On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Divine Grace Parish’s Holy Name Society gathered for the annual Altar Server Appreciation Tribute at Holy Redeemer Church in Ellwood City.
It was a morning brimming with joy, celebration, and gratitude at the 9 a.m. Mass. Attendance at that Mass included the parish’s parishioners, the four honored senior high school altar servers and their parents along with over 50 plus Holy Name Society members who, along with the parish, sponsors the appreciation tribute.
Pastor James Wehner was the principal celebrant assisted by Deacons Joseph Ross (HNS Chaplin), and Deacon Eric Pintar.
At the Mass celebration a keepsake recognition appreciation plaque, inscribed with their many years of faithful service at the Masses and other ceremonies throughout the liturgical years, was presented to the honored altar servers present at the Mass by Pastor Father James Wehner.
The altar servers honored at that Mass are:
- Patrick Monahan, with eight years of service, Patrick plans to attend Carnegie Mellon University
- Michael Styn, with nine years of service; Michael plans to attend Mount Union University
- Cole Grinnen, with ten years of service; Cole plans to attend Slippery Rock University.
- Lillian Sperry (Unable to attend), altar server honoree, with eight years of service – Lillian plans to attend Penn State University
Three-five combined/total years of altar service for all four honorees.
It was emphasized that serving at God’s altar during the Holy Mass is not only a great honor but also an essential service in the Catholic Church. As an altar server, one is deeply immersed in the liturgical tradition of the Church, playing a crucial role in the church community. The mission of the Church is to evangelize. Serving Christ, by being an altar server is essential in the formation of faith and fellowship. Evangelization also encourages the spirit of love, humility, and service, which is at the heart of the Gospel.
HNS president, Frank Aloi commented; ‘the mission of the Church, along with evangelization, is also that altar serving, is a crucial, influential and visible ministry that lays the foundation for a lifelong devotion to the Church. It could shape a young person’s path towards more profound service roles, such as becoming a priest, deacon, nun, or dedicated lay ministry member’.
Major points covered at that meeting were: setting the calendar for the balance of actives for year 2025 and into year 2026. Emphasis was on – spiritual activities, service to the parish and community and social activities. Those activities will reach out to all Divine Grace parishioners in all three Churches; Saint Ferdinand, Holy Redeemer and Saint Gregory.
PICTURED BELOW: (left to right) Frank Aloi (president HNS), Patrick Monahan (altar server), Fr. James Wehner (DGP pastor), – altar servers – Michael Styn & Cole Grinnen not pictured – altar server – Lillian Sperry. Photo: courtesy DGP Alena Kucan
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