Koa Constitution

Knights of the Altar Lingkod ng Dambana Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Pakil, Laguna THE CONSTITUTION OF THE ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE ALTAR Preamble We, the members of the duly constituted parochial, religious youth organization, brotherhood and ministry of the Lingkod ng Dambana-Knights of the Altar in the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, Saint Peter of Alcantara Parish, in the town of Pakil, Laguna , inspired by the Holy Spirit, driven by the Ideals of Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood and Service, all for the love of God and His Greater Glory, motivated by His calling to follow Him through our vow to this vocation despite of our youth, do hereby promulgate and adopt this Constitution. Article I NAME Section 1. This religious youth organization, a union and brotherhood formed by the lay liturgical ministry of Altar Servers and Acolytes to our mother, the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ shall be known as the “Order of the Knights of the Altar (KoA),” a parochial unit of the diocesan religious youth organization and ministry of Altar Servers and Acolytes in the Diocese of San Pablo, the Lingkod ng Dambana. Article II DOMICILE Section 1. The Order of the Knights of the Altar, as a union and religious youth organization and brotherhood, shall act as parochial unit of the Lingkod ng Dambana of the Diocese of San Pablo in and through the lay youth liturgical ministry of Altar Servers and Acolytes, and shall have its office in the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, St. Peter of Alcantara Parish in the town of Pakil, Laguna. Article III MISSION AND VISION Section 1. The Order of the Knights of the Altar commits itself to the visualization of the Ideals of Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood and Service in their liturgical ministry and in all the aspects of their everyday life, all for the love of God and His greater glory. Section 2. In the Ideal of Reverence, a Knight commits itself: -to imitate Christ, the Perfect Man, in all of his features and aspects of life, in thought, in word, and in deed, and live as real Christian follower of Christ despite of his youth, -to be reverent in his liturgical ministry, characterized by his understanding and knowing the rubrics of the liturgy, complimented by “discipline, decorum and piety i” in “performing their functions correctly and orderlyii” and -to grow in holiness by experiencing God’s love in his everyday life. Section 3. In the Ideal of Wisdom, a Knight commits itself: -to study and understand the Holy Scriptures, Magisterium, Doctrine and Traditions of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, -to train and learn the skills and knowledge needed in the Lay Liturgical Ministry of Acolytes and Altar Servers,

-“to develop all the gifts of God in his body, mind, and heartiii,” -to use all these gifts and knowledge to make the best out of his service to God and to the Church and -to respond and answer the call of God in our different vocations and missions in life. Section 4. In the spirit of Brotherhood, the Order of the Knights of the Altar as a whole, commit ourselves: -to build a Christ-centered community as brothers and followers of Jesus Christ, -to prepare all its members to be good citizens and future leaders of the country, -to develop a family united in the service of Christ, -to build an eternal friendship between each member and -to serve as a role model to the youth. Section 5. In the Ideal of Service, a Knight is called not only to serve Christ in the Altar, but also to serve Christ in other people, so he commits himself: -to share to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth and put this proclamation into action, -to be a member of a community of youth serving youth, -to be bearers of God’s love and signs of faith to this present world of chaos and -to be in the service of God by being in the service of all. Article IV AUTHORITY AND GOVERNMENT Section 1. The authority and government of the Order of the Knights of the Altar shall be the exclusive prerogative and privilege, vested in the Parish Priest and Shrine Rector of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, St. Peter of Alcantara Parish who shall be the Director of the Order, he shall be represented by the Arch Minister, who will form a Grand Officers Council, under the guidance of an Elder Adviser. Section 2. All members of the Order, if for the Ideals of the Order of the Knights of the Altar and if for the good and success of the Order, complete obedience and subjectivity, with loyalty and respect are required for those in authority, in seniority and in superiority, particularly for the Arch Minister, Grand Officers Council with the Elder Adviser, and most of all to the Director of the Order, the Parish Priest and Shrine Rector of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, St. Peter of Alcantara Parish and to other authority and power he shall imposed on the Order. Section 3. Insofar as the Order of the Knights of the Altar is concern, the source of authority and government shall emanate from the Director, the Parish Priest and Shrine Rector of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, St. Peter of Alcantara Parish, represented by the Arch Minister and acting through the Grand Officers Council with the Elder Adviser. The Director with his executive power and authority, can impose and delegate any other authority in the Order. Article V MEMBERSHIP AND FORMATION Section 1. Membership to the Order of the Knights of the Altar is open to boys and young men, from ages 9-20, baptized as Christians of the Roman Catholic Church who have received the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation, with the consent of parents or guardian, endowed with willingness and capability to serve in the ministry of Altar Servers and commit himself to the Lord through the Order of the Knights of the Altar and its Ideals. Section 2. In the virtue of our commitment to the Ideals of our liturgical ministry in the Order of the Knights of the Altar namely Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood and

