A Treasure To Be Shared

Slinging a thurible over one's shoulder? Better hope it's not hot! Game boy? Clever! Using the incense to mask the cigarette smoke. Bold of him! In the sanctuary no less. D'ya get the impression there's a common perception among artists represented here? Or, perhaps a common preoccupation? D'ya think maybe all the artists were altar boys once upon a time? At least one of them is using his down time well. That better not be a consecrated host! Parish Picnic Examination of conscience to follow! A flogging approacheth.   Keep an eye on the wine cruet after Mass! Altar boy version of bull fighting. Someone probably lost an eye. Masks do have a use after all. Never mind the smoking and drinking. Blue shoes?! Shocking! An altar boy with an Ophicleide! That's just wrong.

A week ago Saturday, three boys were accepted into the Guild of Altar Servers after a two-and-a-half hour training session which included: the meaning of ritual gestures: posture; bows and genuflections; hand position. liturgical movement and pacing for four processions: Entrance; Gospel; Sanctus; Dismissal. an introduction to prayers: vesting prayers; sacristy prayers. the character of the altar server and spiritual formation. After the formal part of the training, when the new servers were encouraged to pray for each other, their families and the priests, one of the young lads confidently proclaimed that, "when I become an adult, I will be a priest". His comment was humbling and moved us all deeply. The training session focussed on the Sung (Sunday) Mass and was led by two instituted acolytes and our pastor. All clergy and adult instituted acolytes function in complete compliance with a safe environment policy. All adult supervisors submit to police background ...