Altar Servers Reunion 2016 – Report

We are Proud to Serve

The Altar Servers Ministry at St. Joseph’s Parish , Highland Creek held its first ever Altar Servers Reunion on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at St Joseph’s Church.

The event began with celebration of Mass at 5:00 p.m. Rev. Fr. Tony was the main celebrant and was assisted by 17 Altar Servers. Three Altar Servers also took up the gifts at time of Offertory , while others helped with ushering and monetary collection. At the end of Mass , all Altar Servers were called up to gather around the altar to receive a blessing and sprinkling with Holy Water.

A meet and greet reception followed immediately , in the church hall. There was a large attendance of 55 or more Altar servers who served the parish in the past and also those currently serving , their parents, our Pastor, Rev. Fr. Oliver and Associate Pastor, Rev. Fr. Tony, some Executive members of Knights of Columbus and CWL, the Parish Team , and other parishioners too.

Eric Pinto, Head of the Altar Servers Ministry welcomed all those present and thanked them for attending and supporting the event. He mentioned that since being appointed to head the Altar Servers Ministry in Year 2000, he had the pleasure of recruiting and training 170 Altar Servers who served St. Joseph’s Church , over the years , with dedication and commitment. Many of them were awarded the Cardinal Carter or Bishop’s medallion for their exemplary service.

Currently , there are about 50- 60 active servers who assist at our weekend masses. Parents were thanked for their important role and for the support that they provide to this Ministry , which was regarded as a family Ministry. This event was made possible with the help of parents who generously provided finger foods for the occasion.

The CWL was recognized for its support in presenting cinctures and crosses to the servers , as well as an altar bell. The Knights of Columbus was also thanked for assisting with the purchase of a new Processional Cross.

Finally, Fr. Oliver and his Pastoral team was thanked very specially for their guidance, encouragement and support. Altar Servers then gathered for group pictures and cutting of a special celebration cake to mark this important occasion. Fr. Oliver was invited to say a few words and the grace, before food and refreshments was served.

Altar Servers and parents mingled freely for the rest of the evening. We heard from two past altar servers, Sharmini Emmanuel and Alphonsus Yoganathan, who served the parish for 15 and 17 years respectively, share their experiences as Altar Servers and how it impacted their personal and spiritual lives. A parent, Cyril Sequeira, also spoke positively of the Ministry and how his son and daughter had benefited from the experience.

Thus ended a very successful and memorable event, enjoyed by all who attended. Special thanks to Michelle D’Souza our MC who was of tremendous help to me, Alphonsus and Charles who assisted , inspite of their busy schedules , and to Lovina, our Professional Photographer, who captured some unforgettable moments of the event.

My sincere appreciation to my parents committee for their invaluable assistance, to plan and make sure everything went well.

To my Altar servers, I say a big thank you for the great service you provide. I entrust you to the loving care of our Heavenly Mother. Remember always, our motto, “We are Proud to Serve.”

Eric Pinto
Altar Servers Ministry.
St. Joseph’s Parish, Highland Creek