Altar Servers Retreat
Saint Basil Academy

On February 25-27 the diocese convened its first diocesan-wide Altar Servers Retreat.  The response was very encouraging as His Grace, Bishop +Michael, was joined by five priests, a deacon, and fifty altar servers of all ages at Saint Basil Academy in Garrison NY.

His Grace told the attendees that the thing he missed most about being a parish priest was working with altar servers. Throughout the retreat it was obvious that Bishop +Michael loves the young men who seek to serve God in liturgical services.  It showed in his eyes and warm smile, and it was truly reflected in his words and actions.  “He has an amazing way of relating and adapting to each age level he was working with,” said Reader Robert Mitchell VanDuyn (Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Rochester NY).  “For the youngest servers he happily play-acted the key points he was making, while just a few hours later he was found in the lounge occupied in serious adult conversation with older teens. The response of the young men was wonderful to watch! Young ones enthused and engaged, older ones challenged and acting beyond their years in thoughtful conversation with their bishop.”

The retreat was held at Saint Basil's Academy (a mission of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese) which is located just across the Hudson River from West Point Military Academy.  Archpriest Samuel Kedala (Dean of the New Jersey Deanery and Rector of Holy Spirit Church, Wantage NJ) was the retreat coordinator for the diocese, and the local retreat host was Archimandrite Anthony along with his wonderful staff.  The Academy is in a beautifully pastoral  setting with a gothic-style manor home at its center, surrounded by gymnasium, class rooms, dormitory rooms, and -- of course -- the Chapel.  The retreat participants filled the dormitories, dining hall, and chapel with enthusiastic zeal.

Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and all the participants were active in either serving at the altar or learning how to robe the bishop.  There was much to learn, and it’s clear that one of the His Grace’s goals is to have trained and prepared altar servers in every parish who can be leaders in liturgical celebrations, serve during visits of the bishop, and who are familiar with the way ordinations are performed.   Classes were held in the chapel and in the dining hall, and there was plenty of time for basketball, swimming, and fun-filled fellowship. Sessions focused on both how to serve (in particular during ordinations and with a bishop present) and also on why we serve.

The unofficial theme of the weekend was: “We serve at the Liturgy as an expression of our love for God.”  Over and over again, Bishop +Michael and the other speakers reiterated this point to the men and boys present:  “We serve out of love.”

Retreat Slideshow: Part One

Saint Basil Academy - 02/26/11

(27 images)


Retreat Slideshow: Part Two

Saint Basil Academy - 02/26/11

(30 images)


Share This:


< PreviousNext >
You might also like:
2024 DDB Appeal
DISTINGUISHED DIOCESAN BENEFACTORS (DDB)

Thanks to donors like yourself, our diocese can support missions and struggling parishes, fund youth events, and educate seminarians. Thank you!

$37,900.00
19%

UPCOMING EVENTS ON THE DIOCESAN CALENDAR

March 28
Diocesan Council meeting
11:00 a.m. - Diocesan Chancery, Bronxville, NY

Meeting of Chancellors and Deans
2:30 p.m. - Diocesan Chancery, Bronxville, NY

April 25
Presbyters Council Meeting
11:00 a.m.
Zoom



Youth Witness to the Faith Videos Series



Diocese of New York

and New Jersey
33 Hewitt Avenue
Bronxville NY 10708
914-779-6580 (Phone)
914-779-6581 (Fax)
info@nynjoca.org



Subscribe

* indicates required