The altar servers of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Church of the Sacred Heart attended a retreat at the Gethsemane House, Belmont Circular Road on August 19.

The retreat was conducted by lay minister brother Wendell Noel, from the Laventille/Morvant Pastoral Area. The session began at 9:30 a.m. with an opening prayer following which brother Wendell Noel, addressed the servers about rules, guidelines, conduct and commitment.

After a 10:45 a.m. snack break the servers returned at 11:00 a.m. and gathered for prayer and worship. This was a very touching and moving experience. Lunch was served at noon. At 1:00 p.m. on their return from lunch they were all placed in groups of five, ages from 10 to 14 and 15 and over, with separate groups for females and males.

Brother Wendell, counselled the male servers while the female servers discussed plans for the next retreat. At the end of the session they were asked to proceed out of the building and collect something, which could be identified for use in the spiritual fold, for example, a stone – used for building a church or flowers used for decorating our altar.

At 2:00 p.m. Monsignor Cuthbert Alexander arrived and conducted a session with the servers. He enquired from them what they had learnt from the previous sessions and they replied in a positive manner.

 He further instructed them on their conduct and commitment as they lead the community in worship. At 3:30 p.m. the servers recited the oath of commitment in the presence of Monsignor Cuthbert Alexander, and the retreat ended at 3:45 p.m. with a vote of thanks given by Collin Jack, head altar server.