The Altar Servers Association which is dedicated to St. Aloysius de Gonzaga (1568 – 1591) plays an important role in the parish of Katukurunda, Moratuwa. It is uncertain when this society was officially formed as a parish association, but it is logical to assume that it is as old as the Church itself dating back to the earliest times when Holy Mass was first celebrated in Katukurunda. It consists only of boys below the age of 18 years and the aim of the association is to build up a group of service oriented young boys who are dedicated and committed in their service towards the Church community and are keen in growing in holiness through their service at the altar which is indispensable in the act of worship carried out in the Church for the people. Altar Servers Association
Apart from serving at the Mass, the Association is also a cradle for religious vocations more specifically vocations to the priesthood and religious life are nurtured through this association. They are also helpers to be future leaders of the community by initiating them into the ministries of service at the Altar and Sacraments. Altar servers are very important in the smooth running of the parish services. Boys who have received the sacrament of Baptism and Holy Communion are eligible for training as altar servers in the parish. Since, the formation of the society, these young men, all volunteers who have chosen to serve, have been assisting the priests of the parish during mass and at special services.
The Altar Servers have their weekly meeting and planning session for the week on every Saturday morning after the 7:00 am Holy Mass. Their weekly schedule is mainly in view of the daily celebration of Holy Mass in the parish where they assist the Priest in the preparation of the Mass and getting things organized in the Church hours prior to the commencement of the Mass. The passivity and the non-service-oriented nature of the present parish elders have given opportunity for these boys to apply themselves and initiate a new generation of youngsters who are capable of collaborating with the Parish Priest in the organization of the Parish activities in the future. Protecting them from hyper critical elders and motivating them against the negative mindset of discouraging parents is the present challenge that needs to be overcome if these boys are to continue this praiseworthy service to God.
The Katukurunda Parish is in need of a young adult who can offer help in the formation and in the organization of the altar servers’ group in the parish. An investiture ceremony or a dedication day for the altar servers was started in the year 2021 with 16 boys being dedicated and vested with the servers’ cassock and the crucifix of service on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple (Candlemas Day) which is on the 02nd of February annually. On that Day 16 servers gave their oath of service during the solemn celebration of the Holy Mass in the presence of their parents and family members.
The Altar Servers are sent for training programs in the archdiocese among which the most important one is the annual Altar Servers’ Day organized by the Archdiocesan Minor Seminary in Borella. Other than that occasional training programs are organized according to the need. Servers are given a textbook of instructions for their theoretical information and constant training lessons are given by the seniors to the juniors to make their conduct at the Altar as perfect as possible. Other than Sunday and Weekday Masses they serve at Wedding Masses and Funeral Services on request. Annual liturgical seasonal celebration of important feasts such as Christmas, Easter, and the Church Feast are the major occasions of responsibility for these boys to look forward during a year of service.
They have regular time for play in the Church premises with the special permission and observation of the Parish Priest to develop their fraternity and team spirit. Annually they get opportunities to develop their skills in making the Outdoor Christmas Crib and the Christmas tree, the outdoor Lenten Cross and similar decorations and creations for significant feasts and days of celebration. They engage in weekly cleaning sessions and manual labor to keep the Church, Altar, and the Sacristy areas neat and tidy. Before every Holy Mass the Altar Servers are given the opportunity to conduct the Rosary and the Litany. Parents are highly encouraged to direct their sons to obtain membership of this parish association to develop their spirituality and the sense of responsible service. Members are recruited only with the written permission of their parents through an interview with the Parish Priest.
Moderators:
St. Mary’s Church – Mr. Anthony (0716042883), Mrs. Celin (0112659184), Mst. Rashoda (0764128190), Daham Pasal Teacher-in-charge: Mrs. Prasadini Fernando (0715970985)
St. Joseph Vaz’s Church – Roshel Herath (0718547203), Mst. Shelum Fonseka (0763935049)
