New Windows
Joining the Holy Trinity Altar Society In May of 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, I retired from thirty years of teaching middle school in Bossier Parish. My friends jokingly asked what I would do with all my spare time, and I always quipped back, “Whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it.” This snappy comeback faced a limited reality in the pandemic world, but I did manage to undertake some long-awaited chores and new crafts that I had been meaning to do but never had the time. With the rest of the world, I would venture out when necessary, but I was content to “do my thing” at home. I’ve always been a bit of a homebody. In 2021, when vaccinations became available, I was ready to venture slowly out into the world again. I wanted to see what window God would open for me next. I went to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Shreveport for daily mass, and Father Duane Trombetta offered an opportunity to participate in ministry by helping the Altar Society work on a St. Joseph’s Altar display. My interest peaked, and I agreed, thinking I would meet with some sweet older ladies and lend them a hand for just a day. To my surprise and total delight, I met a happy crew of all ages, some younger, some older, and the crew even included a couple of gentlemen. I stood back, not 8
CATHOLIC CONNECTION
wanting to get in the way or take anyone’s duty. Another delightful surprise appeared as members bounced ideas to and fro, giving suggestions and recommendations, and no one appeared to take over or bark orders. It was a true back and forth, cooperative interchange, and I loved it.There was a spirit of fellowship and camaraderie, perhaps driven by the Holy Spirit Himself. Soon after preparing the beautiful St. Joseph’s Altar, the Altar Society began preparing for Easter. They invited me to help, and once again, I felt welcomed and included immediately. Part of the crew worked inside the church, unpacking boxes and boxes of lovely Easter lilies, their scent filling the sanctuary. The members watered and placed them, once again with no big bosses ordering directions. There was an interplay of ideas with frequent synergetic phrases like, “What do you think if…Where could we…Here’s an idea… That’s good, and maybe we should...?” Once again, I witnessed a mutual discussion of ideas and people working collaboratively and respectfully toward a single goal, beautifying the church to enhance the liturgy.The other half of the crew went outside to the Prayer Garden and grabbed garden gloves and prepared the garden with mulch, bunnies, and bows. Again, young
