Earlier this month, members of the Guild of St Stephen gathered for their annual Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Archbishop Peter A Comensoli was the principal celebrant and concelebrated with priests from around the Archdiocese, including the newly appointed director of the Guild of St Stephen, Fr Samuel Pearson.
The Guild of St Stephen is the international organisation of altar servers and was founded in England in 1904 by Fr Hamilton McDonald and canonically established by Pope Pius X. The guild’s motto, ‘We Serve the Lord’, echoes the life and service of the guild’s patron, St Stephen, and appears on the medal proudly worn by each member of the guild.
The Guild of St Stephen aims to equip young servers with the skills to serve well and also encourage them in their service, by uniting them with other altar servers across our Archdiocese
Almost 100 altar servers gathered for the Mass in this Year of Jubilee, representing 29 parishes throughout Melbourne. The altar servers made the pilgrimage to the Cathedral with their families and friends, who witnessed their induction into the guild. Seminarians from Corpus Christi Regional College served at the altar for the Mass, with members of the Knights of the Southern Cross serving as ushers.
Fr Samuel explained how the guild brings altar servers together and encourages a spirit of service.
‘The Guild of St Stephen aims to equip young servers with the skills to serve well and also encourage them in their service, by uniting them with other altar servers across our Archdiocese,’ said Fr Samuel.
Music for the Mass was provided by students from the Sacred Choir of Lysterfield Lake College and Harkaway Hills College, led by Baltazar Kurowski.
‘What an edifying experience to have the children’s voices supplement the solemn liturgy filling our beautiful Cathedral, with the music of Palestrina and Franck,’ said Fr Samuel. ‘Their angelic voices inspired those in attendance with their sung motets and hymns.’
Altar servers not only contribute to the celebration of Mass but also develop a greater appreciation of the richness of the faith.
Altar serving has proven to be an effective form of youth group, enabling young people to become integrated into parish life through an active role in the liturgy. Altar servers not only contribute to the celebration of Mass but also develop a greater appreciation of the richness of the faith. It has also proven to be a source of vocations.
Christian, one of the servers who was inducted during the celebration, was awestruck by the experience and the privilege of serving.
‘It helps me grow in faith and strengthen my understanding on how to serve God.’
The Guild of St Stephen Mass for altar servers is an annual liturgy held at St Patrick’s Cathedral. All altar servers are welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Fr Samuel Pearson.
Banner image: The medal proudly worn by each member of the Guild of St Stephen, bearing the motto ‘We Serve the Lord’.
