Tirupattur, May 2026 — The recently concluded Altar Servers Camp of Deepagam, held at Sacred Heart College from May 11–13, was more than just a gathering of nearly 80 young altar servers from Chennai, Tirupattur, Polur, Veeralur, Jolarpet, and surrounding parishes. It became a spiritual pilgrimage — a “Mount Tabor experience” — where prayer, liturgical formation, and joyful creativity converged to renew the faith of the next generation. Guided by Rev. Fr. Jesudoss SDB and animated by the dedicated Deepagam staff and volunteers the camp blended theological depth with joyful expression, leaving participants renewed in their vocation to serve Christ at the altar.

Dance as Prayer

The camp opened with a striking reminder that worship is not confined to words. Through KVIM (Kalai Vazhi Irai Mozhi) sessions led by choreographer Mr. Karthick Antony, children discovered dance as a sacred offering. Inspired by King David’s dance before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14), they learned choreography for “Iraivan Padaitha Naal Ithuve”, embodying joy as a form of devotion. Even hesitant participants found themselves drawn into the rhythm of prayer expressed through movement.

Deepening Liturgical Understanding

Day two unfolded with profound formation. Fr. Jesudoss SDB spoke passionately about the dignity of altar service, urging children to embrace discipline and reverence. Fr. Augustine SDB guided them through the meaning of the Holy Mass, helping them see not only what they do at the altar but why they do it.

Hands-on sessions with sacred items — the thurible, candles, vestments — gave the children a tangible sense of their responsibilities. Questions about liturgical practices were welcomed and answered with patience, showing that curiosity is part of faith’s journey.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Pauline Rose offered individual spiritual counselling throughout the day, creating space for children to share their struggles and discover God’s personal love. Many later testified that these conversations deepened their trust in Christ’s companionship.

Witnesses of Christ

The final day emphasized the call to be “salt of the earth and light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16). Sessions encouraged altar servers to prepare spiritually before Mass, to pray attentively during liturgy, and to live as visible witnesses of Christ in their daily lives.

The camp concluded with a solemn Eucharist concelebrated by Fr. Praveen SDB, Fr. Selvaraj, Fr. Maria Antony Raj, and Fr. Jesudoss SDB. In his homily, Fr. Praveen reflected on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, reminding the children that, like Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco, they too are chosen by Mary to serve faithfully.

Closing celebrations included vibrant dances, choir performances, and the distribution of certificates and trophies. The joy was palpable, yet it was clear that the deeper gift of the camp was spiritual renewal.

Carrying the Light Forward

As the children departed, singing songs of thanksgiving, they carried home not only memories of fellowship but also a renewed sense of mission. The camp reminded them — and the wider Church — that altar service is not a mere duty but a vocation of love, reverence, and joyful witness. In the words of one participant, the camp was “a true Mount Tabor experience,” where ordinary days were transfigured into moments of grace. The young altar servers returned to their parishes inspired to serve Christ with dedication.