THE GUILD OF SAINT CARLO ACUTIS
The Guild of Saint Carlo Acutis exists to encourage, positively and practically, the highest standards of serving at the Church’s liturgy and so contribute to the whole community’s participation in a more fruitful worship of God; and to provide altar servers with a greater understanding of what they are doing so that they may serve with increasing reverence and prayerfulness and thereby be led to a deepening response to their vocation in life.
Ranks of the Guild:
Postulant — Those wishing to join the Guild begin serving Mass and training to learn additional roles. They must have made their First Holy Communion, be at least seven years of age, and are capable of following instructions and being respectful.
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Junior Server — Junior servers receive their pewter medal on a black ribbon. They must have mastered the minor positions, be at least nine years old, and are well-behaved in the Sacristy and during Holy Mass.
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Senior Server — Senior servers wear their pewter medal on a red ribbon. They must have mastered the major positions, be at least twelve years old, are attentive and reverent during Holy Mass, and are actively pursuing the life of grace.
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Master of Ceremonies — Master of Ceremonies have proven their reliability as well as fidelity to the rule of punctuality, intelligence and reverence while serving, and must have a thorough knowledge of all the serving positions. They wear their gold medal on a red ribbon, are at least fifteen years old, have received their confirmation, and are recognized as an exemplary model of guild membership.
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Guild President — The Guild President is appointed by the Pastor. He wears the medal of the Master of Ceremonies over a black cassock with red cuffs.
Membership in the Guild:
1. Membership is open to all who have made their first Holy Communion, regardless of age, who can serve Mass and who show a desire to conform to the purpose of the Guild.
2. Members promise to maintain the Four Rules.
3. Members are responsible for being present for Mass when serving, having a clean appearance, and keeping their cassock and surplice clean.
4. In the Basilica Parish, a meeting is held quarterly to include morning Mass, breakfast, fraternity, and some form of catechesis or training.
Advancing in the Guild:
Those seeing full membership or advancement in the Guild of Saint Carlo Acutis should express their desire to the Guild President or to their Pastor. Ceremonies of promotion will routinely occur either during guild meetings, or at specified times during the year.
Junior Server:
Those seeking promotion to Junior Server must fulfill these requirements:
1. Mastered the minor positions of torchbearer, boat bearer (navicularius), and missal bearer,
2. Passed the Junior Server written exam,
3. Can recite from memory the Guild Prayer.
4. Recognized as well-behaved in the Sacristy and during Holy Mass,
5. Be at least nine (9) years old.
Senior Server:
Those seeking promotion to Senior Server must fulfill these requirements:
1. Mastered the major positions of acolyte, crucifer, and thurifer,
2. Passed the Senior Server written exam,
3. Can recite from memory the Memorare and the Prayer of Saint Michael,
4. Recognized as attentive and reverent during Holy Mass
5. Sincere in their pursuit of the life of grace,
6. Be at least twelve (12) years old.
Master of Ceremonies:
Those seeking promotion to Master of Ceremonies must fulfill these requirements:
1. Proficient in all serving roles and competent in their understanding of the Roman Missal and the ceremonies of the Mass,
2. Passed the Master of Ceremonies written exam,
3. Can recite from memory and in the Latin language the Pater Noster, the Ave Maria, and the Gloria Patri,
4. Recognized as respectful and an exemplary representation of behavior of a guild member,
5. Be at least fifteen (15) years old,
6. Have received the sacrament of Confirmation,
7. Have served at least two years.
