New altar servers at Carenage

On Saturday, August 23, the parish community of St Peter’s RC Church witnessed the joyful commissioning of four new altar servers by Vicar General Fr Martin Sirju.

Holy Mass began with a spirited version of ‘Rejoice my soul’ by the St Peter’s Music Ministry.

The candidates, Uriel Paul-Franklin, Shinnel Jules, Richard Brooks and Phea Telesford, were invited to sit in the seats of honour before Fr Sirju, and publicly confirm their dedication to their new roles, for which Fr Sirju expressed gratitude.

He highlighted to the congregation that altar servers are often seen right after the priest. Though all ministries in the Church are ministries of service, their service is one of the most vital.

When asked, “How well they must serve,” their response was, “You must serve well,” a simple yet profound answer that brought smiles to the faithful.

Fr Sirju then took a moment to reflect on the words of the poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins: “The world is charged with the grandeur of God.” He explained that the way altar servers carry out their duties should help the faithful see that grandeur more clearly.

He reminded the candidates the first person they serve is God, but that their service extends beyond the altar. It should impact their daily lives, their conduct, and even their academics.

After the homily, the Pastoral Assistants affirmed before the congregation that the new altar servers had been properly trained for this ministry.

Fr Sirju then addressed the candidates with these words: “Are you willing to accept before God and this congregation, this Ministry of serving at the Altar of God with all the faith and love God places in your heart?”

With strong conviction and in unison, the newly commissioned altar servers responded: “I am, with the help of God and my brothers and sisters.”

The parents of the altar servers also made a vow to commit themselves to supporting their children in this new role.

Their albs were then brought forward by senior altar servers, blessed by Father, and placed on each newly commissioned altar server by his/her parent, which further solidified their parents’ commitment and support.

They were each blessed by Fr Sirju and officially began their duties of serving at the altar of God. – Chrisel Foster