Ahead of our Altar Servers' Day (Saturday 13 September), we asked Fr Robert Taylor, of St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, to share his memories of being an altar boy.

The below article appears in our Newsletter for Altar Servers available to download here (hard copies being sent to all parishes soon).

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"I loved being an altar server.

It is a real privilege to be so close to the incredible moments of the Mass.

I was an altar server at Our Lady & St Andrew’s in Galashiels. That’s me on the left.
With the late Monsignor Tony Duffy during Mass in Lourdes. Right, celebrating Mass at the Cathedral.

As an altar server, you are a member of an important team serving God and the parish community.

Here are my tips on being a good altar server:

  • Focus: Make sure you pay attention to what happens at Mass, get ready for the parts where you assist the priest.
  • Set a good example: On the altar you are providing an important witness on how to behave and act to your fellow servers and the congregation.
  • Pray and prepare: Most of all I encourage you to pray well in preparation and during Mass.
Here’s me in Lourdes, France, in 2002. Great memories!

A big thanks to all servers in the Archdiocese for serving at their parish and for being a member of the Guild of St Cuthbert."

The Altar Servers’ Day is on Saturday 13 Sep 2025, 11:00am to 3:00pm at The Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1BB. Parents should register their child(ren) by contacting their parish priest. Our newsletter for Altar Servers will be sent to all parishes and is available to download here.