WASHINGTON (June 20, 2002) – Altar Servers: Servants of God is a new resource intended to assist those who work with altar servers. The publication was developed by the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy and the Bishops' Committee on Vocations in collaboration with USCCB Publishing.

The colorful six-panel brochure highlights Pope John Paul II's inspiring address to altar servers during his 1,000th general audience, held at the Vatican August 1, 2001. The Pope encourages altar servers to understand the responsibility they have in this service to the Church, reminds them of their duty to extend this spirit of service to care for humankind, and concludes by encouraging young people to consider a vocation to the priesthood and/or consecrated life.

"Your service cannot be restricted to the inside of a church," Pope John Paul II said. "It must shine out in your everyday life: at school, in the family, and in the different social contexts, for those who want to serve Jesus Christ in a church must be his witnesses everywhere," the Pope said.

A copy of the brochure was sent to all bishops by the chairmen of the Liturgy and Vocation committees, Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb and Bishop Kevin Britt. Also provided was an order form which bishops can use if they wish to send copies to their pastors. The pastors can distribute the brochure to altar servers or to other children in the fifth through eighth grade.

The brochure (number 5-466) is available from USCCB Publishing and can be purchased for $10 in quantities of 25.

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