Called to be missionary disciples: 1,265 altar servers gather for ACAS 2026

by Roj Falcon

The Archdiocese of Caceres enjoined once again the altar servers from its different parishes for the annual Archdiocesan Camping for Altar Servers (ACAS) with the theme: “Altar Servers called to be Missionary Disciples” from April 14-16, 2026 held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Carolina, Naga City.

It was attended by 334 participants from Partido District, 275 from Central District, 241 

from Bay District, 405 from Rinconada District with a total of 1265 participants.

The theme shares the essence of the Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese of Caceres in which the altar servers are called to continuously participate in the mission of Christ as his disciples and renew their service through the different formation sessions and activities during the camp.

In his homily during the opening mass, Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, expressed his gratitude to the altar servers for their ministry in the altar. 

“Enjoy (your) being young people. Enjoy all these things while you enjoy serving the Lord,” Archbishop Alarcon expressed to the participants. He reminded them of their important role as they serve in the church and to learn the  “symbolic language,” the meaning of the different liturgical symbols and their essence in the liturgy.

Rev. Fr. Glenn Ruiz, in his message to the altar servers, reminded them to be missionary disciples and go the extra mile as disciples and as missionaries. He admonished them to be self-giving, to share what they learned, and to give their best even in little things. He further encouraged them to be better, to be more, and to grow in mission.

During the closing mass, Bishop Jose Rojas, Bishop of the Diocese of Libmanan urged the altar servers to not only serve in the altar but to go beyond so as to become true missionary disciples.

Additionally, the newly elected officers of the Archdiocesan Altar Servers were also installed, and here are their names and positions:

President: John Christian Quindo 

Vice-President: Edgar Angelo Alfelor

Secretary: Jose Oliver Pelonio

Treasurer: Leander Anthony Rigoroso

Auditor: Carl Laurence Apolinaria

District Coordinators

Rinconada: John Lorenz Isaac

Partido: Alvin Jay Sol

Bay: Alvin Jay Castro

Central: John Paul Besmonte

The three day summer formation program featured different activities commencing through an opening program followed by laro ng lahi, essay writing, poster making, procession and cultural night, awarding, online games, formation sessions, fun run, foam party, community shower and other activities that develop their skills and fostered camaraderie among the different altar servers of the archdiocese.

Photos courtesy of Genesis Cunanan