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Archives Altar servers gather for diocesan picnic

Aug. 29, 2018

Darcy Fargo
Editor

OGDENSBURG – The more than 100 altar servers who gathered for the diocesan Altar Server Mass and Picnic Altar Server Picnicdidn’t let a few clouds and raindrops bother them.

The event, held August 17, included a tour of St. Mary’s Cathedral, presentations by Sister M. Gregory Munger, a Sister of St. Joseph, and Carter Pierce, seminarian for the diocese, Mass celebrated by Bishop Terry R. LaValley, a picnic and a tour of the Bishop’s residence.

Sponsored by the diocesan Vocations Office, the event focused on being open to God’s calling.

Sister Gregory Munger told the assembled servers and their families that “we are all called to holiness.”

“Although we’re sinners, it is possible to be holy because of God’s grace,” she said, encouraging those gathered to “be rooted in the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.”

Pierce noted “holiness is not lifeless or boring.”

“Holiness is enjoying life and being full of life,” he said. “It’s taking the talents God has given you and using them to do good and glorify God.”

In his homily at the Mass, Bishop LaValley also reminded the altar servers and their families that God has a plan for them.

“Remember what God told Jeremiah in the first reading: ‘Have no fear because I am with you… Before you wBishop LaValleyere born, I knew you,’” Bishop LaValley said. “You see, Jesus has a plan that will make you so happy and make so many other people happy. And what did Jesus tell Simon Peter in our Gospel: ‘Do not be afraid.’”

A handful of the assembled servers had the opportunity to serve the Mass. All had an opportunity to join in a picnic, moved to the Knights of Columbus due to rain, and a tour of the Bishop’s residence.

“It was nice meeting the Bishop, and it was nice seeing other servers,” said Anna Scott, 14, of Carthage. “I enjoy being a server. I like helping our priest, and it helps me be close to God.”

“I decided to come because I thought maybe I’d get to meet the bishop and talk to him, and I thought it would be cool to see other servers,” added Ryken Pominville, 12, of Croghan. “I’ve been serving for a bout a year. It’s nice to be part of God’s family and help God.”

“Being an altar server makes Mass more interesting; I get to participate more,” said Jacob Fargo, 11, of Moira. “I wanted to help the church and help Father Ray, our priest.”

Fargo said his favorite part of the picnic was “exploring the Bishop’s house.”

Bishop LaValley led the tours, which concluded the picnic event.

 

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