Service, all members shall undergo a formation for the visualization and actualization of these Ideals. Section 3. In correspondence to these four Ideals, Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood and Service, there shall also be five areas of formation namely: Gospel Formation, ACTS Prayer Formation, Liturgical Formation, Fraternal Formation, and Service Formation. Section 4. On the Gospel Formation, the focus of this area of formation is the God’s word, the Holy Scriptures, especially the Gospels. The goals of the Gospel Formation are for the members to understand the importance of God’s Word as a foundation of the Church and as Jesus Christ Himself, the Word made flesh. Another is for the members to learn God’s love and Salvation, to be nourish by God’s word in the performance of their ministry, and then share in the Church’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth and put this proclamation into action. Section 5. Under the Liturgical Formation, the members are called to grow in the Liturgy; they are not only expected to know the liturgy and learn the skills of their ministry, but also to understand the rubrics and meaning of what they are doing. The members should also learn and understand the Catholic faith by heart and live it through studying the Church’s Magisterium and Doctrines. Through these things, the members will grow in holiness and in their love relationship with God, in order for them to “discharge their office with reverence, discipline, decorum and sincere piety demanded by so exalted a ministry and rightfully expected of them by God and His people iv,” and so to be “the ready and active collaborators of Catholic Priesthood v”, as the realization of “the Ideal of Christian lay personvi”, they will help in “leading the faithful in active, full, conscious and active participation in the liturgyvii” by performing their functions in a correct and orderly manner. Section 6. In the area of Fraternal Formation, the Order seeks the realization of the Ideal of Brotherhood in Christ, united in the service of God, and building a Christcentered community of the faithful by putting into practice the command of Christ, “love one another as I have loved you.viii” Section 7. In the Service Formation, the Order seeks the fullness of the Ideal of Service in which the association becomes stronger and nourish through love and service of others, that in the service of God, we are in the service of all, as obedience to the command of Christ, “love your neighbor as yourself.ix” Section 8. The ACTS Prayer Formation stands for the formation of a Prayer Life through Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication. It is for the Spiritual Formation of members and for them to grow intimately in their personal relationship with God through adoration of Him as an act of love, through contrition of each member’s sins and wrongdoings as he go in a continuous way to conversion, through thanksgiving in which he shows his gratitude and appreciation of all God’s gifts and blessing as long as he lives thinking that without God he is nothing, and through supplication in which he asks God to be with him as he go through life’s journey and always seeking his holy will and conforming his life in it. Furthermore, it seeks to make the member’s life and everything as offering and an act of worship to God. Article VI THE HIERARCHY IN THE IDEALS OF THE ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE ALTAR Section 1. The member’s achievement and advancement in the Ideals of Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood and Service together with their growth in the five areas of formation will be measured through the different phases and ranks in the Order of Hierarchy.

Section 2. There shall be six phases and ranks in the Order of Hierarchy namely: Aspirant, Postulant, Novice, Squire, Knight, and Minister. This Order of Hierarchy will define the superiority, authority, system-of-command, duty and responsibility in the Order of the Knights of the Altar. Section 3. Under each rank and phase in the Order of Hierarchy are requirements and demands which consists of different activities such as meetings, trainings, study sessions, seminars, liturgies and paraliturgies, gatherings, projects, etc. divided into the five areas of formation, the Gospel, Liturgical, Fraternal, Service and ACTS Prayer Formation. Section 4. Upon the completion of all the requirements and demand under the five areas of formation of each rank and phase in the Order of Hierarchy, a member shall undergo a Board of Review which consists of activities that will evaluate the members’ achievement and progress in the five areas of formation and in the attainment of the Ideals. The Board of Review will decide and certify if the member will pass and go to the higher ranks in the Order of Hierarchy. Passing the Board of Review will entitle the member to receive the degree of the rank in an Official Ceremonial of the Order of the Knights of the Altar and continue in his formation. Section 5. This section contains the requirements and demands of each degree divided in the five areas of formation. A. Formation for the Degree of Aspirant The period of aspirancy is a pre-membership period. It is where an interested young man or boy is received in the Order of the Knights of the Altar. The formation of this degree will focus on the basics and introduction to all things about the Order of the Knights of the Altar and the Ministry of Altar Servers. It is a period of experimentation whereby the applicant can decide to enter properly in the organization and continue to the accomplishment of the formation in the Order of Hierarchy. a. Gospel Formation 1. The applicant will undergo Bible-study sessions with the following topics: The Bible as the Word of God, The Inspiration and Interpretation of Sacred Scriptures, the Bible in the Life of the Church, and Introduction to the Bible. 2. The applicant will further study how to use the Bible and the different ways of Bible and Gospel sharing. b. ACTS Prayer Formation 1. The applicant needs to study and learn by heart the Basic Christian Prayers in the English and Filipino language. These Basic Christian Prayers are: Sign of the Cross, Our Father/ The Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary/Angelical Salutation, Glory be/Doxology, Apostles’ Creed and the Hail Holy Queen. 2. The applicant must attend the Friday ACTS Activity. These activities of Friday ACTS must focus in developing the applicant’s interest and willpower to join the Knights of the Altar. c. Liturgical Formation 1. The applicant must be given a study session focusing on the Things a Catholic should know and the Fundamental Teachings and Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church.

