Altar Boys

Serving in the Altar is an important opportunity for the boys and young men in our community lead through service. As Altar servers they learn about the Divine Services of our Church and assist the clergy in the services. This is a sacred responsibility through which they will become examples to our community.

Through service in the Altar we also hope that they will form a life-long connection to Christ and His Church and with one another.

We all possess unique gifts and talents, perhaps some of our young men will also be called to serve as clergy. Service in the Holy Altar is a practical way to discern if this could be one’s calling in life. While this is not the sole purpose of this ministry, it is an important aspect of the life of our Church. Certainly any church community would be proud to pronounce one of their altar boys axios or worthy one day as they begin service to the Church.

Altar Boy retreat

Saturday, September 17th

Join us on Saturday, September 17th to learn how to serve in the Altar, join this important ministry of our Church, and build life-long friendships through service! This retreat will be for new members of our Altar Boy ministry as well as current Altar Boys.

Who: Boys ages 8+
When: Lunch will be served at 12:30 PM. The retreat will conclude at 1:30 PM.
Where: Ascension Cathedral 4700 Lincoln Ave Oakland, CA
What: Following lunch we will go into the church, learn about serving in the Holy Altar and the role of the Altar Boy, and practice entrances, preparing everyone to assist during the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.
Why: We need young men who will help to lead the church and be examples of ministry and service to our community; service in the Holy Altar is a wonderful opportunity for spiritual formation. St. John Chrysostom writes, “Let everything take second place to our care of our children, our bringing them up to the discipline and instruction of the Lord. If from the beginning we teach them to love true wisdom, they will have great wealth and glory than riches can provide." If we teach our children from a young age to love the Faith then it will be rooted deeply in their lives.

Fr. Nick will be leading this retreat with the assistance of other Altar Boys. Contact Fr. Nick for more information: frnickm@groca.org