Pastoral Agents in Angola Told to Ensure Training of Alter Servers Receives the “seriousness it demands”

“It is essential that the Church invests in continuous formation to ensure our celebrations are dignified and well-organized. This is not merely about tradition but about nurturing the faith and unity of the Church,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in August 2013 as Bishop of Angola’s Sumbe Diocese underscored the need to address gaps in the implementation of the National Statute of Altar Servers, approved in 2020 by CEAST, noting that insufficient dissemination and understanding of the guidelines hinders their effectiveness. 

“Without knowledge of these regulations, how can we guide altar servers effectively? This lack of awareness is a significant barrier to progress,” Archbishop Kiala said.

He went on to express concern about the inadequate training in many parishes, a situation he said often leaves altar servers unprepared. 

He noted cases where Altar servers in some places are left to improvise during liturgical celebrations, a situation he said could undermine the quality and solemnity of the service.

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The Catholic Church leader pointed to the lack of technical skills, oversight, and guidance from parish leaders and Priests as key issues.

To address these challenges, Archbishop Kiala proposed organizing Diocesan and national camps and training sessions for altar servers. 

“These gatherings can provide formative opportunities to equip young people for their roles at the altar and integrate them more fully into the Church’s life,” he said, describing such initiatives as “indispensable for strengthening competence and dedication.”

He also advocated for inclusivity, calling for the admission of both boys and girls as altar servers.

 “The Church cannot afford to discriminate based on gender. Girls have the same vocation to serve the altar as boys, and this inclusivity reflects the unity and openness of the Church,” the Archbishop of Malanje since his installation in November 2021 said.

Addressing the matter of liturgical attire, the Angolan Archbishop faulted the use of inappropriate vestments by some altar servers, which he said lowers the dignity of their role.

“Parishes must ensure that altar servers wear proper vestments that are consistent with liturgical norms. These should remain parish property, not personal belongings, to preserve the unity and identity of the Church,” he advised.

Archbishop Kiala also highlighted the critical role of the master of ceremonies in ensuring liturgical order and decorum, stressing the need for specific training for this function. 

“A well-trained master of ceremonies ensures that celebrations are conducted with dignity, structure, and respect for time,” he noted.

He urged pastoral agents to renew their commitment to the liturgical formation of altar servers and to make it a priority at all levels of the Church.

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 “Our efforts today will shape the liturgical life of the Church for generations to come. Let us ensure that those who serve the altar are well-prepared to do so with reverence and dedication,” Archbishop Kiala said. 

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.