KUCHING — A live-in camp for altar servers was held on 3 – 5 June, at Holy Trinity Church, Kenyalang with the theme: ‘Being a Servant of the Lord’.
This camp was organised for the first time by the parish altar servers’ ministry and 20 servers participated.
Jason Chen, ministry leader of the altar servers’ ministry and camp leader gave a brief introduction, and this was followed by ice-breaking activities to get to know one another and bond together.
Felix Kong, chairman of parish pastoral council & liturgical committee gave the 1st formation session and reflection on understanding the mass & liturgy.
A water balloon game that emphasized on team building & team work was introduced. In the evening, a workshop and discussion to reflect on ways to improve the altar servers’ ministry was facilitated by Jason.
After a short morning walk in the nearby Traffic Garden, the 2nd formation session was given by Nicholas Goh, senior advisor to the altar servers’ ministry.
This was on the 10 qualities of leadership & ministry of altar servers. This was followed by “disability game workshop” which stressed on teamwork, co-operation, learning to adapt & learning how to lead. After that, Jason facilitated practical training and procedure for weekend & weekday masses.
Then the servers relaxed during lunch and movie at ‘The Spring’ shopping mall. This was followed by Mass, barbecue & fellowship night where the servers interacted as a community.
On the last day, Fr Patrick Heng, parish priest & spiritual director for the altar servers’ ministry celebrated Mass and gave the last formation session on what it meant to be a Servant of the Lord. Reflection from John 13:1-15 was followed by the rite of washing of the feet of one another.
After that, the servers cleaned the church and had a group photo. Evaluation & feedback were mostly positive and a proposal was made that another camp should be organised in the near future.
The organisers wish to express their gratitude to the parents for allowing their children to participate in this 1st ever altar servers’ camp. May our good Lord bless and reward you abundantly.
Testimonies:
I felt very happy because I met new friends but at the same time I felt very sad because the good time spent is too short. The camp was helpful. I learnt to be more tolerant towards one another, the importance of teamwork and leadership skills, and lastly trust worthiness among one another.
— Nicholas Dean Yong, Leader & Sunday Morning Mass Altar Server
I felt motivated and more inspired to serve the Lord and more committed in altar serving as well. In my opinion, this camp was very useful and helpful as it taught me many different skills ranging from teamwork to commitment. Besides that, I also learnt that altar server is not just an ordinary person dressed in white helping the priest throughout the mass, but a servant to the Lord and a role model for the congregation to motivate them and teach them the correct method in serving the Lord.
— Cornelius Tan, Saturday Sunset Mass Altar Server
I did learn something from the camp, and at the same time, I felt happy but sad because the camp was only for 3 days so it was very short. However, I learnt that commitment and teamwork is vital when working together in a team especially when we are serving God.
— Erin Samantha Fenner, Sunday Morning Mass Server
After attending the camp, I felt happy as it was useful to me. I also learnt about the purpose and meaning of being an altar server.
— Dionysius Sim, Sunday Morning Mass Server
I felt that the camp was very meaningful though it isn’t easy to serve as an altar boy. The camp was useful to me because I learnt new skills and made new friends. It also made me more determined to serve well.
— Benedict Ong, Sunday Evening Mass Server
Nicholas Goh
