The Altar Boy Program at Assumption Grotto teaches boys to be men by practicing discipline and respect. Te Deum thinks that the masculinity shown through self and group discipline is good for both the altar boys and the men who comes to Mass, and that it can be compared to sports or military exercises.

This kind of discipline - self and group discipline, as well as the precision, is masculine. It’s not only manly for the young men who participate, but for the men who come to Mass. As a female, I am also more comfortable with the power, the strength, the majesty and the awe of it all.

I have read articles about how men are largely absent in the pews in contrast to females these days. I recall all too vividly when, in my childhood parish, the Stations of the Cross were taken down, and in their place were hung these paganistic, metal “pansies”. Potpourri took the place of candles and felt banners adorned every corner. Gold, silver and brass was ousted in favor of wood, wicker and clay. Thankfully, the current pastor of that parish fixed those things quickly when he came into the parish (along with several other things which needed fixing). Is it any wonder why there are fewer men involved at church when all things liturgical have been emasculated?!?

The actions of the boys is much like what we would see in sports or in military exercises (but, there is no “marching” and movements are more humble in nature). This, I believe, is one factor making it appealing to boys. As I’ve said before, this is their “baby”. They own it!

While they are at the center of action, they know they are not to be the center of attention. In the beginning when you first come to Grotto, it is so unusual to witness their activity that it does initially become a distraction. But something happens after being around it for awhile. Their disciplined, cadenced motions cause them to fade from our awareness, unlike the actions of the young man who was seen giggling at the service of the altar in the opening of my post.