Altar girls are called the same as altar boys: "altar servers". The term "altar server" is a gender-neutral term that can be used to refer to both boys and girls who assist the priest during liturgical celebrations. Recently, many parishes have opened up the role of altar server to girls as well as boys, recognizing the importance of including both genders in the liturgical life of the Church. As a result, the term "altar server" is now commonly used to refer to both boys and girls who serve at the altar.
Can girls be altar servers?
Yes, girls can be altar servers. The role of altar server is not restricted to boys or men, and girls are welcome to serve at the altar during liturgical celebrations. In fact, the Vatican declared in 1994 that it is permissible for women to serve at the altar, and many parishes around the world now have both male and female altar servers. The role of altar server is an important way for young people to participate in the liturgy and serve their faith community, regardless of gender.
What are Catholic altar servers called?
Catholic altar servers are commonly referred to as "ministrants", "acolytes" or "altar boys/girls". Note the difference: an acolyte is formally installed by the Church, a ministry reserved to men (canon 230, paragraph 1), while any boy or girl can serve as an altar server without formal installation. Altar servers are responsible for assisting the priest during liturgical celebrations, such as Mass, by carrying liturgical books, holding candles and performing other tasks as needed. Some parishes may also have a head altar server who is responsible for coordinating the altar servers and making sure that everything runs smoothly during the liturgy. Whatever the title, altar servers play an important role in the Catholic Church and are valued members of the liturgical community.
Are female altar servers permitted by canon law?
Yes. Canon 230, paragraph 2 allows lay people to serve at the altar. In 1994 the Congregation for Divine Worship confirmed that this includes girls and women, and Pope John Paul II approved the decision. Each bishop decides whether to allow female altar servers in his diocese, so the practice varies from parish to parish. Age limits and training requirements are set locally - see our guide to who can become an altar server.
What do altar girls wear?
In most parishes altar servers, boys and girls alike, wear a black cassock with a white surplice over it. Some parishes instead give girls a white alb or a cassock in a different color. The vestments are usually kept in the sacristy (also called the vestry), where the altar servers get ready before Mass.
See our surplices and cassocks for a complete altar server set.
