Altar servers are a key piece of the Church’s constant prayer, recognized with annual Serra Club server awards

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Altar servers from around the Diocese, along with their families, gathered for the celebration of Solemn Vespers and awards at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, with Bishop John Iffert, Father Ryan Maher, rector, Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption and Deacon Scott Folz.

The Serra Club of Northern Kentucky welcomed the servers for the annual award ceremony, which celebrates the service of middle school altar servers, who volunteer their time and talents in the assistance of liturgies across the Diocese. This year, more than 150 altar servers were recognized for their outstanding service, with each server present receiving a blue sash, affixed with a silver crucifix. A symbol of excellence, the sash is worn while serving on the altar, denoting the wearer as an outstanding altar server.

In his message to the servers and their families Bishop John Iffert shared that their work, in service to God at the altar, envelopes them into the Church’s “constant routine of worship, constant routine of prayer, of living with the Scripture, of letting the word of God sink into our lives and our hearts,” he said.

Bishop Iffert explained that every hour, of every day, the faithful of the Church are “carrying out the commandment of the Lord to pray always, carrying out the command for the knee of every believer to bend at the Lord’s name.” There is not a moment, said Bishop Iffert, which God’s name is not being exalted in thanksgiving and lifted in glory.

Speaking directly to the altar servers gathered, some of whom were wearing their cassocks and others in their Sunday best, Bishop Iffert said, “you are part of that great offer by your service at the altar and your service in all the other liturgies you might be asked to be part of. Whether that’s Good Friday liturgy, or whether it’s assisting at baptism, or marriage, or funeral Mass; you are an important part of this work offering thanks and praise to God constantly.”

Bishop Iffert thanked the altar servers, for their tireless dedication to the work of the Lord in service at the altar and assured them that they remain in the prayers of the faithful, during every liturgical celebration.

“Every time we pray one of these Hours, every time we lift our face and give thanks to God, every time we turn to the Scriptures, you are included in that prayer and the whole Church in this great cycle of liturgical prayer. Praise for you, for your good, for your happiness, for your safety, for your continued growth in the spirit of God,” he said.