Whatever happened to Altar Boys ?

Dionysius2

Where have the Altar Boys (& Girls) gone ? Haven't seen one in our church for about 5 years or more ? Is it the same everywhere else ?

Snappy Smurf

Well maybe they are not used so much because of all the abuse scandals. Maybe it's easier not to have them. I don't know, but this seems possible.

The other thing is, it seems to be the case that when altar girls set up, there tends to be a drop off in altar boys. If the girls lose interest, then there is nobody to do it.

These are just ideas but perhaps somebody might do a doctoral thesis on the issue to find out what's what.

messrs

still alter boys and girls in my local church

Caiseoipe19

Still are in my local church.

Galwayguy35

There are still altar boys/girls in the local church.

Snappy Smurf

There are altar boys and girls in my church.

Dionysius2

Still can't figure out what's going on with the altar servers. What seems to be the case is that in many areas of the country the Altar Boys & Girls are continuing as before while in many other areas they have not been seen on altars for ages. The pace of change in rural though is, as ever, cautious.

totus tuus

I go to Mass in our local Cathedral, and I haven't seen any altar servers there!

It's possible that many parents are probably lapsed catholics and they don't bother to go to Mass or send their children either, which may be why there is a shortage of servers!

Saint Ruth

Still alter boys/girls in my local church. More girls than boys for some reason.
Perhaps in your parish the demographics are older...