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David Mounsey: Texarkana parish's supreme volunteer

Lector, usher, cook among many hats Mounsey has worn serving St. Edward Church

Published: May 20, 2013      

By Fran Presley
Texarkana Correspondent

Fran Presley

David Mounsey makes sandwiches for the needy at St. Edward Outreach Center in Texarkana. Mounsey spends many of his days volunteering for the church.

Fran Presley

David Mounsey makes sandwiches for the needy at St. Edward Outreach Center in Texarkana. Mounsey spends many of his days volunteering for the church.

Name: David Mounsey

Parish: St. Edward 

City: Texarkana

Family: Wife Karon, married 41 years; three grown children, Patrick, Benjamin and Katie; and four grandchildren

Why you want to know David Mounsey: Pastor Father Paul Worm says of him: “I appreciate David’s commitment to the parish, which he exhibits in many different ways. I remember the day I arrived at St. Edward’s with my moving van. He was one of the first parishioners to greet me and he helped me to unload my belongings into the rectory. At our Book Club he loves discussing our reading selections. We value his participation. He’s also chair of our Buildings and Grounds Committee and takes an active part in a wide variety of parish activities.” In addition, Mounsey is also a member of Knights of Columbus, a lector, usher and volunteer at St. Edward Outreach Center. He plans and coordinates the parish’s annual Seder meal, cooking the lamb himself.

IN HIS OWN WORDS

Arkansas Catholic’s theme this year is “Arkansas Catholic delivers a year of faith.” What have you done or plan to do to strengthen your faith this year?

I am in charge of setting up the parish retreat at Subiaco in June of this year.

How long have you been a member at St. Edward? Have you been Catholic all your life?

I am a convert and have been a member of St. Edward Parish off and on for most of my married life. (We moved several times due to my jobs.)

Why do you like being Catholic?

I enjoy the sense of community, the unity of the universal Church and the realization of the beauty of the Mass and what it means to us as Catholics.

What is the best thing about your parish?

The closeness of being among a community, which has such a strong faith in love of Jesus and God.

What is your occupation?

I am retired from the United States Marshals Service with over 22 years as a deputy U.S. marshal. I have almost 30 years in law enforcement. I have taught part-time at Texarkana College since 2008, in American history, psychology and criminal justice.

What are your hobbies?

Since I have retired I have built a workshop in the backyard and do woodworking and leather crafting. When the seasons are right, I enjoy fishing and deer hunting.

What is your education background?

I have an undergraduate degree in criminal justice, a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in American history and a second master’s degree in education with a secondary in psychology.

Who is your favorite saint and what is your favorite Scripture verse?

As a member of the law enforcement community, I would have to say my favorite saint would have to be St. Michael. My favorite Scripture verses are the readings used during Holy Week of Easter. The readings of the Passion have always moved me.

You do a lot around the parish. What is your favorite parish task?

I really enjoy all I do in the parish, but my favorite is doing the preparation of the Seder meal that we do during the week of Easter.

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