Altar servers

Young altar servers at Holy Spirit Parish in Gungahlin, alongside parish priest Fr Troy Bobbin.

Twelve new altar servers are already in training after an Altar Kids session drew an enthusiastic response from the local community on Saturday.

Fr Troy Bobbin said Holy Spirit Parish in Gungahlin had a strong focus on encouraging children to play an active part in the Mass.

“I think the importance is getting the children – together with their parents and families – involved in the mass – so having a role to play, a ministry, not just turning up,” he explained.

“What I was doing this weekend was working particularly to include Year 4 children. Once they make their first communion, I encourage them to also think about the responsibility of serving at the altar.”

The Altar Kids session included food, fun activities and initial training.

“Twelve children attended, and they have all signed up to be altar servers,” Fr Troy said.

“They all really wanted to be there. Kids definitely want to be involved if we give them something meaningful to do.”

The parish now has enough young altar servers to roster three for each Sunday Mass.

 “We still have Year 7 and 8’s, who will become team leaders,” Fr Troy said.

“They will be rostered on with the new kids and help them learn the ropes. Older ones become head altar servers and help train the new ones.”

Fr Troy said he was following the words of Pope Francis, who encouraged the active engagement of the younger generation.

“I am trying to bring that into the everyday reality by getting parents and families involved, and seeing what that looks like in our parish in Amaroo,” he said.

“We have a lot of young people out here, and they do come to Mass, which is great, but we want to make more of a connection. We want them to be learning more about what church is about by taking some responsibility.”

The Parish is also working on establishing a youth group for Year 4 to 6 students, and perhaps older.

“This will gather the children for activities and catechesis and learning,” he said.

“It will help them get to know other children and other students, so when they come to Mass, they will know people. We want them to know there are other kids like them at the Mass – they are not alone.”

Fr Troy said it was all about connecting and engaging with different groups and ages.

“My whole aim is to get them involved young and keep them engaged with the church throughout their lives,” he said.

“That’s good for them, and good for the parish community.”