Initiation, investiture ceremonies for new Mass Servers at St. John Parish, Nsawam held

Initiation and Investiture ceremonies have been held for new Mass Servers of the St. John Parish, Nsawam under the Koforidual Diocese.

The Candidates numbering about 21 were commissioned on the feast of Epiphany.

Altar Servers, more commonly known as altar boys, are children or teenagers who assist a priest during Mass. Their name comes from the Latin word “ministrare” which means ‘’to serve”

Their role is recognized by the Conciliar Constitution as an integral part of the liturgic office, and as such demands, conduct and behaviour from those who serve that are in keeping with it. Altar Servers must follow the example of Jesus, who did not hesitate to place himself at the whole of humanity’s service and even sacrificed himself.

Not only during services, but also throughout everyday life, Altar Servers must live by following His example of love, generosity, commitment and precision. Altar Servers are Jesus’ ‘friends’, usually young people full of enthusiasm and willingness to take part in the activities of the Church by offering their contributions of love and devotion.

In the history of the Church there have been many characters who could represent the ideal model for Altar Servers, like Saint Tarcisius, who lived in the era of the first Christian communities in Rome and was killed by his pagan peers because he had made himself available to carry the Blessed Sacrament to Christians prisoners, or Saint Dominic Savio, who had Saint John Bosco as a teacher and guide, and devoted his (unfortunately short) life to his brothers and the community.