“Come and Serve: Growing in Faith at the Altar”

Evelyn Jock

Serving at the altar is a privilege and a quiet response to God’s invitation. Altar servers assist the priest and help the faithful enter more deeply into the sacred mystery of the liturgy. Through their service, they learn reverence, discipline and love for the Eucharist.

Whether preparing incense, carrying the processional cross, or walking solemnly with lighted candles, altar servers serve with care and devotion. These young men serve with enthusiasm and carry a deep sense of responsibility. Behind the youthful smiles is a sincere commitment to the liturgy, where every gesture matters. This excitement is particularly visible during major diocesan celebrations, especially the ordinations of deacons and priests. To serve at such sacred moments fills them with pride and awe, as they witness lives being offered entirely to God. Standing so close to these milestones in the life of the Church deepens their appreciation of the vocation and the sacredness of the priesthood.

When mistakes happen, it is not because of carelessness, but because they are still learning. What often goes unseen is how disappointed they feel when they fall short, wishing they had done better for the Lord. These experiences shape them to be humble, persevere and try again. A kind word, a patient correction, or a simple smile and encouragement can make all the difference. Parents, parishioners, and the wider community play an important role in nurturing these young hearts. By choosing understanding over judgment, we help them grow in confidence and remain open to God’s call.

The spirit of commitment of the altar servers was clearly seen during the opening of the Jubilee Year on 28 December 2024. Those who were on college holidays made deliberate efforts to travel and serve together. Assisting at the altar alongside a bishop, priests, deacon and seminarians, they witnessed to the unity of the Church and the beauty of shared service. Their presence was a powerful testimony of faith lived generously. A year later, at the closing of the Jubilee Year on 28 December 2025, they once again took their place at the altar, serving with love and dedication. Their faithful return was a powerful testament to a Jubilee journey completed, marked by hearts shaped by perseverance, commitment and joy in serving the Lord.

The dedication of altar servers is renewed every year, during the Holy Week and Easter, when they gather at the Fr. Mulders Catechetical Centre, for a special camp, where they prepare to serve the Holy Week and Triduum liturgies in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. Through prayers, community life, and service, they grow closer to Christ and deepen their understanding of His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. These days leave lasting impressions on their faith and identity. The witness of former altar servers is equally inspiring. Now working adults, many return during holidays and willingly serve whenever possible, sometimes assisting at all three language Masses. They mentor the younger boys, guiding and encouraging them. The younger servers look up to these young men, seeing in them role models of faithfulness and service.

At St. Mary’s Cathedral, altar serving is entrusted to boys, as the parish is blessed with many who are willing to serve. Standing at the altar during these formative years, they learn prayer, discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. Some may one day be called to the priesthood or religious life; others to married life or different vocations. Whatever their path, their time at the altar helps form them into men who know how to serve with love.

To every young man, altar serving is an invitation to draw closer to Jesus, to grow in faith, and to discover the joy of giving oneself to God. And to parents and parishioners, it is a call to walk gently with them, to encourage rather than discourage, and to help these young servants hear God’s voice with courage and hope. Those who serve faithfully at the altar today may well become the faithful leaders, fathers, and shepherds of tomorrow.