a) What are sacramentals?
Sacramentals are sacred signs (objects or actions) instituted by the Church to prepare us to receive the fruits of the sacraments and to make holy the different events of life. Some of the more commonly known sacramentals are blessings of persons, meals, objects, and places; blessing by the bishop or priest of an altar, holy oils, vestments, and vessels; and the use of blessed objects of devotion, such as holy water, candles, ashes, palms, crucifixes, medals, rosaries, scapulars, and images of our Lord, the Blessed Virgin, and the saints.
The chief benefits obtained by the use of sacramentals are: first, actual graces; second, forgiveness of venial sins; third, indulgences; fourth, health of body and material blessings; and fifth, protection from evil spirits.
b) Why should an Altar Server value the sacramentals?
The sacramentals help us become closer to God and go to heaven. These should be used with faith and devotion and not as objects of superstition.
The Altar Server is familiar with many of the sacramentals. He should share his knowledge with his relatives and friends so that they could also enjoy the benefits that can be obtained through them.