A 2001 Vatican document clarifies that bishops cannot compel priests to include female altar servers. The document, issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship, reaffirms priests' rights over liturgical decisions in their parishes. The ruling was a response to a bishop seeking to mandate female altar servers. The 2001 clarification allows priests to continue using only male servers if they choose. The document quotes a 1994 circular letter emphasizing the tradition of boys serving at the altar.
21 days ago
A 2001 Vatican document clarified that bishops cannot compel priests to include female altar servers in their parishes 1. The letter, issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, reaffirmed the rights of priests to make liturgical decisions 1. This ruling responded to a bishop seeking to mandate female altar servers, emphasizing that priests may continue using only male servers 1.
In 1994, the Holy See permitted the use of female altar servers, but the 2001 clarification ensured priests could maintain male-only servers 1. The document referenced the "noble tradition" of male altar servers fostering vocations to the priesthood 1. The earliest papal reference to women serving at the altar dates back to Pope Gelasius I in the 5th century, who expressed concern over women in liturgical roles reserved for men 1.
Since the 1990s, bishops have taken different stances on female altar servers 1. Some, like Archbishop Blase Cupich, have insisted on their inclusion, while others, like Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, have ordered a return to male-only service 1. A draft policy in 2025 from Bishop Michael T Martin sought to prohibit boys-only altar server programs, but it faced backlash and was shelved 1.
Arguments against female altar servers cite departures from tradition and a potential negative impact on vocations to the priesthood 1. Some Catholics believe including women blurs the concept of altar service as a step towards priesthood 1. Despite allowing female altar servers, Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI primarily used male servers, while Pope Francis has used both 1.
The Church clarifies roles of men and women in liturgy.
The Catholic Church distinguishes the roles of men and women in the liturgy, clarifying what roles each can perform. While some roles are reserved for men, others are open to both men and women.
In summary, the Catholic Church, while reserving priestly ordination to men, recognizes the valuable contributions of women in various liturgical roles. Recent developments, such as the ability for women to be instituted as lectors and acolytes, reflect a growing recognition of women's participation in the Church's mission, rooted in their baptismal priesthood.