2. The applicant must attend an orientation activity where he will be oriented on the ins-and-outs of the organization, the Constitution, and all about the Order of the Knights of the Altar. 3. The applicant will attend a series of lectures about the History of Lay Liturgical Ministry of Altar Servers and Acolytes and its nature. d. Fraternal Formation 1. The applicant must submit an accomplished Membership Form and attach the following documents: Certified Copy of Baptismal and Birth Certificate; Certified Copy if any of First Communion and Confirmation Certificate; Photocopy of DepEd Form 138 or School Card; Letter of Parent’s Consent; Certificate of Good Moral Character from School Adviser; 1x1 Recent Picture; and a Recommendation Letter from a member of the Order who received the degree of the Knight. 2. The applicant shall then attend a Preliminary Interview, an Initiation Activity, and Recognition and Baptism as a member of the Order. 3. The applicant must attend the weekly activities. e. Service Formation 1. The applicant must help in the cleaning, upkeep, and maintaining of the Parish Church, especially the Sacristy. 2. 2. The applicant needs to show a certification from his parents that he helps in doing the household chores. B. Formation for the Degree of the Postulant The degree of the postulant is the first step in the way to total commitment in the Ideals of Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood, and Service. The focus of this period is for the member to know himself, then Jesus Christ, and to know his brothers at the Order, that in knowing them he may begin to love them. a. Gospel Formation 1. The aspirant will now undergo through Bible-study sessions about the Pentateuch and the Historical Books of the Old Testament. 2. The aspirant is required to attend the Bible-sharing activities. 3. The aspirant is further required to attend all the activities which will fall under this area of formation. b. ACTS Prayer Formation 1. The aspirant’s task in this area of formation is to learn how to pray the Morning and Evening Prayers and make it a daily habit. Together with the Morning and Evening Prayers are: The Act of Faith, Hope and Love, Prayer to the Holy Spirit, Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Prayer to the Guardian Angels, Grace Before and After Meals, The Daily Examination of Conscience and the Act of Contrition.

2. Since the aspirant will now begin to perform his ministry as an altar server, he must learn by heart the Order of the Knights of the Altar’s Prayer Before and After Service. 3. The aspirant must now resolve to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly at least once a month and learn how to make a proper confession of sins. 4. The aspirant then needs to attend all the Friday ACTS which will focus in developing one’s commitment to defeat his old self and begin his way towards conversion to a new person in Christ. The aspirant also needs to attend any activity which will fall under this area of formation. c. Liturgical Formation 1. The aspirant shall undergo a series of Catechism Classes with the focus on the Teachings and Doctrines of the Catholic Church according to the articles of the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed. 2. The aspirant shall undergo a series of lectures and discussions about the Mass, its definition and nature, the Order of the Mass, and the different postures and responses in the Mass. 3. The aspirant is now empowered to serve at the Altar of the Lord as a Torch bearer or Candle bearer, so he will undergo liturgy training sessions for the skills needed in this service. 4. The aspirant is required to attend Sunday masses regularly and attend on all of his service assignment. d. Fraternal Formation 1. The aspirant is required to participate in Weekly Gatherings, Fellowship Experiences and other activities under this category. 2. The aspirant needs to develop proper conduct towards the other members of the organization and begin to develop friendship with them. 3. The aspirant is further required to attend the weekly meetings and activities of the organization. e. Service Formation 1. Attendance in Church cleaning activities is required. 2. Develop and foster good relationships with the members of his family supported by a recommendation letter from them. C. Formation for the Degree of the Novice Upon passing the degree of the postulant, the member will now prepare himself to enter the Novitiate of the Order of the Knights of the Altar. The focus of this formation is for the member to offer himself as an Oblation to Christ by committing himself to the Ideals of Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood, and Service. Obedience and humility are the virtues to be developed by the postulant. a. Gospel Formation

1. Bible Study sessions of the postulant are about the Wisdom and Prophetical Books of the Old Testament. 2. The postulant is required to start a daily habit of reading the Bible with focus on the Liturgical readings, especially the Gospels. 3. The postulant is required to make a journal of his reflections on the Sunday Liturgical Readings. 4. It is further required to attend all activities that will fall on this area of formation. b. ACTS Prayer Formation 1. The postulant is required to learn the different prayers and devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary: the Rosary, Hail Holy Queen, Angelus, Regina Coeli and the Memorare, then perform this prayers and devotions regularly. 2. Recitation of Prayer Before and After Service at every mass. 3. The postulant must resolve to approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least twice a month. 4. The postulant will be instructed on how to make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament and practice it. 5. The postulant will then be required to attend the Friday ACTS and all the activities that will fall on this area of formation. c. Liturgical Formation 1. The Catechism Classes of the Postulant is about the Ten Commandments of God together with the Precepts and Commandments of the Church. 2. Liturgical study and lecture sessions about the Liturgy, Liturgical Settings, Liturgical Year and everything about the Catholic liturgy will be given to the postulant. 3. Liturgical Training Sessions on using the Ordo and serving as a Book bearer and Bell ringer shall be given to the postulant. 4. The postulant will now study about the History of the Church and the History of the Parish of St. Peter of Alcantara. 5. Attendance in all Sunday masses and Service Assignments together with a Quarterly KoA Recollection is required. d. Fraternal Formation 1. Participation in the Weekly Gatherings, Fellowship Experiences and other activities that will fall on this area of formation is required. 2. Recommendation Letter from inferior members about the manners and conduct of the postulant. 3. There shall be no report of misconduct about the postulant. 4. Participation in meetings and regular weekly activities is required. e. Service Formation

