Indore Diocese Trains 200 Children in Altar Serving

Indore, August 27, 2026: Around 200 children from parishes across the Diocese of Indore participated in an Altar Servers Training Programme organised by the Youth and Vocation Commission on August 26 to deepen their understanding of the responsibilities and spiritual significance of serving at the altar during the Eucharist.

The participants included children who had already received their First Holy Communion and those preparing to receive it. The programme sought to help them understand altar serving as a ministry of assisting the priest and contributing reverently to the celebration of the Eucharist.

Bishop Thomas Mathew of Indore explained the role of altar servers and the reasons they are entrusted with this ministry. He encouraged the children to carry out their responsibilities with faith, devotion, discipline, reverence and joy.

Fr. Martin, the chief guest, spoke about the privilege of serving close to the altar and participating actively in the Eucharistic celebration. He stressed the importance of punctuality, discipline, prayer and proper preparation before Mass, encouraging the children to see altar serving as a service to God rather than merely a duty.

An instructional session led by Fr. Sanjay Paraste introduced the children to sacred vestments, liturgical articles and other items used during the Eucharistic celebration. The session helped participants understand the purpose and liturgical significance of the various objects associated with the celebration of Mass.

An interactive quiz conducted by Nitish covered sacred vestments, liturgical practices, altar serving and aspects of the Diocese of Indore. The competition encouraged the participants to strengthen their knowledge of the liturgy and their responsibilities as altar servers.

Rangwasa won the first prize, followed by Pushpnagar in second place and Cathedral in third.

Children from several parishes took part in the programme, including Betma, Rangwasa, Chapda, Palda, Nandbagh, Nandanagar, Vijay Nagar, Sukliya, Pithampur, Cathedral, Dewas and Pushpnagar.

The training provided the young participants with practical and spiritual formation in altar serving, helping them appreciate the sacredness of the altar and approach their ministry with greater faith, reverence and responsibility.

The programme also sought to nurture a deeper love for the Eucharist among the children and encourage them to serve at the altar faithfully and joyfully.

By Fr. Mahesh Sulya