Commission for People with Disabilities presents Catholics Can Award to St. James the Just parishioner
OGDEN — Stewart Irvine, a St. James the Just parishioner and altar server who is known for his joyful smile, is the recipient of the 2023 Catholics Can award, presented by the Diocese of Salt Lake City Commission for People with Disabilities.
Since 2011, the commission has recognized individuals who seek to include everyone, including people with disabilities, in active parish life, said Carol Ruddell, the commission secretary. “We also recognize individuals with disabilities who themselves are strong witnesses to their Catholic faith.”
The award was presented after the Nov. 5 Mass at St. James the Just, at which Irvine was one of the altar servers. Deacon Thomas Devereux read the nomination information, which he and Father David Trujillo, pastor, had submitted to the diocese for Irvine to be considered for the award.
Irvine, 24, lives with Down syndrome. He has been an altar server at the parish for about 10 years, and prior to that regularly carried up the gifts.
Earlier, Deacon Devereux had preached on the topic of humility in keeping with the Gospel reading that ends with Jesus saying, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” While presenting the award, the deacon said, “Keeping with the theme of my homily, I can honestly say Stewart did not sign up to be an altar server years ago for recognition or a pat on the back. He did it … for love of God, and the love of his church. It is today we show our love for him and his service to us.”
Irvine is easily recognized by his big smile, “a smile that itself is contagious, making everyone smile in return,” the deacon said. “Steward is known for bringing joy to everyone around him, without even trying. He’s just being himself.”
Stewart loves the Mass and watches it daily online as well as attending Mass on Sunday, the deacon said.
“Stewart is very committed to his role and his ministry as an altar server,” the deacon added. “He is always ready to help with Mass, with his missal in hand. He is attentive and no matter how small or large the task we ask, he is always willing to try. … Stewart is an example to all of us that a disability does not stop one from growing in his faith and living it every day, including serving on the altar.”
After Irvine received the award from Ruddell, Fr. Trujillo thanked him for his “love, participation and presence in our community.”
The Irvine family has been attending St. James the Just Parish for about 30 years, said Jo Ann Irvine, Stewart’s mother. Stewart, the youngest of the family’s three children, wanted to follow his older brother as an altar server, so when there was a call for servers he volunteered.
In addition to his Church ministry, Irvine participates in Boy Scouts and works part time at Smith’s, his mother said.
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