Altar servers from across the Diocese gathered at St Saviour’s Church, Pimlico, last month to celebrate the re-launch of the Company of Servers’ London Chapter.
The Company of Servers was established in 2009, to encourage and sustain the ministry of those who serve God at the altar. Through inclusive catholic liturgy, teaching, study and social events members become part of a much wider community of those who serve in the Church of God.
Companions become members of the Company in the diocese in which they serve in what is known as a Chapter. The aim of each Chapter is to bring together, encourage and support servers in its local area, offering help to develop both practical and spiritual skills, as well as fostering friendship, guidance and learning opportunities. London Diocese with its five areas and wide geographical spread presents an exciting challenge to the Company, not least of which is communication.
The Chapter Committee, led by its new Chaplain, Fr Matthew Catterick, hosted a relaunch day at Fr Matthew’s church, St Saviour’s Pimlico, on Saturday 22 September.
The response was encouraging, with representatives from all areas of London coming together with great enthusiasm, clearly keen to join with others in a forum where ideas could be shared and new skills learned.
The meeting began with three established altar servers sharing their experiences and what had inspired them to take up this ministry: Graham Way from St Paul’s Cathedral, Cathie James, Master of Ceremonies at St Michael and All Angels, Bedford Park and David Richards, Head Server at St Mary’s Bourne Street.
Lively small group discussion led on to an exchange of ideas for future sessions, a curiosity to visit one another’s churches to see ‘how they do it’ and the younger participants enthusiastically recommending the use of Facebook and Twitter to get the message out. There was a keen interest from newcomers to ‘join up’ with the result that at the Sung Mass, which concluded the formal programme, eighteen new ‘Companions’ were admitted.
The Chapter’s next meeting will be held on Saturday 17 November 2012, again at St Saviour’s Pimlico, when the subject will be ‘Serving through the Seasons’, an illustrated overview of the Church’s liturgical year. All who serve at the altar are welcome. To book places please contact Fiona Andrews, St Saviour’s Church, St George’s Square, Pimlico, SW1V 3QW, fiona@nullstsp.org.uk or 020 7834 9520 (parish office).
For further details of the Company of Servers London Chapter 2012/3 programme please visit the website www.companyofservers.org or contact the Chapter Secretary, Cathie James by email london@nullcompanyofservers.org.
