Saint John Berchmans was the oldest son of a shoemaker. He was only 5 years old when he decided he was going to be a priest. He lived in a rectory and went to school. A few years later, his father said he would have to come home and work in the shoemaker shop to help the family. Instead of quitting his studies for the priesthood, Saint John Berchmans arranged to become a servant in the household of a priest, and sent his wages home to his family in order to continue his studies.
Saint John Berchmans was a very holy young man. He made pilgrimages to a nearby Marian shrine as often as he could. Saint John Berchmans changed his vocation from becoming a diocesan priest to becoming a Jesuit priest. This meant he could no longer help his family financially, but his father allowed the change.
Saint John Berchmans was impulsive but kind and friendly, and went about his ordinary tasks with extraordinary love. In 1621, He died before his ordination at the age of 22. Saint John Berchmans is the patron saint of altar servers. He will help you complete everyday tasks with great love. Just ask him to intercede for you. You can also ask him to help you pay attention at mass and to participate to the best of your ability, whether or not you are an altar server.