1. The postulant must attend and participate in Church Cleaning Activities. 2. The postulant must participate in the Pondo ng Pinoy Program. 3. The postulant will study how to prepare all the things needed in the Holy Mass, clean and put these things into order after the mass, and do it as a duty. 4. The postulant will study how to toll the bells of the belfry at different occasions and situations, and then do it as a duty. D. Formation for the Degree of the Squire Upon receiving the degree of the novice, the member is now in preparation of becoming a squire. The focus of this formation is for the squire to recognize Jesus as His Lord and follow Him as a disciple to the Ideals of Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood and Service. a. Gospel Formation 1. The Bible-study sessions of the novice are about the Deuterocanonical Books of the Roman Catholic Canon of the Bible. 2. The novice must continue the Daily Bible reading of Liturgical Readings, especially the Gospel. 3. The novice will lead 5 Bible sharing sessions. 4. The novice will continue to keep a journal of his reflections on the Liturgical Readings. 5. The novice must learn how to make a Bible-prayer (BIBLIARASAL). 6. He is required to attend all the activities which will fall on this area of formation. b. ACTS Prayer Formation 1. The novice must learn the other supplementary prayers and the prayers for different occasions and situations especially those that he need in the ministry of altar servers, such as The Way of the Cross, Spiritual Communion, Novenas, famous prayers of the Saints, Indulgenced Prayers etc. 2. Daily recitation of Prayers such as the Morning and Evening Prayers, the Rosary, Prayer Before and After Service etc. 3. Learn by heart the Basic Christian Prayers in Latin including the responses in the Holy Mass. 4. Regular visit to the Blessed Sacrament and Regular Confession. 5. Practice of First Friday Devotion and Daily Spiritual Reading. 6. The novice is required to attend all the Friday ACTS and all the activities that will fall on this area of formation. c. Liturgical Formation 1. There will be a series of Catechism Classes about the Seven Sacraments and the Sacramentals of the Roman Catholic Church. 2. Liturgical study sessions about the Sacred Objects and Vestments together with the Symbols of the Church and Christianity will be given to the novice.

3. Liturgical Training Sessions in serving as a Main Server and serving during the Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction will be given to the novice as he is empowered to perform this office. 4. A lecture about the Life of St. Peter of Alcantara and the History of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba will be given to the novice. 5. Regular attendance in Sunday Masses and Service Assignments, together with a monthly recollection is required. d. Fraternal Formation 1. Participation in the Weekly Gatherings, Fellowship Experiences and all other activities in this area of formation will be required. 2. Recommendation letter from Superior members about the manners and conduct of the novice will be required. 3. There must be no record of misconduct and lack of discipline about the member. 4. Give 3 study sessions to the inferior members. 5. Participation in weekly meetings and activities is required. e. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Service Formation Participation in a Civil or Community Service is required. Attendance in Church Cleaning Activities. Participation in the Pondo ng Pinoy Program. Tolling of the bells and preparation of the altar for the mass. Pray a novena for the souls in the Purgatory.

E. Formation for the Degree of the Knight This degree represents the nobility and honor that the member should receive in humility as he is called to be a Knight of the King of Kings. Many are called but few are chosen. The Knight should always recognize his unworthiness to serve at the Altar of the Lord. In humility and spirit of sacrifice, he must obtain the happiness of dedicating himself and committing to conform to the most holy will of God. a. Gospel Formation 1. The squire shall undergo Bible-study sessions of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. The squire shall continue the daily habit of reading the Liturgical readings, especially the Gospels. 3. The squire must lead Bible-sharing and Bible-study sessions for the members of the lower Order of Hierarchy. 4. The squire shall continue to keep a journal of his reflections on the Liturgical Readings. 5. The squire will lead Bible-prayer sessions. 6. The squire is required to make a Research Paper about a certain topic on the Sacred Scriptures. 7. He is further required to attend all activities and requirements which will fall on this area of formation. b. ACTS Prayer Formation

