Norwich: Bishop celebrates Mass with over 100 altar servers
More than 100 altar servers from across the Diocese of East Anglia gathered with their families for a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Alan Hopes on Saturday (May 26) at St John's Cathedral in Norwich.
During the Mass, six new altar servers were presented with bronze medals and enrolled in the Guild of St Stephen by Bishop Alan. St Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian church, is the patron saint of altar servers.
In his homily, Bishop Alan said: "Serving at the altar is not just a hobby that we do each week. It is part of who we are - followers of Jesus Christ. Serving at the altar is a privilege - something we do out of our love for him.
"Let others see what a difference our faith makes to our lives. As altar servers, let us be people of faith and strong followers of Jesus; let us be people who have responded to God's call willingly and generously; let us be people who are great witnesses to Jesus Christ."
After Mass the altar servers and their families enjoyed a barbecue in the grounds of the Cathedral Narthex.