Serving the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Elevation of the liturgy through reverent service.

The mission of St. Michael’s Guard is to provide the highest level of discipline, reverence, and humility serving at the Lord’s Holy Altar, with fervent study and practice of the rites of the Roman Catholic Church.  The guardsman’s dedication to knowledge, discipline, reverence, and humility assists the celebrant in entering more deeply into communion with Christ and draws the congregation into the majesty and beauty of the sacred mysteries. 

The goal of the Guard is the sanctification of the guardsmen by the dedication, study, and discipline required to serve at the Lord’s altar.  This is accomplished through instructing the guardsmen in the highest manner of serving, in accordance with the rubrics and rites of the Roman Catholic Church, and through teaching the guardsmen the richness, symbology, and purpose of the ceremonies in which they are partaking.  Through the witness of the guardsmen, inspiration is given to the faithful to participate more fully in the sacred Liturgy.

Called to Serve…..

“Beauty then, is not mere decoration, but rather an essential element of the liturgical action, since it is an attribute of God himself and his revelation. These considerations should make us realize the care which is needed, if the liturgical action is to reflect this splendor.”

Pope Benedict XVI