Over 1000 altar servers gathered in Westminster Cathedral on 14 February to celebrate the annual Mass for Altar Servers organised by the Archconfraternity of St Stephen.
The Mass was celebrated by the Rt Rev Alan Williams, the Bishop of Brentwood, and concelebrating priests representing many of the dioceses across England and Wales. Bishop Alan was representing Cardinal Vincent who was in Rome attending the Consistory of Cardinals with Pope Francis.
As part of the Mass, the altar servers, ranging from 1 year to 60 years of service, renewed their promise to serve faithfully at the altar.
In his homily, Bishop Alan commended those present for their service to the Church and reflected on the First Reading, the story of the martyrdom of St Stephen from the Acts of the Apostles, as a source of courage for servers. He said Stephen’s assistance to the disciples of Jesus is echoed 2000 years later by their service at the altar and that they set an example by their actions and witness when they serve. Bishop Alan also thanked the Guild of St Stephen for their courage and leadership of altar servers nationally and for their ongoing witness to their ministry.
For more photos of the Mass, please click HERE.
