Launch of Server’s Certificate Diploma
The Archconfraternity “Guild” of St Stephen, in association with the Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Studies (MHIRS) and St Mary’s University in Twickenham, London are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of a first of its kind course in the ministry of Altar Serving.
This course, aimed at adult learners, is set at a UK ‘Level 3’ standard, equivalent to an ‘A’ level, international Baccalaureate diploma, advanced apprenticeship, etc. It will be delivered in six modules through distance learning and an in-person study day over a six month period starting this November. There are assessments along the way to complete the course but no ‘exams’ or ‘long essays’!
This has been over two and half years in the making and has been put together with the blessing of the Superior General of the Guild, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and in conjunction with Maryvale Institute and representatives of the Guild. It is a huge step in our initiatives to ‘Move the Guild Forward’, and promotes the threefold purpose of the Guild:
To encourage, positively and practically, the highest standards of serving at the Church’s liturgy and so contribute to the whole community’s participation in a more fruitful worship of God.
To provide altar servers with greater understanding of what they are doing so that they may serve with increasing reverence and prayerfulness and thereby be led to a deepening response to their vocation in life.
To unite servers of different parishes and dioceses for their mutual support and encouragement.
At this time, it is aimed for those servers who are 18 years of age or older and is an opportunity to further a servers formation in faith, explore the theology of Service, Study of the Church, Sacred Scripture, Liturgy and Sacraments as well as reflecting on Service Leadership and supporting servers to help others in their faith formation and parish roles.
If you are interested, please visit our Certificate in Altar Server Studies page for full information, speak to your parish priest to gain his support, and complete the expression of interest form.
We look forward to you joining us, and Bishop David Evans, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham and Vice President of Maryvale Institute, for Mass to celebrate the launch of this new endeavour on Friday 17 October at 12 noon at the chapel at St Mary’s College, Oscott.
