OLLP Altar Servers Receive the Rite of Investiture and Renewal

Fifty-seven (57) altar servers of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish – Davao received the Rite of Investiture and Renewal last November 30, 2025 at the 9:30 AM mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Roger D. Duhaylungsod, Parish Priest.

Nineteen (19) of the newly vested altar servers will begin their very first Sunday service after several months of anticipating the Investiture, while the remaining number renew their commitment and dedication to altar service.

Knights of the Altar – OLLP Bangkal is the name of the ministry of altar servers of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish – Davao. The ministry formally commenced its recruitment through their social media platforms last September 2025. Since then, the aspiring altar servers and current official members underwent a series of practicum sessions, formation, and evaluation.

Every Saturday afternoon, the ministry holds a Regular Meeting in the parish. The meeting usually begins with the prayer of the Holy Rosary, followed by the agenda of the day. The agenda ranges from short formation lectures, practicum, discussion of events, reminders and announcements, feed backing, group sharing and reporting, and mass scheduling.

One of the ministry’s major events in preparation for the Rite of Investiture and Renewal was the whole-day KOA General Practicum and Recollection last November 29, 2025, a day before the Investiture. The event was organized by the KOA Core Group, which consisted of the officers, the group leaders, and assistant group leaders. The activity focuses on hands-on training and spiritual formation.

In the morning session, the altar servers polished serving procedures and learned the proper handling of the sacred vessels. In the afternoon, the KOA Recollection took place in the 2nd Floor Parish Pastoral Building. The first talk was given by Rev. Fr. Ricky S. Montero, Parochial Vicar. His discussion was about the Holy Eucharist and the Altar Servers. The altar servers gained a deeper understanding of the essence of the Eucharist, the purpose of altar servers, and the significance of celebrating the mass.

This was followed by an interactive lecture given by Mr. Jessie Marc Jumawid, Sakristan Mayor, which was about the Role and Values of Altar Servers. He explained the specific duties and responsibilities of altar servers, proper decorum, and the ideals of an altar server they are expected to embody, such as brotherhood, discipline, reverence, and piety.

After a short community dance to energize the altar servers, they gathered with their groupmates to answer the following reflection questions: (a) Why is the Eucharist the greatest celebration of all celebrations? (b) How will pledging my commitment as an altar server enrich my spiritual journey in life? (c) How can I put into action my commitment as an altar server?, and (d) What is the most important ideal of an altar server? One representative per group was called in front to generalize the insights and learnings of their groupmates.

The group sharing was followed by a Final Practicum on the Rite of Investiture and Renewal, facilitated by Mr. Jumawid, Sakristan Mayor, and Mr. Hideo J. Tanaka, KOA Coordinator. Afterwards, the altar servers had their meal together in the Parish Pastoral Building.

In his homily last November 30, Fr. Duhaylungsod emphasized that advent is a season of spiritual renewal where we wait in hope and joy for the coming of the Lord. As the candidates will be officially recognized as altar servers, they are called to partake in spiritual renewal and be role models of Christ-centeredness as we anticipate the Lord’s coming.

The Rite of Investiture and Renewal was carried out after the homily. The altar servers walked to the front carrying their sotana and surplice, which were blessed by Fr. Duhaylungsod. Parents, guardians, and representatives were then called to vest their altar server. Afterwards, the newly vested and renewed altar servers were formally known as official members of the Knights of the Altar – OLLP Bangkal.

Mr. Tanaka has been an altar server since 2014. With his experience, leadership, vision, and expertise, he was the chosen KOA Coordinator under the new parish priest. When he was asked about the plans and activities for Knights of the Altar under his leadership, he replied, “After I received my appointment letter as Coordinator of the Knights of the Altar, I immediately proposed to our parish priest the implementation of a short activity every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month during our meetings, which he graciously gave his full support to. Since I have observed that our meetings can be enhanced, these activities are designed to provide altar servers with opportunities for spiritual formation, reflection on the Gospel, and personal growth, helping them deepen their understanding and love for their sacred service. Looking ahead, my core group and I also plan to organize more comprehensive formations, team building activities, and ministry initiatives to foster unity, leadership, and excellence in service. All of these initiatives will be carried out under the guidance and pastoral support of our parish priest, ensuring that the ministry continues to grow in faith, commitment, and devotion to the Eucharist.”

The success of the Investiture and Renewal would not be possible without the support of the parents, guardians, and representatives, JJ Tailoring – Matina Aplaya for the production of the sotana and surplice, the KOA Core Group, and of course, the altar servers who faithfully accepted the call to serve the Church.

The success of the Investiture and Renewal would not be possible without the support of the parents, guardians, and representatives, JJ Tailoring – Matina Aplaya for the production of the sotana and surplice, the KOA Core Group, and of course, the altar servers who faithfully accepted the call to serve the Church.

St. Tarcisius of Rome, the ministry’s patron, said, “My youth will be the best shield for the Eucharist.” Whether inside or outside the mass, it is the sacred duty of altar servers to embody reverence, uphold the solemnity of the sacraments, be Christ-like, and faithfully assist the priest, bishop, or deacon. (Janus Jio Olarte | SoCCom, OLLP Bangkal)