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St. Paul the Apostle parish in Hancock has about 17 altar servers on rotation for weekend Masses. Two are adults with developmental disabilities.

They both live in family care homes run by parishioners who take Catholic residents to Mass. Serving enhances their faith experience and makes them feel part of something.

"I love altar serving very much," said George Vovchik, one of the servers. "I love to carry the cross. Sometimes I hold the book for Father Chris [Welch, pastor] and then we pray. I remember the prayers he says."

Mr. Vovchik has lived with Socorro Marin, who houses up to six individuals with disabilities in her home (see previous story at www.evangelist.org), on and off for a few years. When he heard Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger was coming to the area to confirm Catholics, Mr. Vovchik, a lifelong Catholic, requested the sacrament.

The parish discovered he was already confirmed in the 1970s, so the Bishop gave him a special blessing. This time around, it seemed to resonate.

Loving God
"It made me feel good inside," Mr. Vovchik said of the big day. "My confirmation name is David. He was a king in the Bible. I keep telling people if they want to call me David, go ahead.

"I love being a Catholic," he continued. "I talk to God. He helps me out when I go in my room and I pray. Sometimes I have tears in my eyes a little bit because God loves me and I love God. He helped me with a lot of problems."

Mr. Vovchik, 57, lost both his parents a few years ago. He has struggled with obesity and health problems, including a heart attack, spinal arthritis and diabetes. He lost 240 pounds and is now at a healthy weight.

During the day, he does piecework at a sheltered workshop program and takes self-improvement classes. On weekends, he enjoys altar serving and attending parish events, like auctions and bingo.

"When I first started going to Socorro's church, I was not a member," Mr. Vovchik said. "I didn't know anybody. Now, I got used to it. I love the people. They say hi to me, and I say hi back."

Mrs. Marin said she's grateful the parishioners "have accepted him as part of our parish family.

"He gets so much out of it," she said. The younger servers "are marvelous with him. [His presence] helps them accept folks like him and be sympathetic. He's one of God's people."

Loving ministry
Most of the servers at St. Paul's are between the ages of 10 and 17, according to Paul Bartholomew, a volunteer who oversees lay ministers. Mr. Vovchik and the other family care home resident are scheduled for about two Masses a month.

Mr. Bartholomew said they were quick learners and are more dependable than the children.

"They're really good at what they do," he said. "Their memories are terrific. They're more conscientious about doing things. I don't think the average parishioner would even pick up on the fact that they have disabilities. It gives them a chance to feel wanted and worthwhile."

Craig Haugen runs the home where the other server, Marissa (last name withheld), lives. She started serving on the altar last year, and also made her confirmation. She knows the prayers by heart.

"I'm glad that the Church encourages this type of service" so persons with disabilities can participate to the extent each is able, Mr. Haugen said.

Serving is a way for individuals with disabilities to find their talents, he added. Marissa can serve on the altar just as any other server would, confident and unembarrassed: "She lights candles and carries them and holds the prayer book. She enjoys participating."[[In-content Ad]]

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