05/04/2004: "The pinacle of holiness: altar servers"

After reading another article about a Catholic politician and their views that contradict Church teaching, I was struck by a trend I've seen in these types of articles, not just recently but as long as I can remember. It seems that everytime the media references a public figure and are trying to 'beef up' their Catholic credentials, it always seems to go something like this: "Mr. X, who takes their faith very seriously and was an alter server growing up..."

What is it with the media thinking that the pinnacle of all holiness being summed up in being an altar server? Of course it is a wonderful way to serve The Church as a child, but I wouldn't want to go to Vegas with someone's holiness based on their service as an altar server. For crying out loud, my stinking Athiest dad was an altar server for years and he talks about it like it was a joke. How many children are altar servers not because they care that much for their faith but because of the guidance of their parents? How many parents talk their kids in to being altar servers not because they are really goaling for holiness but they feel guilty about their lack of faith guidance that they're giving their children? It is probably the most inaccurate measure of someone's faith I can think of. (OK, that's exagerating, but you get my exasperated point!)

Any thoughts? Why does the media think being an altar server is the key sign of holiness?