“It is good to be with you today to celebrate your ministry of serving at the Lord's altar, which is a very special, but also important and necessary ministry,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes during his remarks to the youth. “I want to express my gratitude to each one of our altar servers who are present here today.”

The day began with morning prayer led by Bishop Gregory Parkes, Altar Server of the Year Awards, lunch, and a field day.

Tommy Gray, Altar Server of the Year for St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Seffner stated, “I altar serve because we should serve the church. Altar serving is fun and easy once you get it down. Don’t be nervous because even if you make a mistake everything will be okay.”

Gray has been altar serving for three years.

“I like altar serving because I get to help the priest,” Gray added.

The Altar Server Appreciation event is organized by the Diocese of St. Petersburg Office of Vocations in gratitude for all the altar servers around the Diocese.

The Altar Server ministry is of particular importance to the Office of Vocations because 72% of ordinands in religious institutes and 71% of ordinands to diocesan priesthood previously served as an altar server.

Bishop Parkes stated during his remarks, “Maybe some seed has been planted by God today, in terms of your own service at this altar. The seed needs to be nourished and needs to grow, and one day, we believe or think that God could be calling you to be a priest, or a consecrated religious.”

If you are interested in altar serving contact your local parish for further information.

The Office of Vocations is funded through gifts to the Catholic Ministry Appeal.

To view photos from the event click below!