This week, we joyfully shine our Gratitude  Spotlight on the devoted Altar Servers of St. Mary’s Church: Pierre Valcourt, Olivia Mulcahy, Isaiah Mulcahy, & Jacelyn Whitely.

Pierre Valcourt has served for 39 years. He serves at both funerals & Masses, he shared that, “He loves being able to connect with the people.” A few years ago, he considered stepping away from altar serving, but through prayer & signs from God, he felt called to continue. Pierre recounted two powerful experiences: one during a funeral Mass where he & others witnessed a miraculous moment at the altar. And another at the cemetery were he was praying & a woman came to speak with him & notices his eucharistic pix & said, "You did not choose to do what you are doing, but God chose you.” Pierre describes his journey as, “quite an experience,” & told Sister Marie Louise that he plans to continue serving for a long time. His hope & prayer are that someone will be ready to take his place when he no longer can.

Jacelyn Whitely, one of our youth altar servers, has been serving for two years. Though she sometimes feels hesitant, once she arrives at church, she joyfully joins her fellow servers. Jacelyn is known for her maturity & loving spirit, & her quiet dedication is a gift to our parish.

Olivia Mulcahy, who has been serving for four years, shared, “I love serving a lot & being part of the Catholic Church.” Her favorite part of the Mass is the consecration, especially when the bells ring at Communion. She says, it is time to be reverent & to listen to the words the priest is saying, because they are important.” A special moment for Olivia was serving at the Mass where her younger brother, Isaiah, received his sacraments for the first time, & was honored to serve alongside Bishop James, which she thought was “really awesome.” Her favorite Liturgical Season to serve is Christmas, because, “It’s always different & the decorations are so beautiful.”
Isaiah Mulcahy, who has been serving for two years, also loves altar serving & is grateful to Fr. Alex for inviting him into this ministry. Isaiah shared that, “When I altar serve, it helps me. When I cross my hands, it represents God & Jesus & that I am Catholic.” His most special Mass was the one where he received his First Communion, & his favorite part of Mass is Communion itself.

We are truly blessed & grateful to have such dedicated individuals as Pierre, Jacelyn, Olivia, & Isaiah. As a parish we say thank you for serving the Lord & for letting His light shine through you. Your faith & devotion inspire us all!