LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN—Five young people were installed as the founding members of the Altar Server Elite at Our Lady of the Mount Church, Lookout Mountain.

The installation Mass and commissioning were held in September at the parish, in the northwestern-most corner of the archdiocese.

The Altar Server Elite are standout young people based on faith, leadership and commitment to serving in the ministry through high school. The first class includes three boys and two girls. The installation was done with revised prayers from the book of blessings. Special surplices to be worn by members were blessed during the ritual and then loved ones helped the servers vest in them.

The inaugural members are Graham and August Anderson, sons of Judy and Mark Anderson; Carley Braman, daughter of Scott and Aimee Braman; Scott Hill, son of Hal Hill and Liesa Hill; and Ruthie Towns, daughter of Tony and Christie Towns.

A member of the Altar Server Elite wears distinctive vestments, a black cassock and a special white surplice. A member will be expected to be a team leader and will be trained to serve as a master of ceremonies, helping organize and direct other servers at special liturgies such as Christmas, Easter and other times.

Father Tom Shuler, the pastor, said its primary purpose is to encourage young people to participate in the parish and to assist at Mass through high school. When he began a similar program at Holy Spirit Church, Atlanta, it was popular, with very few young people leaving the ministry, he said.