1. The squire will undergo a deeper study of Prayer and Our Lord’s Prayer according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2. Recitation of daily prayers such as the Morning and Evening Prayers, Prayer Before and After Service and the Angelus. 3. Practice regular devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 4. Do the Preparation for Total Consecration by St. Louis de Monfort. 5. Regular visit to the Blessed Sacrament and Regular Confession. 6. Spiritual reading of a work by a saint and make a book report. 7. The squire is required to continuously attend all Friday ACTS and all other activities that will fall on this area of formation. c. Liturgical Formation 1. Catechism classes about Christian Morality and Ethics will be given to the Squire. 2. Liturgical study sessions about the Principle of Ceremonies, Serving the Mass and General Instruction to the Roman Missal will be given to the squire. 3. Liturgical training sessions is serving as a Thuriper, Clerus, Boat bearer and Cross bearer will be given to the squire. 4. Study of Mariology is required for the squire. 5. The squire is required to attend and participate at the Order of the Knights of the Altar’s Retreat. 6. Attendance in all Sunday Mass and masses in days of Obligation is required together with attendance in monthly recollection. d. Fraternal Formation 1. Participation in Weekly Gatherings, Fellowship Experiences, and all other activities is required. 2. Recommendation Letter for Investiture from the Parents/Guardian, from Superior and Inferior Members, from the Arch Minister and Grand Officers Council, from the Elder Adviser, from School and Religion Teacher and from the Director are required for the squire prior to the Investiture as Knight. 3. Certificate of Good Moral Character from the School is required together with passing grades on the subjects of study. 4. No misconduct, lack of discipline, and disobedience should be committed by the squire during the duration of the formation. 5. Give 5 study sessions for the inferior members. 6. Organize and lead a Friday ACTS Activity and a Fellowship Activity. 7. Participation and attendance in meetings and regular activities are required. e. Service Formation 1. Participation in 3 Civil or Community Service is required. 2. Attendance and participation in Church Cleaning Activities. 3. Participation in a Reach-out Program and a Social Project. 4. Tolling of the bells and preparation of the altar for the mass. 5. Have a daily prayer habit for others. 6 Membership in Civic or Community Service Oriented youth organization will be required.

7. Conduct teach-ins and tutoring sessions for the youth outside the organization. F. Formation for the Degree of the Minister Upon passing the Board of Review for the degree of the Knight, the squire will be given the degree through an Investiture Ceremony in which he will be given the habit of the Order, and in the Hands of the Director and in the witness of a congregation of the people of God, during the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ, he will recite his Pledge of Commitment and Love of Jesus Christ in the Ideals of the Order of the Knights of the Altar. Then after the Investiture, the Knight will undergo another formation for deeper and more sincere Reverence, for higher knowledge and Wisdom, for growth in the spirit of Brotherhood and for better Service, out of greater love and deeper commitment to Jesus Christ through the Ideals and Formation of the Order of the Knights of the Altar and the Ministry of Altar Servers. The degree of the Minister characterizes the fullness of the ministry of altar servers through the Ideals. a. Gospel Formation 1. Bible-study sessions about the Acts of the Apostles, Epistles, and the Revelations will be given to the Knight. 2. The Knight must commit to the Liturgical Bible-reading for good. 3. The Knight must give Bible-study and Bible-sharing sessions both for the inferior members of the organization and for the youth outside of it. 4. The Knight must continue keeping a journal of his Reflections in the Liturgical Readings for good. 5. The Knight must-lead Bible-prayer sessions for inferior members and youth groups outside the organization. 6. The Knight will be required to make a paper on what he learned on the Scriptures, its importance to the Church and his life, and on how he can share in the mission of evangelization and proclamation of the Gospel and how he will put this proclamation into action. 7. Participation in the Biblical-apostolate and Biblical seminars and trainings are required. 8. The Knight is required to attend all activities and requirements which will fall on this area of formation. b. ACTS Prayer Formation 1. The Knight by this time must already have established a strong prayer life. 2. The Knight must show the fullness of his Christian life through prayer. 3. Rigorous and tireless practice of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary must be shown. 4. Continuous habit of recitation of Christian Prayers such as the Morning and Evening Prayer, etc. 5. The Knight must understand and learn that the mass is the greatest act of worship and prayer.

6. Continuous habit of regular reception of the Sacrament of Confession and visit to the Blessed Sacrament. 7. The Knight must lead and organize Friday ACTS Activities of the Order. 8. The Knight is required to attend continuously all the Friday ACTS activities and all other activities that will fall under this area of formation. c. Liturgical Formation 1. The Knight must undergo a study of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ, its nature and mission, and all its teachings. 2. The Knight will study the teachings and decrees of the Vatican Council II. 3. Study of the Papacy and Communion of Saints will be given to the Knight. 4. Furthermore, a lecture on Angelology and Demonology will be required for the Knight. 5. At this time, a Knight must be able to defend his faith against heresies and false teachings so therefore will study Apologetics. 6. The Knight will participate in the Order of the Knights of the Altar’s Ministerial Retreat. 7. To discern and find his vocation in life, a Knight will be required to attend a Vocation Orientation and Discernment Seminar. 8. The Knight must be able to show the performance of the fullness of his ministry as an altar server. 9. The Knight needs to profess a fulfillment of Christian living and obligations. 10. Attendance in all other activities that will fall on this area of formation is required. d. Fraternal Formation 1. Participation in Weekly Gatherings, Fellowship Experiences, and all other activities in this area of formation is required. 2. Recommendation Letters for Installation from the parents/guardian, from superior and inferior members, from the Arch Minister and Grand Officers Council, from the Elder Adviser, from School and Religion Adviser and from the Director are required for the Knight prior to the Installation as Minister. 3. Certificate of Good Moral Character from the School is required together with passing grades on subjects of study. 4. No misconduct, lack of discipline, and disobedience should be committed by the Knight on the duration of the formation. 5. The Knight will conduct 10 study sessions for inferior members. 6. Organize and lead in the conduct of 10 Friday ACTS and 10 Fellowship Activities. 7. Attendance and participation in Knights of the Altar Leadership Seminar. 8. The Knight must hold a leadership position in the Order by leading and organizing activities, or holding an office position in

