We have already seen the welcome return of readers and music to our Masses, and now altar serving is the next church ministry to make a comeback following a hiatus brought about by the pandemic.
Fr Antonio led a training session for all our altar servers on Sunday 29 August at St Joseph’s Church. The hour-long session was intended both as a refresher for those who had been serving before the pandemic and a gentle introduction to the ministry for new volunteers. Fr Antonio was assisted by Christopher Deane-Bower and Robert Purcell, the two parish stalwarts in altar serving, in the training of the servers.
The training session comprised both theory and practical elements. Fr Antonio explained the theology and ideology behind the ministry while Christopher and Robert led the practical side of the training.
Fr Antonio said: “It was a joy to see the altar serves back in the church, and it was obvious from their faces that they were happy to see each other again after so long.”
Further training is planned but we expect to have altar servers back at Mass in September.
If you would like to be an altar server, it is not too late! We always welcome new servers of all ages. There is no upper age limit; the only qualification is that you must have received your First Holy Communion. If interested, please contact the Parish office.