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Cathedral Mass honours East Anglian altar servers

Around 40 altar servers from across the Diocese of East Anglia gathered at St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich on Saturday July 20 for a special Mass celebrated in their honour by Bishop Peter Collins.


Altar servers young and old, and their families and supporters, came from Cambridge, Peterborough, Thetford, Costessey, Norwich and other locations on the Votive Mass of the Most Holy Eucharist.

During his homily, Bishop Peter spoke directly to the altar servers present who were gathered around him: “As the priests undertake their sacred duty, as you gather around the altar you also play an essential part in helping others find their way to the altar both physically and also spiritually where they will find the very Body and Blood of Christ.

“They have to be helped to perceive what is happening, to behold it, to accept and proclaim what is happening. You must also first understand yourselves what is taking place on the sacred altar and who is it who comes to us.

“You, through words and your actions, through the quality of your example in your devotedness, through your attentiveness, you play a great part in your own reverence and leading others to their reverence, to rejoice in what we are privileged to receive from the altar of sacrifice. This is the place where Christ is encountered and where Christ comes to us.

“You play an essential part in the work of the church. I thank you for your great service in your different parishes.”

A barbecue was enjoyed afterwards in the Cathedral Narthex and gardens.

See a video of the Mass here.

See a full picture gallery here and below.

Altar Servers Mass, St John's Cathedral Norwich July 24

 

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