the Order; furthermore, the Knight will exercise authority on the inferior members and must serve as a good role model for them. 7. Participation in meetings and regular activities are required. e. Service Formation 1. Participation in 5 Civil or Community Services are required. 2. Attendance and participation Church–cleaning activities. 3. Organize and participate in 3 Reach-out programs and Civil Projects. 4. Providing service and help in the Church whenever necessary. 5. Have a daily prayer habit for others. 6. Membership in Civic or Community Service Oriented Youth Organization. 7. Assist in organizing recollections for youth outside the organization. 8. Conduct teach-ins and tutorial sessions for youth outside the organization. G. Post Membership Period Upon passing the Board of Review for the degree of the Minister, the Knight will be given this degree through an Installation Ceremony in which the Knight will be given the surplice and cassocks symbolizing the fullness of the ministry of Altar Servers and the Ideals of the Order of the Knights of the Altar. The Installation Ceremony serves not only as a crown of achievement for the member but also as a witness to his commitment to Christ that has became firm and true as he advanced in the formation towards the Ideals of Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood, and Service. The degree of Minister makes the member ready to take up this challenge of following Christ for life. Once you become a Knight of the Altar, forever you are a Knight of Christ. Now, the Knight must discern the will of God on the vocation which he will take for his life as a Christian. The Minister can serve as an Altar Server limited only by his age and circumstances. But whatever choice the Minister will take, there are no limitations in his commitment to follow in the service of Christ, and obtain his ultimate destiny, to praise and worship God in heaven for all eternity.

Article VII OFFFICES OF THE ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE ALTAR Section 1. The following offices shall be form in order that all the functions of the Order of the Knights of the Altar will be performed and done: Grand Officers Council, Board of Review, Council of Formation, College of Knights and Novices, and the Brethren Court. Section 2. The authority and government of the Order of the Knights of the Altar is embodied by the Parish Priest and Shrine Rector who is the Director of the Order, he shall be represented by the Arch Minister under the guidance of the Elder Adviser. The Arch Minister, in order to direct and to organize the affairs of the Order of the Knights of

the Altar, will form and establish the Grand Officers Council composing of the Director, Elder Adviser/Guardian Coordinator, and Arch Minister themselves, together with the Knight Superior, Scribe, Quartermaster, Prefect, Herald and the Representatives of Hierarchy. (cf. Article VIII) Section 3. The Board of Review is the one concerned in the members’ advancement and growth towards the Ideals of the Order through the Hierarchy. It will compose of three members namely: the Director, Elder Adviser and the Arch Minister, together with the Council of Formation. (cf. Article VII, Section 4). The power and duties of the Board of Review are the following: a. Confirm through the Council of Formation the completion of the Hierarchy Degree requirements by the applicant. b. After the confirmation that the applicant has completed all the requirements of the five areas of formation, the Board of Review will make three examinations based on what the applicant has learned on the five areas of formation. The three kinds of examinations will compose of a written examination, an oral examination and interview, and technical examination or practicum on the practical skills needed in the Ministry of Altar Servers. The Board of Review can also decide on what type of examination to give to the applicant as long as it will measure the applicant’s achievement and growth in the formation. c. Depending on the applicant’s performance on the examinations, the Board of Review will decide whether the applicant will receive the degree or not. If not, the Board of Review will give a set of additional requirements for the applicant which falls on any of the five areas of formation. The decision of the Board of Review is final. d. If the applicants pass the Board of Review, then the Board Members will certify it and bestow the degree upon the applicant in an Official Ceremonial of the Order. e. Upon receiving the degree, the applicant automatically proceeds to the formation for the higher degree of the hierarchy. Section 4. The Council of Formation is concerned and responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the activities under the five areas of formation namely: Biblical Formation, Liturgical Formation, ACTS Prayer Formation, Fraternal Formation and Service Formation. This Council will compose of six members including the Arch Minister and five formators. These Formators are elected with the Grand Officers, requiring the degree of the Minister, with the same tenure of office as that of the Grand Officers Council. These Formators will each hold an area of Formation, so there will be a Gospel Formator, Liturgical Formator, Fraternal Formator, ACTS Prayer Formator and Service Formator. The Council of Formation will convene in a meeting once a month presided by the Arch Minister. Section 5. The Brethren Court will be the one responsible for judging ethical cases within the Order; it is the one who will give disciplinary action for a misconduct and disobedience of a member. Its other duty is that of guidance and counseling of members. The Brethren Court will include the Director, Elder Adviser, Arch Minister, Knight Superior and the Prefect. Section 6. The College of Knights and College of Novices represent the bicameral houses in the Order of the Knights of the Altar which will function in the electoral and legislative processes of the Order. Its secondary function is to foster fellowship and friendship between the members. The College of Knights composes all the members who received the degree of the Knight in an Investiture, while the College

