Love and serve the Lord above anything else

This past month Little Man served as an alter boy. Altar boys are an important part of the tradition of the Catholic Church as well as other churches such as the Orthodox and Anglican churches. Altar boys appear in the written record as early as 251 AD, meaning that the tradition must have developed even earlier. Altar boys help the priest in preparing the gifts to be offered at the Mass, and with the books, censer and candles during the services. This requires that the boys be responsible and disciplined as well as knowledgeable as to the order of the services. At the beginning of the 1990s , Pope John Paul II gave Bishops the authority to allow girls to serve at the altar. I served as an alter girl in the same church Little Man is serving at here. I can remember how special it was to be apart of Mass. Apart of the word, songs and most importantly to take part in Holy Communion. I can say it was a gift to me serving as an alter girl. A gift I still carry with me today. I couldn't wait for Little Man to become the age required. This is usually around 2nd grade. As second grade came he made his first Communion and enjoyed receiving this sacrament. He still was not ready to serve as an alter boy due to him being shy and nervous. After talking with some of the older alter boys and girls he began to feel better about it. He decided to take a few classes just to learn more and prepare at the same time. He then realized this was not something to be afraid of. He was even excited about it. I was one proud mother seeing him serve and overcoming his fears. He excitedly took part in Mass, serving and loving the Lord... This is what I want for my children above all, for each of them to love and serve the Lord above anything else.