The Catholic Bishop of Goaso, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene has called on all altar servers to serve with love and deep reverence, emphasizing that their love must befit the holy objects they handle on the altar. He made this call during the Maiden Altar Servers Congress held at St. Joseph’s Parish, Bechem, from the 16th to the 18th of May, 2025. The Maiden Altar Servers Congress brought together over 553 participants from across the diocese for a three-day program filled with talks, vocation drives, practical liturgical sessions, quizzes, Masses, and socialization events. Reflecting on Jesus’s words in John 13:34–35, the Bishop underscored the importance of love and discipleship. He also spoke about the vital role altar servers play in the celebration of the Mass and encouraged them to serve with love, unity, and humility. The Bishop emphasized,
“Your love must befit the Holy Objects you handle on the altar,” reminding them of their sacred duty. The Bishop reminded the servers that altar serving is not just a task but a sacred ministry that requires respect for the holy vessels and objects they are entrusted with, reflecting their love for Christ and the Church. Major highlights of the congress included a talk delivered on the ministry of altar servers in the Church by Rev. Fr. Elisha Manu, the parish priest, while the vocation drive was led by Rev. Fr. Martin Yaw Agyei, the Vocation Director, along with other religious congregations present. Rev. Fr. Bernard Sarpong. Took the participants through some practical liturgical sessions. The quiz competition which was held on church doctrines, the mass and general knowledge on liturgical vessels and vestments, involving deaneries from Tepa, Kenyasi, Goaso, Adugyama, Bechem, and Sankore, saw Tepa Deanery emerging as winners. During the thanksgiving mass, the Diocesan Youth Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adu-Gyamfi, presented the newly elected Diocesan Altar Servers Leadership to the Bishop who were commissioned to begin their task of organizing and monitoring the activities of mass servers in the diocese. They included: Edward Owusu as President; Bawa Chad as Secretary and Elijah Amankwah as Financial Secretary. Other Officers include Isaac Osei; David Oppong Wireko; Richmond Osei; Kelvin Ansah Boateng; and Philip Konadu Alex, each representing various deaneries. Certificates were presented to those who excelled in the quiz competition by the Bishop. In closing remarks, the Diocesan Youth Council Acting chairperson, Mr. Asamoah Twumasi Vondee, thanked all altar servers for their participation and good conduct and acknowledged the support of parish priests, altar server coordinators, and all other stakeholders. The congress marked a milestone in fostering the spiritual growth and dedication of the diocese’s altar servers.
source: Depsocom Goaso