About St. Tarcisius

St. Tarcisius was a twelve year old altar server from the third century who was martyred protecting the Blessed Sacrament from an angry Roman mob. He was willing to sacrifice his life for his love and devotion to Jesus Christ.

St. Tarcisius was named the patron saint of altar servers because of his faith and dedication. Pope Damascus wrote a poem about the young St. Tarcisius calling him "the boy martyr of the Eucharist". St. Tarcisius is an example of a boy who had the courage and faith to defy a Roman mob to defend the Blessed Sacrament.

Many Catholics give a St. Tarcisius medal or a St. Tarcisius pendant to children studying to be altar servers in their parish. Wearing a St. Tarcisius medal reminds the children of the importance of their altar server duties and that they should be devout and earnest when they are serving at Mass.

Alter Server Prayer after Mass

Lord Jesus,
thank you for the opportunity
to serve You during the Holy Mass.
In Your Sacred Presence,
my heart is filled with joy and peace.
May Your Spirit always guide me
so I may grow in Your love
by the grace of the Heavenly Father. Amen.

Prayer for Altar Servers

Father in heaven,
your Son, Jesus Christ showed his love for you
by serving his needy brother and sisters.
I now ask you to give me your help
as I serve you and your people.
Open my mouth to praise you in word and song.
Open my ears to hear your Word.
Open my hands to do your work well.
Take from my heart all distracting thoughts.
Help me know what I should do, and do it well.
Help me to serve reverently at your holy altar,
and so give you praise and glory,
now and forever.
Amen.