Altar Servers and Waiters: Serving in Worlds Apart

Abstract

The Catholic mass is a sacred meal enacted for the community of the faithful. It is also a liturgical act that re-presents through sacramental means the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. These two theological strands merge in the liturgical actions of the mass. They might not be apparent if too much attention were to be given to the obvious aspects of the ritual. Both govern the theological basis of the rite.

Anybody can wait at table, but it requires a high degree of skill to perform the duties thoroughly well.

(A prosperous head waiter, Waiting at Table)