Through the Spectacles

The Church The Catholic Church has been around for thousands of years ago, is believed to be founded by Jesus Christ himself as he laid the keys of heaven to the apostle Peter, who is also recognized as the first Pope by the Church. An institution that stood the test of time - from major schisms to sex abuse scandals and homosexuality issues amongst the clergy - the church still exists up to this modern and digital day. Dubbed a 'Pilgrim Church,' this religious institution goes smoothly to the flow of time, dominating almost all forms of communication platforms we have today. Journey and Service with the Church I am a member of the Catholic Church, my fathers, and their forefathers. We are raised in a devout family, that is active in all forms of its required ritualistic, and sacramental activities. At a young age, my sister and I were introduced to the importance of prayer, and the sacredness of things that are holy to us and to our religion. Due to this, I have this sense of ...

What is an altar server? How to become one? What is their training? What can we expect from them? So many questions have been asked by some curious people – the churchgoers. What is it that makes an altar server an altar server? He – or sometimes she, is a servant of God and His Holy Church. These questions usually come to our minds whenever we see one wearing their white robes holding a metal shaft with a candle or a cross on the end. Making their way first going to the altar as they signal the start of the Mass by ringing their fancy sanctus bell or swaying a censer giving us all a bit of the scent of the heavens, and sometimes, very minor coughing. These young guys are called Altar Servers or “Sakristan”, they are being commissioned as a volunteer of the Church to assist the priest in administering the Holy Mass. Let me share this essay tackling the very essence of these servers and how did the ministry affect them in a good or bad way. I am an altar server for more than a decade,...