of Novices is compose by the inferior members. The two houses may perform other functions depending on the decision of the Director and Arch Minister. Article VIII GRAND OFFICERS COUNCIL Section 1. The election of the Grand Officers Council will proceed as follows: 1.1 The present Arch Minister, as the supervisor of all the affairs of the Order, is the one who truly knows the skills and capabilities of the members. Therefore the first step in the election of the Grand Officers Council is for the Arch Minister to give a list of nominations for all the positions in the Grand Officers Council namely: Arch Minister itself, Knight Superior, Scribe, Quartermaser, Prefect, Herald, and the Representatives of the Hierarchy. All but the members who received the degree of the Minister or Knight can be nominated for the Grand Officers Council; nonetheless the position of the Arch Minister is exclusive for those who received the degree of the Minister. 1.2 After making the list the Arch Minister will convene the nominees in a meeting, where the nominees must accept their nomination. The Arch Minister must orient the nominees on the heavy duty and responsibility they will assume once they win in the election. The nominees must express their willingness to commit to their aspired positions. 1.3 The nominees who will accept their nominations will be the official candidates for the election of the Grand Officers Council. The votation will follow on two separate meetings by the College of Knights and College of Novices. The votation will be done in secret balloting, following parliamentary procedures and chaired by the incumbent Arch Minister together with other outgoing officers composing the Election Committee. In order for the candidates to win the position, they must accumulate the two thirds of total votes in each House. The Election Committee of outgoing Grand Officers Council will vote in the College of Knights. The voting will be repeated until all the positions were filled. 1.4 Prior to the election, which will be held two weeks after the acceptance of the nominations, the candidates may campaign and present their programs in two separate meetings, again, of each College. The outgoing Grand Officers must not help in any way and participate in the said campaign. 1.5 Depending on the circumstances, the Election Committee has the power to disqualify candidates and declare the election null and void. During the interregnum, the outgoing Arch Minister is still responsible for the Order. Only the Election Committee can proclaim the candidates as the new Grand Officers Council. The Certification of the Election will then be submitted to the Director and Elder Adviser for their acceptance.

1.6 1.7

1.8 1.9

1.10

The Council of Formation will be elected in the same way as the Grand Officers Council, with the nominations list to be made by the Arch Minister. The Representatives of Hierarchy will be elected of the members under each degree of the Hierarchy separately; the nominated representative will need two-thirds of the total votes in the Hierarchy which he belongs in order to win the position. The Elder Adviser and Guardian Coordinator will be appointed by the Parish Priest. Upon approval of the Certification of the Election by the Director, the winning candidate will attain the position in an Official Ceremonial of the Order in which they will profess their commitment to the Ideals of Reverence, Wisdom, Brotherhood, and Service. The Grand Officers Council have an office tenure of one Investitural Term or in other words the duration of formation from Aspirant to the Knight. The outgoing Grand Officers can be nominated again and elected to other offices except the Arch Minister who will sit as an Honorary Member and Exofficio member of the Council. The outgoing Grand Officers nominated again will be excluded from the election committee.

Article IX DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE GRAND OFFICERS COUNCIL Section 1. The Parish Priest and Shrine Rector as the one having the source of authority and government of the Order of the Knights of the Altar, will be known as the Director, who holds the over-all responsibility for the Order, in the Order, and of the Order. He directs and supervises the Grand Officers Council which in turn directs and supervises the Order. It is the Director who guides the Order, while the Grand Officers Council who navigates the journey towards the Ideals. He has the power to control the affairs and activities of the Order, impose laws in a word, or impose any authority in the Order. The Order is in complete obedience to him with respect and loyalty as in our Lord Jesus Christ. Section 2. Elder Adviser-The Director is the one who appoints the Elder Adviser and is subject to him. The Elder Adviser, due to his experience and knowledge will be a guide to the Order composed of youth who lacks experience and knowledge in aspects of life. However, it is still the Order who decides in their affairs independent on the authority of the Elder Adviser. Section 3. Guardian Coordinator- The Guardian Coordinator will be appointed by the Director and is subject to him. Be it known that the Elder Adviser and Guardian Coordinator can be fuse into one person if for the better good of the Order. The duty of the Guardian Coordinator is to coordinate with all the parents and guardian of the members regarding all the activities and affairs of the Order. The Guardian Coordinator will also be the one coordinating the sponsors and benefactors of the Order. Section 4. Arch Minister-as representative of the Director, he shall guide and direct the Grand Officers Council, the Council of Formators, the

