Florida Catholic | Holy Family Altar Server Is One Of State’s Best

Holy Family altar server is one of state’s best

LINDA REEVES | FLORIDA CATHOLIC PALM BEACH BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 08.02.08

Gloria Clarizio, 11, is one of 14 altar servers to receive the Florida Knights of Columbus ‘Altar Server of the Year’ statewide honors.

Gloria Clarizio, 11, is one of 14 altar servers to receive the Florida Knights of Columbus ‘Altar Server of the Year’ honors statewide. “It isn’t hard,” Gloria explained about serving at the altar. “You just have to remember what to do.”
Courtesy Photo

PORT ST. LUCIE | Altar server Gloria Clarizio, 11, said she keeps a straight face and acts like nothing is wrong when things take a sudden turn for the worse at the altar at Holy Family Parish.

“One time I was ringing the bells at Mass and one of the bells fell off,” said Gloria, who has been serving for three years, since she was in the third grade. “Not many people saw it. My dad (Bill Clarizio) tightened the screw on the bell and fixed it,” she said.

Gloria, who is going into the sixth grade at South Port Middle School in Port St. Lucie in the fall, is one of the recipients of the Florida Knights of Columbus “Altar Server of the Year” award.

In all, 14 youngsters in the seven dioceses across the state received awards. More than 120 were in the running.

“I learned all about serving from Sean Humphreys,” said Gloria about her mentor, who won the same honor in 2006. Sean, 15, also attends Holy Family. He began serving right after his first holy Communion and continues to serve and lend a helping hand to beginners.

Gloria’s mom, Kimberly Clarizio, an altar server coordinator at Holy Family, is proud of her daughter. Gloria’s father helped her fill out the paperwork required from candidates who wished to be considered for the state honor.

James Schonefeld, state deputy for the Knights of Columbus and resident of Kissimmee explained what the Knights look for before giving the award. “We look at (the servers’) community and service involvement. We look at everything. What they do, school activities. Gloria is very involved.”

Gloria likes school and is an excellent student who receives high marks. She enjoys playing soccer and painting.

“It isn’t hard,” Gloria explained about serving at the altar. “You just have to remember what to do.”

Mark Gervia, youth director for the state Knights of Columbus, said candidates for the award are recommended by pastors. A state selection committee reviews the nominees and reads all the applications. Awards are presented to the winners by state and local members of the Knights of Columbus.

Gloria has a sister, Kayleigh, 13, and a brother, William, 10, who are also altar servers.

Kimberly Clarizio said her children follow in their dad’s footsteps. “He was an altar server,” she said.

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