Altar Decorators
The Altar Decorators care for the physical beauty, cleanliness, and floral adornment of the sanctuary, altar, and sacred linens in accordance with the liturgical seasons.
Mission and purpose
To prepare a clean, worthy, and beautiful physical environment for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, respecting liturgical colours and norms for each feast and liturgical season.
Catholic identity and spirituality
Inspired by Saint Martha's generous hospitality and service to Jesus, combined with Mary's quiet adoration, viewing every cleaning task and floral arrangement as an act of prayer and praise.
History of the wider movement
Altar guilds have historically operated within Catholic parishes, often led by women and men devoted to the care of sacred vestments, church linens (corporals, purificators), and sanctuary decor.
Major activities and apostolate
Sanctuary decoration with fresh flowers, washing and ironing altar linens and vestments, preparing seasonal liturgical environments for Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, and maintaining church cleaning schedules.