by Gerard Chong
The yearly event, also known as a “budaya keturunan” (inherited tradition), for the Altar Servers involves organizing a camp during Holy Week to support their preparation for the Holy Week Masses and services.
The senior servers arrived at Fr. Mulders Catechetical Centre on April 17, 2025, to conduct cleaning and set up for the camp, as well as to participate in gotong royong at the cathedral.
All servers were expected to participate in the Stations of the Cross at St. Mary’s Cathedral on April 18, 2025, at 9:00 AM. Stephen Simeon, a senior altar server, then delivered a Good Friday briefing. Gerard Chong and Adriel Jared, two altar servers from the Cathedral, also helped Deacon Ricki Boy at St. Peter’s Church in Sg Manila.
Dinner was served after the Good Friday service, and the senior servers led icebreaker games, sessions, and sharing moments with the junior and freshie servers to foster happy memories and camaraderie in the camp setting.
The first session called “Introduction to Altar Server” was led by Gerard Chong. In order to inspire the servers to deepen their faith in God via their service at the altar, he talked about appropriate gestures, discipline, how to serve with faith, and his own experience as an altar server.
Marshall Owen in his session
Marshall Owen then conducted the next session called “Ignis Dei – Serve with Faith and Fire.” This session’s objective was to encourage all servers to serve with zeal and commitment, encouraging them to keep the “fire” burning brightly in their hearts for the Lord.
On April 19, 2025, a special session and briefing was conducted by Deacon Ricki Boy, focusing on the Easter Vigil, how to serve with love, and the significant role of Altar Servers. Deacon Ricki emphasized that serving is a calling from the Lord, and Altar Servers play a vital role not just during Mass, but in all liturgical celebrations. He also reminded the servers to remain alert and aware at all times, as they are the figure that bringing the people to experience holiness during these sacred events.
The servers took a group selfie with Deacon Ricki and gave him a token of appreciation at the conclusion of the session. They then proceeded with the practice and briefing for the Easter Vigil, which was followed by lunch and siesta.
The celebration of Easter Sunday marked the end of the camp, and the servers went home with newfound insight, spiritual development, and life-changing events.