by Gerard Chong
The annual Holy Week once again brought both excitement and deep devotion among altar servers at St. Mary’s Cathedral, accompanied by careful and thorough preparations for the Triduum celebrations.
This year’s observance was particularly unique, as senior servers arrived earlier to prepare the venue, ensuring it was clean and suitable for the overnight camp, while junior servers joined later. The Altar Servers’ Camp at St. Mary’s Cathedral was held from 3 April to 5 April 2026, beginning with the Stations of the Cross at 7:30 a.m., followed by registration and a practical session for the Good Friday Service.
After the service, the Parish Priest and Spiritual Advisor, Rev. Fr. David Garaman, delivered his opening remarks, expressing gratitude to all servers for their dedication. He encouraged younger members to learn from the seniors and urged the seniors to guide the juniors in understanding altar service more deeply. The session concluded with a blessing, followed by dinner, fellowship, and the first formation session.
A particularly inspiring aspect of the camp was the presence of dedicated senior altar servers who came forward to serve wholeheartedly, regardless of where they were needed. With humility and generosity, they guided and mentored the younger servers, patiently training them and helping them grow in both skill and understanding. Even amidst the busy preparations for the Triduum, including decorating St. Mary’s Cathedral and ensuring everything was in place, their commitment never wavered. Their quiet service reflected not only their love for the ministry, but also their deep respect and affection for their priest and bishop, becoming a powerful witness of servant leadership in action.
Throughout the camp, participants were formed through a series of meaningful inputs and activities that deepened their understanding of Holy Week and the sacred liturgy presented by seniors, Gerard Chong, Marshal. Roy and Stephen. The boys were reminded that Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and culminates in the Easter Vigil, with the Triduum understood as “three days, one celebration” centred on Love, Sacrifice, and Resurrection. Sessions also introduced the proper use and care of liturgical objects, including sacred vessels and vestments, while emphasising discipline, posture, and attentiveness in serving at the altar. These moments of learning were complemented by prayer, Praise and Worship, and opportunities for fellowship, helping to foster unity among both senior and junior servers.
Recreational activities such as volleyball were also organised to promote teamwork, alongside time for bonding and rest.
A comprehensive briefing was later conducted to outline the sequence of events for the upcoming Easter Vigil Mass, including role assignments. This was followed by a practical session in the Cathedral, where participants rehearsed their roles—from the entrance procession to altar service. Preparations for the Easter Vigil were then carried out, including setting up the Paschal fire, preparing the sanctuary, and conducting a final walkthrough. The day concluded with the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, where participants served with dedication and reverence, marking the culmination of their training.
What stood out most was the spirit of unity and pride shared between the seniors and the new servers. Working side by side, they served with one heart and one purpose, supporting and learning from one another. It was evident that every gesture and action at the altar was carried out with care, intention, and reverence—reflecting not only their training, but a deep understanding of the sacredness of their role.
The camp concluded on Easter Sunday, with altar servers returning home enriched with knowledge, strengthened in faith, and filled with meaningful memories—fostering unity, discipline, and a renewed commitment to their ministry.
