FOR MANY HIGH SCHOOL students, Sunday mornings are reserved for sleeping in and preparing for a full day of football.
But for Servite High School senior Matthew Schirmer, the last day of the weekend likely means it’s time to serve at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church in Rancho Santa Margarita.
“I remember looking at all the people up at the altar and going, ‘I want to be a part of that, and this looks like just such a beautiful thing,’” shared Matthew. “I just thought that it was really cool to see people actually help out with what we were doing. I was like, ‘I want to do that.’”
Ever since the fourth grade, Matthew has been serving at church. Doing so has helped the high school student and many more young people expand their Catholic faith.
“Altar servers do a great job representing the youth of a parish,” St. Timothy Catholic Church Pastor Emeritus Monsignor John Urell shared. “As I talk to them, they represent the youth of the parish when they’re serving Mass, and they give an example of service, of prayer and of hope for young people. It’s a great honor for them to do that, and they take great pride in it.”
As parishes across Orange County welcome new altar servers to their Masses, Orange County Catholic is spotlighting three students who are making a difference at their local church.
MATTHEW SCHIRMER
If you ask Matthew — who is involved with football, rugby and theatre at Servite High School — being an altar server has made him a better person.
“I think altar serving really can have that impact on many people,” he shared. “When I go to college, I’ll find a church, and I hope to altar serve there too. I think that kids should always get involved.”
Matthew’s parents have seen the impact their son’s work has had on various attendees.
“I cannot tell you how many parishioners have stopped us and said he has changed their day,” Matthew’s mom, Rana Schirmer, said. “At Christmas Eve Mass, there was a mom who came with her three young kids. When she saw him singing up on the altar, she said it changed her entire perspective on Mass and made her whole Christmas.”
Matthew’s dad, Greg Schirmer, added, “It’s great to see Matthew up there serving and helping the younger ones out. Matthew has brought me closer to God and made me a better Catholic.”
GIGI DOPUDJA
As a St. Serra Catholic School student, Gigi wanted to make a positive difference on Sunday mornings when she attended church with her family. In 2025, the fifth grader decided to join San Francisco Solano’s altar server ministry.
“I wanted to feel closer to God, and I thought it would be fun,” she shared in between helping the clergy, which includes Fr. Duy Le and Deacon David Stromswold. “I like being a part of the Mass and having my family watch me from the pews.”
Gigi’s older sister Kellie Turcios is more than impressed that her family member chooses to serve on Sunday mornings.
GIGI DOPUDJA PREPARES TO SERVE DURING SUNDAY MASS AT SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO CATHOLIC CHURCH IN RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO
“I feel proud of my sister Gigi,” the Santa Margarita Catholic High School alum shared. “I was supposed to be an altar server when I was younger, but I was so nervous before the Mass started. I’m so happy Gigi can serve in such a special way.”
According to Matthew, who often serves alongside Gigi at San Francisco Solano, young people shouldn’t be nervous about making mistakes during Mass.
“The point is not to be perfect,” he shared. “The point is to serve the Lord and give everything you’ve got on that altar to be the best person you can be. If they’re nervous, I always say, ‘God’s not going to get mad. You’re up there serving Him. If you make a mistake, He knows you’re trying.’”
JAYME LAWRENCE
St. Kilian parishioners may recognize Jayme as she helps Fr. Angelos Sebastian and other priests at the Mission Viejo Catholic church.
“I love being an altar server because it allows me to participate in the Mass,” Jayme shared. “I like to lead the processional as we begin because it builds the excitement to begin worship.”
JAYME LAWRENCE HELPS SERVE DURING SUNDAY MASS AT ST. KILIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN MISSION VIEJO. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LAWRENCE FAMILY
While Jayme has learned much about her faith as a student at St. Serra Catholic School, being an altar server has made her relationship with God even stronger.
“I get to do it with my friends and make new ones,” she said. “I also get to learn the significance of why we do each item.”
When Jayme serves during the weekend, her father, John Lawrence, can’t help but rejoice.
“I beam with pride getting to see my daughter assist with the Mass,” he said. “As a family, we become closer to God as we talk about what she did. Seeing her confidence in front of a large audience is such a wonderful gift.”