Altar Society

The Altar Society is responsible for the care and maintenance of the altar, sacristy, and sanctuary. Their primary objective is to ensure the fulfillment of the liturgical requirements for our daily worship, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our worship area, and to foster community relations and collaborative service. They have been actively engaged with St. John Paul II Parish since its establishment in 2015.

What is our purpose?

The purpose of the Altar Society is to exemplify in our service the perspective of St. Thérèse regarding the concept of love:

1. Love as the Fundamental Principle of Holiness:

  • Love represents the essence of holiness and serves as the driving force behind the endeavor to please God.

  • St. Thérèse articulated, "I understood that love comprised all vocations – that love is everything.”

  • Love should be the primary motivation in all actions, regardless of calling or role.

2. Love in Small, Ordinary Things:

  • St. Thérèse's "Little Way" underscores the importance of carrying out even the most minor tasks with profound love for God.

  • St. Thérèse believed in "miss[ing] no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love".

  • Daily activities, performed with love, hold significant meaning.

3. Love for God and Neighbor:

  • Love for God cannot be separated from love for others.

  • Genuine charity encompasses "bearing all our neighbors' defects--not being surprised at their weakness but edified at their smallest virtues.”

  • Love should encompass everyone, including those who present challenges.

4. Love as a Path to Perfection:

  • Love serves as the fundamental means through which individuals can attain perfection and cultivate a likeness to Christ.

  • St. Thérèse shared a beautiful thought: "I know of no other means to reach perfection than by love." This simple yet profound statement reminds us that love is at the heart of our journey towards being our best selves.

  • Love has the capacity to transform individuals into the likeness of God.