Udupi/M’Belle, 03 Mar: In acknowledgement of the dedicated service of the Altar Boys, Altar Servers Day was observed in St. Lawrence Parish on Sunday, 3 March 2019 with holy mass and get-together in Parish community hall.
The holy mass was concelebrated by Fr. Clement Mascarenhas as chief celebrant along Fr. Lawrence Cutinha and Fr. Roman Mascarenhas.
In his homily, Fr. Roman Mascarenhas highlighted the importance of Altar Servers during the mass and other church activities and further said that most of the vocations to priesthood originate as the result of Altar Service.
Ten new candidates for Altar Service were inducted through prayer service.
The liturgy of the mass was animated by the Altar Servers.
Soon after the holy mass, a brief stage function was organized in the Community Hall which was presided over by Fr. Clement Mascarenahs. Fr. Roman Mascarenhas was the chief guest. Other dignitaries on the dais included: Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Mrs. Monica D’Souza-Convener of 18 Commissions and Animators of Altar Servers- Mrs. Latha D’Mello, Mrs. Shanthi Alva and Mrs. Maria Barboza.
After the welcome address by Adolf Fernandes, Fr. Roman Mascarenhas addressed the Altar Servers and appreciated their dedicated service to the church.
Fr. Clement Mascarenhas in his presidential speech said that the Altar Servers are the integral part of the celebration of holy mass. The Altar Servers with their presence and service help the priests in celebrating the Holy Eucharist.
Two Altar servers-Vijith D’Souza and Melson Mathias were felicitated on this occasion.
Prizes were distributed to Altar Servers who had attended and served maximum number of days.
All those Altar Servers who attended cent percent meetings were also given prizes.
Mementos were given to all the Altar Servers. Service of the Animators was acknowledged by giving them mementos.
Games were conducted and prizes were distributed to the participants.
Elroy Pinto proposed the vote of thanks and Royston compeered the programme.