The Diocese of Palayamkottai in southern India successfully launched its first-ever training program for altar servers, an initiative that has already begun to transform the liturgical life of the local Church. With the generous support of the Diocese of Columbus, 1,570 children across five vicariates received formation in reverence, discipline and spirituality.
Established in 1973 after being carved out of the Archdiocese of Madurai, the Diocese of Palayamkottai today encompasses the Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts. It has 60 parishes, 336 substations, 103 diocesan priests, 12 religious priests and a Catholic population of nearly 138,500.
The majority of the faithful come from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. About 75 percent are landless laborers, 15 percent are small farmers and nearly 80 percent of families live on just two Euros a day. Despite these challenges, the people remain deeply rooted in their Catholic faith and committed to the life of the Church. The diocese runs welfare programs through its Social Service Society and provides education to over 65,000 children through 108 diocesan schools alongside schools managed by religious congregations.
At the heart of faith formation in the diocese is the Christian Life Commission (CLC), which coordinates Bible, Catechetical and Liturgical ministries. Its programs include Vacation Bible Schools, daily and Sunday catechism, teacher training, formation of Holy Childhood Associations and seminars for catechists. The liturgical ministry provides training on the Eucharist, sacraments and seasonal celebrations, ensuring that the faithful are deeply rooted in prayer and tradition.
Although often referred to as “little angels,” the role of altar servers had been taken lightly in many parishes. Duties were carried out mechanically, often without understanding or reverence, which diminished both the liturgy and the children’s spiritual growth. Recognizing this gap, the diocese organized training to help altar servers rediscover the sacredness of their calling.
The program aimed to:
• Build awareness of the altar server’s sacred role.
• Instill reverence, discipline and good behavior.
• Deepen the spiritual growth of children while uplifting parish liturgies.
Sessions included audio-visual presentations, demonstrations, printed guides and group discussions. These engaging methods made the training both enjoyable and impactful.
The testimonies of the participants reveal the program’s fruits:
• John (12, Kalvettankuzhy) became more prayerful and inspires his peers.
• Christina (10, Kalugumalai) learned the four parts of the Mass and teaches her friends.
• Mary Joyce (13, Chidambarapuram) appreciated the practical training in handling sacred vessels reverently.
• Jesu Rajan (14, Akarakattu) began organizing altar servers’ meetings in his parish.
• Anto Jerry (15, Singamparai) now serves with devotion, having realized the importance of his role.
The altar servers’ training has proven to be a landmark initiative. It has not only strengthened the children’s faith and discipline but has also made parish liturgies more prayerful and meaningful for the wider community. Expressing gratitude, Diocese of Palayamkottai acknowledged the Diocese of Columbus for its support in making this milestone possible. With great hope, the diocese assures that such collaboration will continue in forming young faithful and advancing the mission of the Church.
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