The Ministry of Altar Servers of San Roque Cathedral, formerly known as Knights of the Altar had its modest beginnings. It was founded by a small group of young men alongside the institution of San Roque Parish when the church started as a small chapel. However, it had no formal organization until 1950’s when it finally adopted the name Knights of the Altar, being the official altar servers of then San Roque Parish.
The Knights of the Altar initiated the formation of altar servers who will assist in the parochial activities. On January of 1998, under the leadership of Bro. Andrew Gubatan, the organization reformed and adopted the name The Ministry of Altar Servers upon which several important events happened, paving way for the development and improvement of the group.
The following significant events highlighted the Ministry’s humble journey for service:
January 1998
- The name Ministry of Altar Servers was officially adopted to replace the name Knights of the Altar under the guidance of Sr. Leonor Pataueg, MCJ.
- The senior and junior members were combined and the first election was conducted to determine the Ministry’s Coordinator
April 1998
- The first MOAS “pilgrimage” was held. From then on the pilgrimage was done every Holy Week as part of MOAS’ Lenten activities.
May 1998
- The Grand Investiture was introduced. This was the first time all members of both Juniors and Seniors, old and new were inducted in one celebration. The lace of the surplice was changed; gray lace for the members and gold lace for the officers. The first crucifix necklace was also given to every member.
Example of aspirants partaking in the rites of investiture to be a full-fledged altar server.
1998
- The MOAS of San Roque Parish also became active in the Vicariate and district level. MOAS actively participated and contributed to the main projects of the District level such as the inter Parish Sportsfest, monthly district meetings and the formation of the Vision/Mission. Aside from the active participation in the District Level, the Ministry played a vital role in the strengthening of the Parish Youth Council.
December 1998
- San Roque Parish MOAS sponsored the venue for the MOAS CALMANA District Christmas Party under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Noel Jacob, District Spiritual Director.
- New sets of bibles were produced for the weekly meeting.
1999
- The organization was led by Bro. Wilbert Cruz.
- It was the first time to conduct a training program for Mass Leaders.
2000
- Bro. Randel Angles served as MOAS Coordinator.
- The strict implementation of banning computer games for both members and officers during Saturdays and Sundays was a flagship and successful program during Angeles’ term.
- In line with the MOAS’ liturgical commitment, a new pair of torches was donated.
2001
- Bro. Chester Liwanag succeeded Bro. Angeles as the organization’s lay leader.
- To assist Most Rev. Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Jr, then CALMANA spiritual leader, the Ministry opted to assign official server/s for the prelate.
- Sis. Dalisay Sy, Coordinator of the Commission on Worship and Liturgy served as the Ministry’s adviser since then.
2002
- Structural changes took place as that of having two coordinators: Bro. Jumer Portades serving as Coordinator for General Procedures; and Bro. Idris Santos serving as Coordinator for Discipline.
- The MOAS office was successfully renovated.
- Decorum was set for members to follow like proper attire during meetings (white t-shirt, black slacks and black leather shoes).
- New set of Bibles were produced.
Annually, the Ministry conducted various spiritual, extra-curricular, and recreational activities to cater an array of interests. Such activities include:
- Lenten Pa-Contest: Production Play, Film Showing, Essay Writing and Poster Making Contests, Lenten Production Play (for Juniors)
- Formation Sessions (both for Seniors and Juniors)
- Quarterly confessions (both for Seniors and Juniors)
- Summer Outing (under the initiative of Senior Officers)
- Summer Sportsfest (both for Seniors and Juniors)
- Awarding Ceremonies / Christmas Party
- This time, MOAS actively participated in the Diocesan Renewal Rites, an annual endeavor of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.
This time, MOAS actively participated in the Diocesan Renewal Rites, an annual endeavor of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.
Various programs of instruction and polices were introduced such as:
Monitoring Report
- It is the tabular presentation of records like “attendance to schedules/service” and “attendance to meetings.” This facilitates monthly updating of each member’s status.
“NO Formation, NO Serve” Policy
- As how the Ministry is founded on the Church’s basic moral teachings, it also calls upon its members to value such principles which can be achieved through a concrete formative activity.
OPLAN Disiplina
- It is a set of guidelines covering member’s decorum on meetings and liturgical activities.
Checklist for Proper Serving
- It provides the do’s and don’ts in performing liturgical functions. The guidelines serves as a reminder for members to follow.
January 2005
- The Junior Officers initiated a training program for mass leaders, thereby facilitating the selection of a new officers for the group.
November 2005
- New vessels (pair of torches, processional cross, bucket and aspergil) were donated through the initiative of the Senior Officers under the leadership of Bro. Joseph Castillo.
December 2005
- A uniform gold lace for surplice replaced the pre-existing theme.
A MOAS SRC member wearing the gold laced surplice.
November 2006
- A successful Investiture and Renewal of Vow Rites were held, giving birth to a new, hardworking, and determined batch of aspiring members.
April 2007
- The first MOAS logo was crafted by Bro. Mark Journel Quero, the Public Relations Officer of Juniors.
The first MOAS logo.
- The Previous MOAS-SRC Logo
- A successful come-back of a Lenten Pilgrimage was initiated by Bro. Aljon Bien Carpio, Secretary of Juniors.
May 2007
- Marked the first planning for drafting a Constitution and By-Laws, finally setting ground rules and regulations for the Ministry. The draft has yet to be approved. It was a brainchild project of Bro. Aristotle Bañaga, Over-all Coordinator.
September 2007
- The Junior Officers opted to implement the Mass Leader Training Program as a means of enhancing the skills of members in terms of altar serving, and developing their leadership potentials.
October 2007
- A total make-over for the office took place, accommodating the growing needs of the Ministry. This project was under the supervision of Bro. John Philip Ignacio, Asst. Chairman of Service Committee.
December 2007
- To usher the celebration of Christmas Masses, the Ministry opted to donate a new thurible which happened to be an in-demand vessel for the season. The project was delegated to Bro. Mark Philip Mencias, the Juniors’ Head for Liturgical Affairs.
- A website, online forum were successfully installed under the initiative of Bro. Mark Journel Quero where the website is under the web adress of http://moas-srcp.catholicweb.com. Also, a same online forum was initiated by Bro. Dominick Galauran.
- In celebration of the Annual Christmas Party and Awarding of the Altar Servers, a modeling of the new sets of medals was initiated under Bro. Mark Journel Quero that features the organizational logo under three types that includes the gold, silver and bronze.