Called to Serve - Altar Servers’ Retreat
We are excited to be hosting another retreat especially for young altar servers of the Archdiocese of Birmingham!
Who is it for?
The retreat is for young altar servers in school years 5 to 13, who will come as a parish group, accompanied by adult leaders. There are also a limited number of places available for young people who aren't joining us a part of a group.
When is it?
The retreat runs from the evening of Friday 27th February (arrivals between 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.) until lunchtime on Sunday 1st March 2026 (depart at 2:00 p.m.)
Where is it happening?
We're hosting the weekend at our diocesan youth retreat centres Alton Castle and Soli, both located together in the village of Alton, North Staffordshire.
Who is it run by?
The Kenelm Youth Trust and the Diocesan Vocations Office are working together to host this retreat.
What is it?
A retreat is firstly a time to leave the busyness of our lives to spend time with Jesus and with others. It will be good for altar servers to be with those from other parishes! There will be fun activities and time for reflection on the service we give in our lives. At the heart of our time together will be prayer and liturgical celebrations, including a candlelit Blessed Sacrament procession and culminating in Holy Mass on Sunday celebrated by Bishop Timothy Menezes.
How much will it cost?
The cost is £109 per young person. This covers accommodation, activities and meals and is already heavily subsidised. Adult leader (age 19+) places are £39.
Bursaries are available, contact claire.williams@kenelmyouthtrust.org.uk
There is time for the parish to fundraise to help altar servers attend Called to Serve. Here are some ideas:
*An appeal to parishioners to sponsor a server’s place
*A cake sale after Sunday Masses
*A fundraising event, such as a parish quiz
*A sponsored walk/bike ride/litter pick
*Your parish priest could write to your local Catenian Circle, to see if they can help support your parish group.
How do I book?
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An adult from the parish should register your group using ​the link above. You will then be sent details of how individual young altar servers can register, as well as parish adult leaders.
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If young people want to attend without being part of a group, please email the Kenelm Youth Trust to register your interest.
For more information
You can contact Deacon Owen Gresty in the Diocesan Vocations Office. 0121 321 5135 deacon.owen@vocations.org.uk
You can find out more about the Guild of Saint Stephen for altar servers here. You can find out more about the work of the Kenelm Youth Trust on their website.