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Altar Server Recognition Ceremony honors hundreds of area youth
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November 30, 2022Corpus Christi Cathedral was standing room only on Nov. 20, as the faithful led by Bishop Michael Mulvey gathered to honor hundreds of young people for their long-standing commitment and dedication as altar servers at their local parishes in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
The Altar Server Recognition Ceremony honored Eucharistic Cross Bearers, Outstanding Servers, and those with ten years of service. Some servers were honored with plaques commemorating their service, while others were awarded purple or red cords with silver crucifixes to wear during Mass.
“You’re not just receiving awards today, but you are each being recognized as a body of servers for your dedication and service to the Catholic Church,” said Bishop Mulvey. “Each one of you is going through things in life every day. But the important thing to remember is we must always turn to our faith and Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior. Through your important service, you are serving at the altar of Jesus Christ.”
Matthew Flores, a freshman at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has been an altar server since third grade. His mother, Virginia Guerra-Flores, said he has opted to continue as a server at their home parish, SS Cyril & Methodius, to train his sister, who is just starting as an altar server this year.
“It has been a joy to see how Matthew has learned the importance of serving at such a young age. He never allowed his school or athletic schedule to interfere with serving,” she added.
Caitlyn Garcia, a senior at Carroll High School, has been an altar server at St. Patrick since second grade. She said being a server all these years has helped her build a better and stronger relationship with God.
“Being an altar server is a special thing for me,” she said. “It’s about more than just going to church. I have always wanted to give back to God for everything He does for us.”
Garcia, who received a plaque for Outstanding Server and a purple cord with a crucifix for ten years of service, is proud she made it through all these years when most of her friends decided to stop serving in middle school.
“There were many early mornings when it was cold outside, or I was tired when it was hard getting out of bed, especially since I serve at 8 a.m. Mass, so I am proud to have made it this far,” Garcia said. “Since I will be staying in town after graduation, I am hoping to continue serving even after high school and look forward to serving others in a hospital setting as a nurse someday.”
