a) What is the fifth precept of the Church?
The fifth precept of the Church is: to help to provide for the material needs of the Church, according to one’s ability.
The first way to help the Church is to pray for her each day, so that she may carry out her mission in the best possible way. Then, we should also help the Church through our efforts, time, money, or material things.
b) Why should an Altar Server know and live the fifth precept of the Church?
The Church needs the Altar Server. He supports the Church through his special role of serving in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, as well as through his other prayers and acts of service. The Eucharist, he should remember, is the font and summit of the Church’s life.
The Altar Server’s enthusiasm in serving the Church will lead him to invite friends who could possibly serve the Church and attend the Altar Servers’ means of formation as he does.