Donald Dauterive Ave Maria Gift Shop volunteer, daily Mass server, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, lector Parishioner since 1999
Team Lead, Tax Assistance Section, State of Texas Comptroller’s Office
In what ministries have you been involved with in the past?
Society of St. Vincent de Paul and participant in the annual Christmas Bazaar
What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the Cathedral? What do you get out of it?
My favorite activity with the Cathedral is serving daily Mass. It is most rewarding to be able to assist at the Sacrifice of the Mass, serve as a lector and be an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. I first served at Mass in 1955 in the fifth grade. It was very difficult at the time, as there was no participation from the congregation. The altar server was responsible for all the responses, which were all given in Latin. It is a lot easier now in English. But one thing has not changed in these 50 or so years. As it was then, it is more so now. Serving at Mass, being a part of this miracle is a most humbling experience. I realize how both unworthy and honored I am to be allowed to participate.
What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as a Cathedral volunteer?
One of the most rewarding experiences afforded to me is that of being an extraordinary minister of the Holy Eucharist and presenting the Precious Body or Blood to a child. When I do so, I prefer to lower myself on one knee so that I am at eye level with the child – not towering over him or her; then it is pure joy to look into their beautiful eyes and say, “The Body of Christ…the Blood of Christ” and offer them His most Holy Presence.
Why does volunteering matter?
It matters because we are the Church and it is our vocation as a priestly people to spread the Gospel whenever, wherever and however we can.
What are your other interests?
I like being outdoors and going for long walks. I enjoy going back to Louisiana to visit with my sister and eating good Cajun food, traveling and visiting my children and grandchildren. I also make and repair rosaries – which I sell at church fairs and also in the Ave Maria Cathedral Shop.
What advice would you give to a parishioner new to volunteering?
You cannot go wrong in volunteering with the Cathedral. The people you are going to associate with are great and will help you all along the way. One will find that volunteering is very rewarding, easily worked into one’s schedule, and to put it simply, fun.