by Ruth Clara Veigas
KUWAIT, DEC 3, 2018: Fifty-seven altar servers were inducted in the St. Teresa of Child Jesus parish in the North Arabian Vicariate, Kuwait on December 2.
Every year after receiving First Holy Communion in the month of May, the parish announces the registration for the new altarservers. A total number of 65 boys registered to join the altar servers’ ministry in 2018.
The boys were trained for 11 consecutive Saturdays by the Coordinators Pascal Fernandes and James Sequeira with the support of senior altar servers. They were taught to serve at Holy Mass and were also given knowledge of the sacred books, vestments, and the vessels used during the Mass. 90% attendance was mandatory, besides a written examination after which the boys were qualified for induction. All the boys performed exceptionally well in the written test and 10 boys scored 100% marks.
The induction ceremony took place during the Holy Eucharist which was celebrated by Father Lionel Braganza, concelebrated by Father Johnson Nedumpurath, and Father Blany Pinto. Parents of the altar servers and parishioners in large numbers participated at Holy Mass.
In the introduction, Father Braganza expressed his joy to see a large number of altar servers dressed in their robes present for the induction ceremony. In his homily, he stressed about the outward sign of inward grace received at Baptism, and that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. He also explained how parents and elders should help them grow in Christian dignity.
He reminded all that every Christian has to serve the Lord with gladness. He advised the altar servers to actively participate by singing and responding to prayers and stand at the altar with due respect during the Eucharistic celebration.
Father Pinto then called upon Christopher Rosario – coordinator, Ruth Clara Veigas – secretary and Clara Dsouza – treasurer, who had served for three years, and thanked them for their commitment and service during their tenure. He also invited the newly elected core: Oswald Aranha – coordinator, James Sequeira – secretary and Elvis D’Mello – treasurer and congratulated them on their new assignment.
After the Holy Mass, was the time to celebrate! All the boys assembled in the church courtyard and were felicitated as they cut the cake. All the parents and parishioners once again joined to witness the occasion and congratulate the boys.
“Since the past two years, I have been looking forward to joining the altar servers’ ministry. I received very good training and today I am ready and excited to serve. I will serve at the altar with joy and peace. I will ensure that I will participate at Mass by singing and responding to all the prayers during Holy Mass,” Altar Server, Ranon Arun Dsouza, who was newly inducted, said.
