Altar Servers Formation Session on Sunday, 21st June, 2026 at NBVM

Parish News

The Altar Servers’ Formation Session brought together 48 servers aged from 11 years old to 17 years old for a day of learning, reflection, and fellowship centered on the Eucharist and their ministry at the altar.
The session began with a lively quiz on the Order of the Mass, serving as both a fun icebreaker and a valuable opportunity for the servers to refresh their knowledge of the liturgy. The activity immediately created an atmosphere of participation and enthusiasm, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

The formation focused on the Eucharist and the sacred calling of altar servers. To deepen their understanding of the Mass, the servers watched The Veil Removed, a powerful video that illustrates the unseen reality of the Eucharistic celebration. Through its portrayal of saints and angels joining the faithful in worship before God, the video reminded everyone that the Mass is far more than what is visible to the eye. It highlighted the profound privilege of serving at the altar and participating in the heavenly worship offered to God.

Building on this reflection, the servers were introduced to six saints whose lives continue to inspire those who serve the Church: St. Carlo Acutis, St. John Bosco, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Peter Julian Eymard, St. Clare of Assisi, and St. Tarcisius.

Each saint offered a unique example of love and devotion to Jesus. St. Carlo Acutis encouraged a deep love for the Eucharist, describing it as our “highway to heaven.” St. John Bosco reminded young people that holiness can be achieved through joy, friendship, and a close relationship with Christ. St. Thomas Aquinas demonstrated profound faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. St. Peter Julian Eymard dedicated his life to promoting Eucharistic devotion, while St. Clare of Assisi showed unwavering trust in Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. St. Tarcisius, the patron saint of altar servers, remains a powerful witness of courage and reverence for the Eucharist, even to the point of sacrificing his life.
Throughout the formation, one message stood above all: altar servers are not merely individuals carrying out different duties. They are one team gathered around Jesus, serving Him together at the altar. Love for Christ in the Eucharist and love for one another form the foundation of every altar server ministry.
To bring this message to life, the servers participated in a series of team-building activities. The first challenge involved stacking cups using ropes, a task that required communication, patience, coordination, and mutual trust. The activity quickly demonstrated that success could only be achieved when everyone worked together towards a common goal.

The second activity was a treasure hunt that led teams to various locations through a series of clues. Along the way, participants answered questions related to the saints they had learned about during the formation. The treasure hunt combined learning, teamwork, and problem-solving, encouraging the servers to put their newly gained knowledge into practice while working together as a team.
Through these activities, the servers experienced firsthand the importance of order, cooperation, communication, and unity. Just as every server has a specific role during the Mass, every member of a team has an important role to play in achieving a shared purpose.

The day concluded with a reminder that whenever altar servers put on their alb or cassock, they are answering a special call to serve Jesus Himself. As they gather around the altar, they are invited to serve with reverence, humility, and joy, always remembering that they are one family, united in Christ and called to bring His presence, peace, and love to the Church and the world. Here are some of the comments from the participants :-

  1. I learned the importance of Mass and that we are serving God.(Jayden; 17y/o);
  2. I learned how important it is to work as a team.(Aaron; 16 y/o);
  3. If all co-operate, we can handle any task.(Preshan; 17 y/o);
  4. I learned alot about teamwork and I appreciate the new friends I made. (Belicia; 17 y/o);
  5. Teamwork….the activities taught us how to work together and co-operate better in our service. (Rita; 15 y/o);
  6. The formation session was very interesting for it has taught me about co-operation and that serving at Mass is a great honour.(Justine; 16 y/o);
  7. I learned that without leadership things can go the way you did not plan.(Samson; 15y/o);
  8. Being able to handle a team well is an important quality of a good leader. This ensures everyone works together effectively.(Vieveena; 17 y/o);
  9. I have learned the importance of working together with other altar servers and about the saints and their lives. (Alexandra; 11 y/o);
  10. We need to work together as a team while serving at Mass. (Jotham; 15y/o);
  11. I learned that teamwork is very important. I am also happy to know other altar servers.( Archer; 12 y/o); and
  12. I learned about teamwork and the saints. I didn’t know that there was a patron saint for altar servers until that day.(Yvaine; 14 y/o).

(FJ & PL; Altar Servers Ministry)