A mouse by its very nature is not often seen but according to well established reputation, they are always busy gathering up loose threads, cleaning up any dropped crumbs and generally busying themselves in hidden corners. A church mouse will follow the same pattern as many house mice, but they have special aura about their silent comings and goings - probably because of the many graces they absorb during hours spent in the sanctuary.
Our own, St Matthias church mouse of the year 2021 is Cory Herrera, also endowed with such an aura. Cory’s devoted comings and goings in service to our St Matthias community have been constant for many years but exemplary in this last year. Cory has served on Parish Council and as a Warden for over 10 years, in positions of sufficient responsibilities to keep one occupied enough. She is also engaged in the altar guild, Chapel Gallery, prayer chain and healing ministries, holiday decorating, liturgy reader, and has even filled in as Office Administrator. Cory’s many contributions to the maintenance, the organization and the spiritual quality of our parish community pass silently from view every week. We who have been beneficiaries of her thoughtful service throughout the year take this day of reflection on our past year to present her with this memento of appreciation.
The Church Mouse Award was established in 2014 by Penny Martin (it is her china mouse) to recognize volunteerism above and beyond the call of duty, for those who work behind the scenes. It is not a competition, but a way of saying “thank you”.
Previous Church Mouse recipients are:
Each recipient decides to whom it will be passed next.