St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Combined Altar Servers’ Camp

May 15, 2015

SANDAKAN (Herald Malaysia): A three-day trilingual (English, BM and Mandarin) Altar Servers’ Camp was organized at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sandakan March 19-21. The camp, facilitated by Rev Fr Sunny Chung, attracted 98 participants from St Mary’s Cathedral, St Joseph’s Church, St. Mark’s Church, St. Paul’s Church Ulu Dusun and Our Lady Of Fatima Church, Beluran.

The programme began with a welcome speech by Fr Sunny, followed by an ice-breaker session. The Opening Mass was presided over by Fr Sunny. Then it was time for a BBQ dinner. Also in attendance were the Parish Priest, Fr. Thomas Makajil, and the PPC Chairman, Pilis Malim.

Re-ignite the spirit of serving and build friendship was the theme for the camp. Many Altar Servers commented that they had never attended such a big camp before. Usually, such camps are organized at church level but this time around, it was organized at diocese level, involving all churches.

The theme is self-explanatory and clearly projected the real purpose of the camp. Likewise, the input sessions given by Fr. Sunny moved us to recommit ourselves to serve better.

On the second day of the camp, the first session titled Vocation to a Special Ministry encouraged all the Altar Servers to realize their identity, that they are all called to be special ministers of the Altar. Altar servers are not there at the Altar, just to fulfill their duty, but most importantly, they are called by God, like other ministers, to bring believers closer to God through their actions.

They were then introduced to the Patron Saints for Altar Servers — St John Berchmans and St Tarcisius, the martyr of the Eucharist. These saints are not only there to guide them in their ministry but also to set an example of faithfulness and self-giving in the ministry to which they are called.

The third session, called Back to Basics. stressed on the tasks at the altar and recognizing the sacramental utensils used in the liturgical celebration. On the last day of the camp, all participants were called to observe the procedures on how they would serve when they return to their respective churches, so that all Altar Servers will have a similar way of serving at the Altar; yet still adaptable according to the circumstances and settings of each church.

Everyone had a great time during the three-day camp. They had the opportunity to make more friends and obtain a new perspective of their ministry as an Altar Server.

Some Sharings

‘I am very happy that I was able to participate in this camp. I learnt a lot about the role of Altar Servers during Mass. I was especially glad to get to know many friends from the different language groups. I am looking forward to the next one.’ -- Desmond Loo (SMC- CCC)

‘I was truly happy to be able to attend this camp. With the initiative and guidance from Fr Sunny Chung, the three-language group of Altar Servers was able to come together and spend three days in the camp. During this camp, I was able to understand better the role of an Altar Server. Through talks, sharings, games, etc., I learned about the joy of serving as an Altar Server. It is my hope that such camps will be held annually.’ -- Allan Francisco Tsen (SMC- CCC)

‘I am extremely happy to make new friends from the different churches in our parish. I am glad to learn that so many young people are serving as Altar Servers. I pledge to continue serving the Church as long as I am needed.’ -- Anthony Sin (SMC-CCC)

‘I am very happy to have attended this camp. From the camp, I learnt about the role of an altar server in the Mass. At the same time, I got to know many new friends.’ -- Jonathan Chin (SMC-CCC)