Sixth graders at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child were commissioned into their liturgical ministries on November 9, 2021, during a special prayer service in Grace Hall Chapel. 

Rev. Bob Stagg from the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River presided over the prayer service and anointed the hands (anointing on the head is done during a Sacrament) of each child with oil. Students were also guided to serve in their ministries by acting as lectors, singers, altar servers and liturgical dancers during the service. 

The liturgical ministries program is directed by Dr. Michele Dahl, Lower School religion coordinator and involves several Oak Knoll School teachers who serve as mentors. 

Before the Commissioning Prayer Service in the morning, sixth grade students selected a liturgical ministry and took part in special training workshops led by their mentors. After commissioning, the students will continue to serve in their chosen ministry during liturgies and prayer services during the remainder of the school year.

During the Homily, Father Stagg said that Oak Knoll’s theme, “Together We Thrive,” is a great motto for the past year. 

“If we have learned anything this past year, we now know that we are much better together than we are apart,” he said. “The month of November is all about the communion of saints and remembering all the people who died ahead of us, ourselves and the people who come behind us. It’s so important you get a sense of who you are and to find out what your story is.” 

The Lower School ministries include altar servers, decorations, drama, hospitality, lectors, liturgical dance, music, and sacristans.