Not in the State of grace

[Simon Carrington]

As an alter server or acolyte, are we permitted to serve on Holy Ground if we are not in the State of Grace. should i have not served on the sanctuary if my soul was unclean?

[DavidObeid]

A priest may not celebrate Mass whilst in a state of mortal sin, but I don't think the same applies for servers.

In any case, if someone is in a state of mortal sin and in a situation where they are going to serve Mass, there is a priest nearby, and the Sacrament of Confession should be made use of!

[Michael Canaris]

The validity of a Sacrament is not dependant on the state of those administering/assisting it (to say otherwise is impolitic and potentially smacks of Donatism.)

Article XXVI (http://www.eskimo.com/~lhowell/bcp1662/articles/articles.html#26) of my 39 Articles is in substantial accord with Rome on that point.

[DavidObeid]

When I said "may not" I did not mean "can not".

Don't fear any Donatism here Michael, but thanks for keeping an eye on me. :)

[Lagrange]

I don't know of any principle that states one cannot serve if not in the state of grace. You can, just as it's not sinful to attend Mass under the same circumstances. Obviously though, holy communion cannot be received until after Confession.