A 172-year-old Catholic parish in Sialkot, in Pakistan’s Punjab province, has launched a month-long spiritual and liturgical formation program for young altar servers, seeking to deepen their understanding of the Eucharistic liturgy and strengthen their participation in parish life.
St. James Catholic Church, founded in 1853 and part of the Archdiocese of Lahore, began the program on August 8 with a three-hour session attended by more than 20 altar boys and girls, along with their parents and catechists.
The weekly program focuses on helping young Catholics understand the meaning of their ministry and serve at the altar with greater reverence and confidence.
Parish Priest Fr. Ashraf Gill and Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Bernard Emmanuel provided practical instruction on proper conduct in the sanctuary, including movements to and from the altar, posture and gestures of reverence toward the altar and ministers.
Participants were also introduced to the names, functions and spiritual significance of essential liturgical vessels, including the chalice, paten, ciborium, cruets and lavabo set.
“Serving at the altar is not merely a duty, but a privileged ministry that brings young people closer to the heart of the Holy Eucharist,” Fr. Gill said.
“When our youth learn to serve with reverence, knowledge and devotion, they cultivate a deeper faith that guides them throughout their lives,” he added.
Fr. Gill also emphasized the role of families and catechists in supporting young people, describing faith formation as a shared responsibility within the parish community.
The participants responded positively to the practical training, with several expressing greater confidence after learning the names and functions of the liturgical vessels and receiving guidance on movements and conduct in the sanctuary.
The formation program will continue throughout August. Upcoming sessions will cover the liturgical seasons and vestment colors, sacristy management and guided reflection on Scripture.
The parish also plans to extend the training to substations and neighborhood chapels located farther from the main church, enabling young people in outlying communities to receive similar formation.
Following the completion of the month-long program, parish leaders intend to make the initiative an annual formation program, complemented by refresher workshops and retreats.
The initiative is part of the parish’s broader effort to strengthen youth participation, liturgical formation and lay involvement in the life of the Catholic Church in Pakistan.
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