The archdiocese’s altar servers have been urged to pray and support each other as they continue serving God and the Church.

Celebrating one of his “favourite liturgies” of the year last Sunday, Archbishop Edward Gilbert told more than 200 altar servers gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception that even though they might be young, they were in fact performing a ministry.

“You may not think of yourself in those terms, but the Church benefits,” he said, urging them to exercise their ministry in such a way that their peers might become interested in serving.

The occasion was the 15th annual Trinidad and Tobago Altar Servers Council Thanksgiving and Appreciation Mass and, using the readings, the archbishop told the servers to have the courage to stand up for their faith, noting that one of their greatest strengths was in having each other.

Archbishop Gilbert offers the Sign of Peace to a group of young altar servers at last Sunday’s annual Altar Servers Mass of Thanksgiving. Raymond Syms photos

Altar servers exchange the Sign of Peace.

“The more you stay together in support of each other, the safer you are because of shared values,” he advised the servers, saying that many of their other peers might have given up their values and faith and “they are a danger to you”.

He explained that they might encourage the servers to compromise their values and faith and be like them. 

“Pray for one another. Pray for perseverance, witness and companionship. Increase it. Double it,” Archbishop Gilbert said, adding that he did not mind them wanting to serve into their late teens and even continuing into their 30s and 40s. “Worshipping God is not something that ever stops,” he remarked.

Archbishop Gilbert was the chief celebrant while concelebrants were Msgr Urban Peschier and visiting priest Fr Patrick Alexander, who was born in La Brea but who ministers in Grenada.

Episcopal Delegate for Youth, Sr Kathy Joseph OP, was present and joined the St Francis (Belmont) Music Ministry as it led the singing.

In comments before the final blessing, TTAC president Courtney Lezama elicited applause as he mentioned that the council was now 15 years old.

He thanked parents for their encouragement, those who participated in activities organised by the TTAC through the year, Archbishop Gilbert and the Archdiocesan Youth Secretariat.

He also took the time to recognise Harris Mahase of Coryal, an altar server who nearly died before having life-saving heart surgery.

Lezama also thanked the TTAC Executive, special adviser Anthony Alexander and all altar servers for giving him the challenge of the presidency six years ago.

He added: “Your work is never finished but as long as you put God first, you’ll be alright. Thanks for taking up the challenge to serve God in your parish.”

Before Lezama’s short address, altar servers recited the altar server’s promise:
I promise to give allegiance to and follow the directions of the Church, the priests, head altar server and all others in authority.
I will be loyal to my commitments and observe the rules and guidelines of the altar servers at all times.
I promise to serve all my assignments, to substitute when called upon, to attend all meetings and to give of my best always, to the honour and glory of Almighty God.
I will do my best to build up the Body of Christ, which is the Churchto which I belong.
Amen. - RS