It is almost a century since the Guild of St Stephen for Altar Servers was set up in the Archdioces of Westminster by Father Hamilton Macdonald the one time secretary to Archbishop Bourne, later to become Cardinal Bourne, and chaplin to the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Hammersmith where the seeds were first sown. The GUild was approved by Pope (St) Pius X in November 1905 and rapidly spread throughout the Archdiocese. Its aim was to create a well instructed group of altar servers to serve with reverence and dignity, the Liturgies of the Church.

From then on the Guild was extended to the dioceses throughout the country and it was in the Archdiocese of Birmingham in February 1936 that the first diocesan director outside of Westminster was appointed. He was Father Gerald Harrison, a Sacred Heart Father (Betharram), who continued in this office for over 40 years.

The object of the Guild is the sanctification of the Servers by teaching them that to minister in the sanctuary in a well instructed way is a great privilege. It leads to an appreciation and understanding of the Liturgy which deepens their love of God and the Church and emphasises the necessity of service in their lives of faith.

The Guild has continued to flourish in the Archidocese and today there are literally thousands of boys and girls who regularly assist at Mass and the other Liturgies and Services. The invitation is there for any children who have made their First Holy Communion to become servers in this parish. Training sessions are started throughout the year and it is hoped that parents will encourage their children to take part in this special but essential ministry.

For further information or comments please contact info@stpeterapostle.org