Board of Review and the Brethren Court, the College of Knights and the College of Novices with the members of the Order of the Knights of the Altar, in all their affairs, formation and activities, under the obedience to the Director, in the guidance of the Elder Adviser and coordination with the Guardian Coordinator, to the end that that the Ideals of the Order will be attained, with the fulfillment of the Ministry of Altar Servers and Acolytes, to total commitment to Christ, that all of this will be achieved, shall also perform the following functions: a. He must commit himself to the Ideals, to fulfillment of the Ministry of Altar Servers, and serve as a role model to all the members of the Order in the Spirit of Love and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. b. It shall be his duty to conform and obey the Director in the affairs regarding the Order with loyalty. c. He must represent the Order in all its affairs concerning other people outside the Order specifically in the public community. d. He shall sit as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council, attending and participating in all its affairs and meetings, shall perform all the duties and functions assign to him by the Parish Pastoral Council thru the authority of the Director, represent the Order and coordinate it with the proceedings and affairs of the Parish Pastoral Council. e. He shall make and appoint other offices whenever the need arises and circumstances allow for the attainment of the Ideals of the Order. f. He shall have decisions and resolve all matters that will be referred to him by the Order Section 5. The Superior Knighta. Shall perform the duties and functions of the Arch Minister in the latter’s absence, sickness or inability to perform the duties and functions of his office b. Shall perform any other duties that the Director and Arch Minister may assign to him c. Shall lead and head the College of Knights in all its affairs. Section 6. The Scribea. Shall keep a record of all the members of the Order (their Membership Form and Documents, Record of their advancement in the Hierarchy and formation of the Ideals) and the attendance of members in all the formation, meetings and activities of the Order. b. Shall take down notes of the proceedings on all the meetings of all the different offices of the Order ,and historical record of all activities and affairs, later putting them into orderly and faithful transcription or reproduction of what had been taken in such meetings and activities. c. Shall compile and keep in proper order and condition all the minutes, records, correspondence and documents of the Order d. Shall perform other duties and functions assign to him by the Director and Arch Minister. Section 7. The Quartermastera. Shall keep the funds of the Order. b. Shall handle all the financial aspects of the affairs and activities of the Order. c. Shall audit the finances and expenditures, keeping them in a complete and accurate record.

d. Shall submit a monthly financial report of all the income and expenses of the Order to the Grand Officers Council and when requested by the same. e. Shall be the keeper and custodian of all the properties of the Order. f. Shall perform other functions that may be assigned to him by the Director, Arch Minister and Grand Officers Council . Section 8. The Prefecta. Shall determine the presence and lack of quorum in all the meetings and activities of the Order. b. Shall keep order and discipline in all the affairs and activities of the Order. c. Shall be the one to make sure that the Articles and Decrees of the Constitution are followed together with the decisions of the Director and Arch Minister. d. Shall sit as member of the Brethren Court. e. Shall perform any other duties and functions that may be assigned to him by the Director, Arch Minister, and Grand Officers Council. Section 9. The Heralda. shall send out notices of regular activities of the Order at a reasonable time before the said meetings. b. Shall disseminate information in and out of the Order. c. Shall may be the Editor of the Order’s newsletter. d. Disseminate information on the Service Assignments. e. Shall keep the Bulletin Board updated and in order. Section 10-The Representatives of the Degree of the Hierarchy a. Shall sit as a member of the Grand Officers Council. b. Shall represent their Hierarchy in all the affairs and activities of the Order. c. Shall be the Beadle over the members of their Hierarchy d. Shall perform such other duties that may be assigned to them by the Director, Arch Minister, and Grand Officers Council. Section 11- The Grand Officers Council as a whole shall be the executive arm of the Order and will: a. direct and supervise the affairs of the Order pursuant to policies emanating from it towards the Ideals and fulfillment of the Ministry of Altar Servers. b. enforce all the rules and regulations of the Order. c. execute and implement directives of the Director. d. exercise executive authority over the Order. e. have full control and management of all matters involving disputes. Article X AMENDMENTS Section 1. Except at the proposal of the majority of the Grand Officers Council and by a presence of the two-thirds of the members of the College of Novices and College of Knights with a majority of their votes, no amendments and laws will be made in this constitution. Section 2. Before any duly approved amendment and law became effective, it shall be first confirmed by the Arch Minister and Director of the Order.

Article XI EFFECTIVITY Section 1. This Constitution of the Order of the Knights of the Altar in the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, St. Peter of Alcantara Parish in Pakil, Laguna shall take effect upon its approval by the Parish Priest and Shrine Rector of the said Parish and Shrine. Upon approval, the Officer-in-Charge and President of the Knights of the Altar-Lingkod ng Dambana, Ministry of Altar Servers of the same Parish and Shrine shall call the incumbent members for the Constitutional Assembly and Congress, then the formation of the Grand Officers Council, Council of Formation and the Board of Review, the Brethren Court with College of Knights and Novices as provided herein. Section 2. ADOPTED AND APPROVED BY THE ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE ALTAR, DIOCESAN SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS OF TURUMBA, ST. PETER OF ALCANTARA PARISH this __th day of __________, year of the Lord _____ at ____________________. Prepared and Authored by: Aeron A. Ruazol March 2, 2008 Certified True and Correct: Aeron Ruazol KOA President Officer-in-Charge Animator Diocesan Shrine of Our lady of Sorrows of Turumba St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Pakil, Laguna SIGNED: The Incumbent Members of the Knights of the Altar-Lingkod ng Dambana

Final Approval: Rev. Fr. Marcelino Ramos Parish Priest/ Shrine Rector Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Pakil, Laguna

ENDNOTES

i

Ideals and Profile of an Altar Server (p.5) Serving at the Altar

ii

Constitution on the Liturgy, Vatican Council II (par. 29) Knights of the Altar, Handbook for Members iv Constitution on the Liturgy, Vatican Council II (par. 29) v Pope Paul VI, Second International Congress of Altar Servers, Rome, 1967 vi Pope Paul VI, Second International Congress of Altar Servers, Rome, 1967 vii Sacrosanctum Concilium (art. 14) viii John 15:12 ix Matthew 22:39, NAB iii