Where We Serve: Corpus Christi

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What is your favorite Community story?

My favorite memory of community was the holiday dinner that we hosted in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We invited some Corpus friends over to celebrate, and we were intent on providing a true feast. Learning how to clean, cook, and carve two turkeys for the first time was definitely an adventure for all of us! We were thrilled when the table was set and we sat down to a wonderful meal together.

What's been the best moment of your ACE experience so far?

Our community went to Brownsville's Labor Day party and competed in their weekend long scavenger hunt. We spent the better part of a day crammed into one of our community member’s subcompact cars driving around the Brownsville area and taking pictures of interesting things found in the valley. After getting lost several times, getting lunch at a local taqueria, being asked to sing karaoke by a local radio station, taking a picture of a cowboy hat in a grocery store, and laughing the whole morning, we finally got to the beach and an afternoon of relaxation with other ACErs.

What's been the best moment of your ACE experience so far?

The best moment of my ACE experience so far is the people. I have loved every minute of getting to know my cohort and my community members whether it's been on opening retreat or pick up soccer on Wednesday nights. I've also loved all of my professors; they are all wonderfully engaging and inspiring.

Why did you say 'yes' to serving with ACE?

Joining ACE is a chance for me to apply my education, time, and energy in service to others—instead of heading right into further studies of my own. It answers a restlessness I found within me to get away from the Midwest and try something outside my comfort zone. Finally, I am sure that the skills and personal growth that the three pillars of ACE will cultivate in me will continue to bear fruit wherever I go after I finish the program.

How has ACE shaped your spiritual life?

ACE has helped me to transition from my spiritual life in college to a more practical "working world" spirituality that has helped me to see God in my work, my students, and the world in general. Living in community and working in a Catholic school has challenged me to practice the Gospel in my actions all the time.

What are you most looking forward to about your ACE site?

I'm looking forward to starting at my school, St. Anthony's. It's a small, but very close-knit community and I'm excited to become a part of it.

What has been an ACE summer class that you've enjoyed so far?

Middle School Methods with Sr. Gail because the class has a lot of practical use and moves at a good pace so we are not lost or overwhelmed but are still challenged.