Camp for servers of Malacca-Johore Diocese

Jan 18, 2019

JOHOR: One hundred and eight altar server leaders from every parish in Malacca Johore Diocese took part in the very 1st Diocesan Altar Server Leaders’ Camp organised and facilitated by the Malacca Johore Diocese Liturgy Commission, together with the youth ministry and diocesan vocation at Majodi Centre Dec 3-6, 2018. The four-day camp aimed to reflect and cultivate the spirituality of the altar servers and also to deepen their love for the Eucharist.

Upon arrival, the servers were briefed about various activities lined up for them before they were divided into groups. The first activity was ice breakers, followed by praise and worship and Mass celebrated by Fr Lionel Thomas. After dinner, they had their first session and adoration led by Fr Lionel to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life. At the end of every day, the servers shared their high, low and Godly moments with their group members.

The next day started with praise and worship, followed by Mass in Bahasa celebrated by Fr Adrian Mathews. After breakfast, the station games organised by Jameson Tan sapped them of their energy. The games were designed to build important traits such as teamwork, better communication, initiative and excitement. After a short break, the next session was on their vision for holiness which allowed them to reflect on their practices as Catholics and altar servers. They were then given a chance to set goals for themselves to strive to be holier.

Day 3 began with praise and worship. After breakfast, a session on the role of an altar server was given by Fr Adrian to standardise the serving of the altar servers in the diocese. Then, Fr Adrian celebrated the Mass with a detailed explanation on the various parts.

After lunch, they sang action songs. They then prepared for the highlight of the camp which was the Festival Night after dinner. Some of the performances had everyone in stitches and gave them a reprieve from studies, exams and stress.

The fourth and final day of the camp started with praise and worship, followed by a Q&A session. The servers were given the opportunity to ask questions on any doubts they had with regards to their faith and the way they were taught to serve.

They were also taught to understand and follow the General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM).

After that, they packed their belongings and prepared for the Mass which was celebrated by Bishop Bernard Paul.

“Although I felt sad that our camp had come to an end, I took solace in the fact that there will be more camps in the future. The memories of the event will linger in my mind for a long time and many of us look forward to similar camps in the future,” said Zoe Anwen H. Kee.