Experience Serving in the Church
Orientation
Hello friends, do you know what Saint Mary Ways is? For those who haven't heard of it, Saint Mary Ways (SMW) is a special program at SMP Santa Maria Bandung. This program is designed to help us as students fulfill our co-curricular requirements while simultaneously practicing the values taught by Mother Mary in our daily lives. Through this activity, we are encouraged to learn not only through theory in the classroom but also through direct experience in the field. This is expected to foster students' sense of caring, empathy, and a willingness to serve others.
In this SMW program, all ninth-grade students are divided into groups and placed in various service locations. Some are placed at the Nazareyt Nursing Home, an orphanage, serving as altar servers, daycare, and even teaching in Sunday school. These groups are divided based on the church they attend, their area of residence, and the type of activity they will be involved in. The size of each group also varies. Some groups are very large, with up to 21 members, others are medium-sized, with 3 or 4 members, and some even consist of just 1 or 2 members.
On Sunday, September 14th, I was given the opportunity to serve in Kamuning Church during the Mass. That day, I was assigned to carry the processional cross, a responsibility that made me feel grateful and proud. A few days later, on Wednesday, September 17th, I served again in the Daily Mass. Although the tasks were simple, they held deep meaning for me. My final service during that period took place on Wednesday, November 1st, also in the Daily Mass. All three occasions became valuable moments that helped me grow in my faith.
Events
During every Mass I served, I noticed the warm smiles of the people who attended, reflecting sincerity and devotion. I listened to the choir singing beautifully, creating an atmosphere that felt peaceful and full of gratitude. In my heart, I felt a sense of warmth and serenity as I served as an acolyte.
On Sunday Mass, I carried the cross during the entrance procession and helped prepare the second offering. On the Daily Masses, I was assigned to bring the first and second offerings. Even though the tasks seemed small, they had important liturgical roles, and I tried to perform each one with care and responsibility.
Through this experience, I learned the values of Mary—especially service and faithfulness. Serving at the altar helped me understand what it means to give my time, energy, and heart to God, just as Mary did with humility and love. I also felt God’s presence in many ways: through the peace in my heart, the smiles of the congregation, and the choir’s uplifting songs that made the Mass feel sacred and alive.
Reorientation
From this journey, I discovered that I am capable of offering meaningful service to the Church. I learned to be more disciplined, responsible, and willing to take part in the liturgy. Serving God brought me a unique joy that strengthened my faith. After these experiences, I want to continue serving in my daily life by joining more church activities, such as the choir, altar server ministry, or youth group. Through serving, I feel closer to God and continue to grow as a person.
Events
During every Mass I served, I noticed the warm smiles of the people who attended, reflecting sincerity and devotion. I listened to the choir singing beautifully, creating an atmosphere that felt peaceful and full of gratitude. In my heart, I felt a sense of warmth and serenity as I served as an acolyte.
On Sunday Mass, I carried the cross during the entrance procession and helped prepare the second offering. On the Daily Masses, I was assigned to bring the first and second offerings. Even though the tasks seemed small, they had important liturgical roles, and I tried to perform each one with care and responsibility.
Through this experience, I learned the values of Mary—especially service and faithfulness. Serving at the altar helped me understand what it means to give my time, energy, and heart to God, just as Mary did with humility and love. I also felt God’s presence in many ways: through the peace in my heart, the smiles of the congregation, and the choir’s uplifting songs that made the Mass feel sacred and alive.
Reorientation
From this journey, I discovered that I am capable of offering meaningful service to the Church. I learned to be more disciplined, responsible, and willing to take part in the liturgy. Serving God brought me a unique joy that strengthened my faith. After these experiences, I want to continue serving in my daily life by joining more church activities, such as the choir, altar server ministry, or youth group. Through serving, I feel closer to God and continue to grow as a person.
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