Studies
Registration is now open for September 2026. Please keep reading and find the registration link at the bottom of this page.
The Guild of St Stephen is delighted have have partnered with the Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (HIRS), Deacon Dr Harry Schnitker of the Maryvale HIRS 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 final Saturday study day at Oscott College providing practical workshops and training from experts in the field in 6 modules delivered over a period of 6 months. The course runs once a year starting each September.
Target audience
For adult 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
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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
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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’
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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
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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
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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
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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
The Maryvale Website for this course contains further details regarding the course structure.
Assessment
One end of course written assignment of 1000 words.
The individual modules are assessed by formative methods such as quizzes, and a pastoral reflection of 250 words for each module. 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
The course 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. You can discuss help funding this course with the priest in charge of your parish or Diocese Formation team.
The cost is £500.00 which is similar to other courses of this type.
Dates for September 2026 intake
Dates and times are subject to change. Sessions are all held online via video conference.
16th September, 18:00 (Welcome Session)
13 October 2026, 18:00
10 November 2026, 18:00
8 December 2026, 18:00
19 January 2027, 18:00
23rd January 2027 - Saturday in-person session at Oscott College
9 February 2027, 18:00
9 March 2027, 18:00
Testimonials
A mid-course survey of students on the initial run of this course found that all students found that the course did not take up more time than they expected. Almost all students found the live sessions with the course tutors useful and found the pastoral reflection format after each module valuable, and felt part of a community that was learning together.
"Overall, I am very impressed with how they integrated the material." - Course Tutor
"I am impressed with the level of writing and the content of reflection that the students have done. In many ways, their writing is better than some of the students pursuing degrees." - Course Tutor
"The modules are clearly designed and organised and communication between Maryvale staff has been good." - Course Tutor
"They were a lovely group of students and several were actively engaged. They were complimentary about the module and I was impressed overall." - Course Tutor
"I enjoyed giving the lecture and also the seminar with the students. They were interested and engaged." - Course Tutor
Register for September 2026 intake
If you are ready to register on this course on the September 2026 intake, please complete the following form.