Holly Alt Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, Parish Council, Seminarian Parish Advisory Team
Parishioner since 1995
Senior Counsel, Texas Medical Association
In what ministries have you been involved with in the past?
I was a catechist for nine years and have served on the Legacy of Faith Committee.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the Cathedral?
What do you get out of it? I get to know fellow parishioners and the clergy better. It feels like belonging to a true community of wonderful people.
What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as a Cathedral volunteer? Seeing my fifth graders with whom I started out go the distance in religious education and graduate. I really got to see it because I was socially promoted to high school religious education after three years teaching fifth grade, so I had my original students for another four years. It was wonderful to acknowledge these kids in front of the parish at Mass because it gives us all hope for the next generation. Additionally it was wonderful to be acknowledged by them by being invited to their graduation parties, birthday parties and musical performances.
I also love being an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and watching the faces of people as they receive Christ’s blood. When I smile at them as I give them the cup, I receive back some of the most beautiful smiles imaginable.
Why does volunteering matter?
Volunteering matters because there is no way a few people could do everything for the parish community. I consider it my way of thanking God for all that He has done for me.
What are your other interests?
Theology has become quite an interest because I had to be sharper than the kids. Other delights are my bets, Beau, Beamer and Bogie (two cats and a dog – notice the “B” theme), my talented beautiful and HIGH spirited daughter, my wonderful parents and movies. Good thing daughter works at a movie house!
What advice would you give to a parishioner new to volunteering?
Do it. You’ll love it.