By Galvin Isaac
SERIAN — On Saturday, 19 October 2024, St Theresa’s Parish Serian organised an Altar Servers Workshop at St James, Kampung Paon Gahat. The workshop involved altar servers from several villages such as Kampung Paon Gahat as the hosting village, Kampung Paon Rimu, Kampung Krait Situbuh, Kampung Krait Mawang, Kampung Sumpas Tampek, Kampung Sungai Aping, Kampung Sungai Paoh, Kampung Sungai Buru and Kampung Tong Nibong. Up to 96 participants from the nine villages participated in the workshop.
The day began with registration of the participants and a welcoming session, followed by a presentation by Mr Augustine Lian. Mr Augustine spoke about the importance of the altar server ministry, the six liturgical seasons including the colours of each season, and the items that are used in a Mass.
After that, Mr Christ Davis (St Theresa’s Altar Server leader), explained each part of a Mass to give clarification to everyone involved. The last presenter, Mr Jesse William, did a practical of a Mass together with four altar servers from some of the participating villages. Furthermore, he gave a short briefing regarding what to do and what not to do in a Mass.
The workshop concluded with a Mass by Fr Robert Jissem. Four participants from the workshop served the Holy Mass guided by one of St Theresa’s altar servers. During his homily, Fr Robert thanked the altar servers for their service and encouraged them to continue to grow in their faith.
The Altar Servers Workshop is an event that provides youths with the opportunity to learn more about altar serving and to strengthen their relationship with God.
Most importantly, the workshop encourages the youths to fulfill their responsibilities as Catholics, to live fully by faith, encourage others to learn more about the Catholic Church and to remind them about the second coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
