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), the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph 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 two Saturday study days 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 September or October.

Modules

  1. Formation in Faith

  2. Understanding the Catholic Church

  3. Understanding Sacred Scripture

  4. Understanding Liturgy and Sacraments

  5. Communication, Leadership & People

  6. Understanding Service

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.

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.

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.

Full Course Information

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

Apply

Complete the application form to register for this year’s course intake.

[Apply Link]