1.   Across the nation, girl altar servers have for the most part been welcomed without much opposition.

2.   But three years ago, the Vatican, after being lobbied by American bishops, did reverse its longtime prohibition on girl altar servers.

3.   Now, across the nation, girl altar servers like Clare McLoughlin of Our Lady Help of Christians, have been welcomed without much opposition.

4.   The exclusion of girl altar servers was merely a tradition the church needed to end, church officials said.

5.   Vatican officials say, however, that their ruling on girl altar servers is in no way a precursor to women priests.