In his homily Bishop Pargeter thanked the altar servers for the work that they did in their parishes and encouraged them to serve at the altar with dignity and regularity. He talked about the meaning of the Guild medal and how it reminds servers of their patron St. Stephen who gave his life for Christ. After the homily he invited the members of the Guild to renew their Guild promises.

After Mass many stayed around to meet with each other in and around the Cathedral’s Grimshaw room and many took the opportunity to be photographed with Bishop Philip and to take group photographs with the Cathedral sanctuary as a beautiful backdrop. Peter Rollason a long time member of the Guild and Goods manager for the diocese was on hand in the Grimshaw room to provide parishes with new Guild medals and cords and altar serving manuals and other information and goods that that the Guild provides. We owe Peter many thanks for the way that he efficiently deals with all the requests that are made of him.

Once again a good day was had by all, and we look forward to next years Mass in St. Chad’s where once again servers will meet to ask God to continue to bless their important ministry of serving.

A trip to Rome and Assisi is being organised by the National Council for August 22 - 29 2009.

If you would like more information contact the diocesan director on 01782 313734 of email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it