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‘Grande’ servers give thanks

Fr Raymond Francis (right) prays over altar servers at the Altar Servers Mass at St Francis of Assisi, Sangre Grande.

Altar servers of the Sangre Grande/Coryal/Toco/Matelot cluster were encouraged to “focus more on training and preparation of the altar” while building a personal relationship and prayer life with Jesus.

Fr Raymond Francis, parish priest issued this advice to 85 altar servers at a Thanksgiving Mass hosted by St Francis of Assisi RC, Sangre Grande on July 22.

In his homily, Fr Francis said it is often heard of altar servers “falling by the wayside” after they leave the ministry by turning to other vices and not to the person of Jesus Christ. He told the young people to also think about their “high points and low points” in their service to God, and the times when they were rostered to serve and they did not show up.

As he prayed over the altar servers, Fr Francis asked them to link arms with each other as the choir sang an appropriate meditation hymn. He also invited them to hug each other as a symbol of strengthening the brotherhood and sisterhood in the ministry.

Fr Francis suggested the altar server thanksgiving celebration be annual so that the altar servers’ contribution to the liturgy would be recognised.

Joining the celebration were altar servers from the Franciscan House of Prayer, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Port of Spain, and the Our Lady of Fatima RC Church, Curepe. The Sangre Grande Altar Server Ministry had built a relationship with these groups.

Two senior altar servers, former assistant Head Altar Server, Kyle Charles, and outgoing assistant Head Altar Server, Racine Ramnath were honoured before the final blessing. Both were leaving the ministry to further their studies. Presentations were also made to 11 persons who assisted the Altar Servers Ministry by giving of their time, talent and treasure. – Kristian Luces, Head Altar Server, St Francis of Assisi Parish, Sangre Grande