ALTAR SERVERS MASS IN BIRMINGHAM
Altar servers gathered recently to celebrate a Mass in honour of St Stephen, Patron of the St Stephen's Guild for Altar Servers, at St Chad's Cathedral. Archbishop Vincent Nichols was the principal celebrant and preacher at the Mass attended by more then 320 altar servers. The servers for the Mass came from three parishes: English Martyrs, Biddulph in Staffordshire; St Augustine's, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent; and, St Thomas More, Coventry. The Offertory Procession involved servers
from St Anne's Parish Caversham, near Reading. Among the 18 concelebrants was the National Director of St Stephen's Guild for Altar Servers in the Catholic Church, Fr Dennis Touw, a priest of the Archdiocese of Westminster. [A young server reads at the Mass] Archbishop Nichols reminded the altar servers that they must look to their Patron St Stephen: "Your Patron, Saint Stephen, the first martyr, said as he was being stoned to death: 'I can see into heaven'. Smart altar servers, who pay careful attention, can see what is happening during Mass. With your eyes of faith you can see the
real presence of Our Lord Jesus Christ." The Archbishop of Birmingham ended with a challenge to the altar servers who packed the Cathedral. He said: "You are very close to the celebration of Mass and can see and feel the full effect of what is
happening. See other people as brothers and sisters in Christ. See beyond the pain of those who hurt you, and like your Patron, St Stephen, forgive and pray for them." [The altar servers having presented the gifts bow to the celebrant] The Mass was organised by the Director of the St Stephen's Guild for Altar Servers in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, Fr Jan Nowotnik, parish priest of Meir & Creswell, Stoke-on-Trent, who said that he
was "overwhelmed by the tremendous response" from parishes throughout the Archdiocese Birmingham. Fr Nowotnik added: 'I hope this Mass for the Guild of St Stephen will now become an annual event at St Chad's Cathedral. Meanwhile, I encourage people of all ages to take an active part in parish life by
becoming an altar server.'
Article by Peter Jennings.
[Fr Jan Nowotnik speaks to the servers at the end of the Mass]
Martin (17)
"I feel it is right to try and help the priests and to carry on what I have been doing for a long time now."
Hannah (9)
"It is good to share Mass together. I enjoyed seeing all the servers together and seeing Archbishop Vincent."
Cameron (10)
"It was good to see all the priests, and Archbishop Vincent. I was very happy to receive Communion from the Archbishop."
[Just some of the servers in a packed cathedral]
Lewis (8)
"just being there was great!"
This article was taken, with very grateful thanks from "Catholic Today" - the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
The National Director - Fr Dennis F.P. Touw writes:
It was an enormous privilege for me to be at Mass at St. Chad's. The liturgy was wonderful and the serving first rate. Abp. Vincent is a great supporter of the Guild and Fr Jan an inspiring Diocesan Director. I have no doubt the Guild will continue to flourish under their leadership.
The Guild of St Stephen is not only a wonderful opportunity for our youngsters to stay close to Christ and grow in faith, but also a means of 'witness' to the gospel.
We speak much about the shortage of priests in our Church and the need for vocations. A day like this reminds us of what a rich resource our altar servers are in supplying this need. Nearly every priest I know at some stage in their lives was a server at the altar. So please support your altar servers, pray for them and ask that God may call many from amongst them to serve as priests or religious within the Church.
Thank you for your welcome, I look forward to coming again!!
God Bless.
Archbishop Vincent with the altar servers and Fr Jan and Fr Dennis at the end of Mass.