The Joy of Serving Others

Altar servers hold a unique place in the Eucharistic Celebration. According to biblical scholars, the tradition of the altar server dates to the second century. In their preparation for Mass, assistance during its celebration, and dutiful attention to ensuring everything is back in order after Mass, the altar server develops a profound tradition of respect and service. Approximately 150 altar servers in the Diocese of Corpus Christi who offer their time and talent in this ministry gathered on Sunday, September 29, at Corpus Christi Cathedral for the Altar Server Recognition Ceremony.
 
As the capacity crowd of servers, family, and friends took their places, the ceremony began with Eucharistic Adoration followed by Liturgy of the Word and reading special intentions. Fr. Pete Elizardo, who was present on behalf of Bishop Michael Mulvey, delivered a homily in which he spoke of Jesus washing his disciples' feet.
 
“Jesus has given you a model to follow as servers,” said Fr. Elizardo. “And do not just wash the feet of those you serve at church, but of those you encounter at school, at home, and wherever you can be of service to others.”
 
The altar servers received various recognitions, including Eucharistic Cross Bearers, Outstanding Servers, and Ten Years of Service. Servers sat in groups from each parish in the diocese, and each one came forward to receive their individual award when their names were called. Peyton Lawhon took a moment to reflect on his time assisting the priests and deacons in celebrating Holy Mass.
 
“I remember the feeling I had serving at my first Mass,” says Peyton Lawhon. “It was a marvelous feeling, and I am hoping to continue to serve by one day becoming a Eucharistic minister.”
Lawhon, a member of St. Patrick Parish and a senior at London High School, marks ten years as an altar server. Another server who stepped up to receive the award for Ten Years of Service was Bella Avolio.
 
“Bella has been a server since she was in the second grade,” said her mother, Alicia Avolio. She and her husband Gino, parishioners at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, recall that Bella has always had a passion for serving at Holy Mass. “Our whole family serves in the church in different ministries because to be in service brings us closer to Jesus.”
 
“I feel honored and blessed to have been able to serve the Lord for the last ten years,” reflected Bella. “I remember starting not really knowing what to do, but I learned from the older servers who had the red and purple cords and with their help, I grew in my experience.”
 
The experience, time, and sacrifice of all of these servers who were recognized set them on a journey of continued service in the Church as they move forward and grow in their faith.
 
“I hope to continue as an altar server,” says Bella. “Eventually, I would like to become a lector or Eucharistic minister and continue to share the joy I find in serving others.”