Archdiocesan Altar Servers gather in Nabua for Summer Camp 2018
By Samuel Jed Llorin The Commission on Liturgy of the Archdiocese once again held the annual Archdiocesan Altar Servers’ Summer Camp at the Nabua Central Pilot School, Nabua, Camarines Sur last April 17-20, 2018 with the theme, “Altar Servers: Serving the Lord with Love”. It was attended by 1033 altar servers from 55 parishes of the Archdiocese of Caceres. The participants arrived at around 8:00 in the morning of April 17. The delegates pitched their tents at the school’s football field. Rev. Fr. Jesse S. Edaugal, the camp director and the director of the Ministry of Altar Servers, welcomed the participants with a short orientation. A procession followed from the camp site to the Parish Church of the Holy Cross, Nabua where Archbishop Rolando Tirona presided the solemn Eucharistic celebration. The Opening Program included presentations from each parish in the Rinconada and Partido District. The second day of the camp featured lectures and contest activities. The speakers included Rev. Fr. Jay L. Jacinto, Vocation Director of the Archdiocese, who discussed the topic of love and passion of an altar server taking advantage of the opportunity to invite the participants to enter the seminary; Rev. Fr. Xavier B. Amoroso, a professor and formator of the Major Seminary, who talked about the role of altar servers as servant leaders of the Church and the society; Rev. Fr. James Raymond A. Cortez, also a formator of the Major Seminary, who refreshed the participants on the fundamentals of spiritual life as he dealt with Basic Prayers and Doctrines. The contest activities were: Poster Making, Poem Making, Slogan Making, Essay Writing, and Bible Quiz Bee. The day was capped by a Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Vincent A. Yee-Concepcion and a Cultural Night that featured presentations from the Bay and Central Districts. The third day of the camp was highlighted by a Color Fun Run held around the streets of Nabua, an Amazing Race and Laro ng Lahi. At six in the evening the delegates participated in a Taize prayer. After supper, the Last Night Program was accompanied by the most awaited Baraylihan. The final day saw a conference by the Liturgy Commission moderator, Rev.Fr. Glenn C. Ruiz, the Election of the new set of officers for the Archdiocesan Altar Servers’ Ministry, and the closing Eucharistic Celebration. The 4-day camp proved to be an enjoyable event for the participants. The experience was a spiritual enrichment for the altar servers who at a young age strive to develop their relationship with Jesus, the high priest, as it also heightened their social consciousness. The altar servers look forward to the 2019 Summer Camp which will be hosted by the Central District.