Dear friends, I thank you for your commitment: it is a very great and generous service that you give to your parish, and I encourage you to persevere faithfully. (Pope Leo XIV audience with French altar servers, 25.08.2025).
Fifty years after he was first approached by Fr Pat Ahern to consider becoming an acolyte, John Foss, a parishioner at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Bruce Rock, is still going strong.
At their annual Mass in December to give thanks for the harvest, the St Mary’s Catholic community expressed their heartfelt gratitude to John for his unselfish years of service.
A local identity and farmer born and bred in Bruce Rock, John was one of three parishioners who agreed, eventually, to take up the ministry.
As John’s wife Margaret recalled, the three men were initially reluctant as they did not consider themselves worthy enough to serve. Following some encouragement and initial teaching from Fr Ahern however, they decided to proceed.
Following their training at Bruce Rock, John and his fellow acolytes attended a weekend of further instruction at St Thomas More College before being installed as acolytes at a ceremony held in Perth.
So began a ministry that would see John serve with the many parish priests who, over the years, would visit St Mary’s to celebrate Mass and the sacraments.
And not only parish priests; John has also proudly served alongside Archbishop Emeritus Foley, Archbishop Emeritus Hickey, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Healy and Bishop Don Sproxton.
“John has always felt it was a privilege to assist the priests of Bruce Rock, because he is so appreciative to have them in our parish,” Margaret revealed.
Asked whether John ever thought he would continue as an acolyte for 50-plus years, Margaret replied, “no, never, it would not have crossed his mind initially.”
And as for retirement plans, “I think he’ll only retire when he can’t stand at the altar,” Margaret suggested, “plus we don’t have any other acolytes who can take over.”
“For country parishes (having an acolyte) is important because, between the distances that the priests must travel, and if they can’t attend due to illness or other factors, it is good to have someone who can assist,” Margaret added.
So, the next time you find yourself at Mass in Bruce Rock, no doubt John will be proudly serving as acolyte.
