We love our young people serving in the Sacred Liturgy. The primary reason they serve is to foster vocational discernment, especially the priesthood and consecrated life.
We have two programs: Altar Boys and the Daughters of St. Thèrése. Each of these groups serve the Lord in the Sacred Liturgy in a particular way, have fun outings, and learn about these vocations.
Those boys and girls who have received their first Holy Communion and whose families are registered, contributing and practicing parishioners of Christ the King are welcome to join.
These two groups are coordinated with the Schola Cantorum, our children’s choir, so that those who sing and serve can do both.
Altar Boys
The Altar Boys serve primarily the action of the Sacred Liturgy, focused on the altar and assisting the priest directly.
Four Altar Boys are scheduled for each Mass, but any Altar Boy is free to serve anytime he is at Mass in proper attire.
All Altar Boys are vested in cassock and surplice.
There are three ranks of Altar Boys: postulant (Elementary School), novice (Middle School), and master of ceremonies (High School). Promotion to the next level is determined more by demonstrated readiness than age. Those attaining to the level of master of ceremonies take a leadership role in the training of new Altar Boys and in planning activities with the men leaders.
There is an annual Altar Boy Boot Camp in the summer to learn about the Sacred Liturgy, prayer, living the faith, authentic masculinity, as well as to teach new recruits and refresh the training of veterans. Altar boys in high school participate in the annual Quo Vadis Days camp.
Daughters of St. Thèrése
The Daughters of St. Thèrése is named for St. Thèrése of Lisieux, Carmelite nun and Doctor of the Church, who served as a sacristan and who had a deep love for the Mass.
The Daughters of St. Thèrése primarily serve in the preparation of the Sacred Liturgy. The attentive nature of women best serves the detail oriented demands of the sacristy and preparations for Holy Mass. Their work echoes that of Our Lady who wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes and all the ways she was attentive to the details of caring for Him as He grew up, her attentiveness to the shortage of wine at the wedding feast of Cana, and the women who prepared Jesus' body for burial with linens and spices.
The Daughters of St. Thèrése make the preparations for Mass, preparing the sacred vessels, arranging the credence table, laying out the sacred vestments that will be worn by the priest and deacon, help distribute anything that needs to be distributed before Mass to the congregation, and bring up the gifts at the offertory. After Mass, they retrieve the vessels from the credence table and help the adult sacristan clean up.
Daughters of St. Thèrése who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation are encouraged (not required) to serve as readers at the Mass.
Two Daughters will be scheduled for each Mass, but any Daughter is free to vest and serve anytime she comes to Mass in proper attire.
The Daughters of St. Thèrése are vested in the tunic, cord, and scapular.
There are three ranks in the Daughters of St. Thèrése: postulant (Elementary School), novice (Middle School), and sister (High School). Promotion to the next rank is determined more by demonstrated readiness than age. Those attaining to the level of sister take a leadership role in the training of new Daughters and in planning activities with the women leaders.
During the year, the women leaders of the Daughters of St. Thèrése organize opportunities to come together to learn about the Sacred Liturgy, prayer, living the faith, the feminine genius, visit religious communities, and enjoy fun outings.