Word Made Flesh Altar Server Retreat Held at St. Peter Cathedral
By Father Luke Daghir & Allison Mosier03/02/2026
On February 28, the Word Made Flesh Altar Server Retreat transformed St. Peter Cathedral into a place of encounter, formation and profound renewal for nearly fifty altar servers representing parishes from across the Diocese of Erie.
More than a gathering, the retreat was an invitation — a call to look more deeply at the sacred mysteries they assist with so faithfully. Rooted in prayer and rich catechesis, the day focused on deepening each participant’s understanding of the Mass and rekindling awe for the extraordinary privilege of serving at the altar, so close to the Eucharistic sacrifice.
Bishop Lawrence Persico led a reverent Holy Hour, offering encouragement and spiritual fatherhood to the young servers. He reflected on the profound dignity and responsibility entrusted to them, reminding them that their service is not simply functional — it is vocational, visible and deeply connected to the life of the Church.
Formation continued with a compelling presentation by Joseph Caulfield on The Power and Reality of the Mass, inviting servers to recognize the supernatural reality unfolding at every liturgy. Sister Angela Marie, SSCJ, offered a second reflection on The Nature of Service, challenging participants to see altar serving as a path of humility, attentiveness and love. Meaningful conversations followed, including a Q&A panel featuring clergy, religious sisters, a Franciscan priest and a lay witness, creating space for honest questions about faith, vocation and discipleship.
The presence of ten diocesan priests, two religious sisters and a Franciscan priest enriched the day immeasurably. Their joyful witness and personal engagement offered the servers a living example of lives given in service to Christ and his Church.
A particularly powerful moment of the retreat was the opportunity to venerate fifty-six documented first-class relics of the saints. For many, it was a tangible encounter with the communion of saints — a reminder that holiness is real, attainable and lived out in every age. Religious communities also shared devotional materials and resources, further opening doors to prayer and discernment.
Throughout the day, the reverence, attentiveness and enthusiasm of the young people were unmistakable. The retreat stood as a visible sign of hope — a reminder that altar servers are not merely assistants at Mass, but vital participants in the Church’s liturgical life and, for some, perhaps future priests and religious.
The Word Made Flesh Altar Server Retreat Team included Father Brandon Feikles, Father Ben Daghir, Father Luke Daghir and Dr. Aaron Kerr, whose dedication and leadership helped shape a day that will bear fruit far beyond its hours.
To view photos from the retreat, visit the diocese's photo album here.
(Thank you to all who shared photos with the diocesan family)
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