Four of Simon and Christina Purnell’s five children have been or are currently altar servers. For the Purnell family, it’s about giving back and serving the Catholic community they hold dear to their hearts.

As the days become shorter and the temperature falls, our hearts turn with anticipation of the Christmas season. We enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. We watch children and grandchildren and revel at their wonder of Christmas lights, and at the beauty this time of year brings. For all Christians, this period of Advent, a waiting time of expectation, is a reminder to prepare hearts and souls for the celebration of the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bishop Michael Mulvey presided over the Diocese of Corpus Christi Altar Server Recognition Ceremony at Corpus Christi Cathedral on Sunday, Nov. 17. The bishop recognized servers in three categories, Eucharistic Cross Bearers, Outstanding Servers and Ten Years of Service.

For Bob and Peggy May, parishioners at Most Precious Blood, age is just a number, and their faith in God is bigger than any perceived limitations. Last fall, the couple walked 10-12 miles every day for a total of 500 miles in five weeks. As pilgrims on the El Camino de Santiago in Spain, they trekked up steep hills, down treacherous trails, in the stifling heat, pouring rain and across mountainous terrain.

When religious education classes begin at Our Lady of Pilar Parish, the Molina neighborhood is transformed – it’s as if everyone has come to attend a party. Every Sunday morning, church bells ring, and the streets and grounds are filled with cars arriving. Children and youth, accompanied by parents, spill out of cars to begin the courses that will prepare them to receive the sacraments and learn more about their Catholic faith.