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Monday, February 5, 2001

Volunteer minister gives his time to community
Northcutt helps booster club, visits incapacitated churchgoers
By Christine Spencer
Caller-Times

Michelle Christenson/Caller-Times

Tommy Northcutt says he likes seeing people find their spirituality.

Tommy Northcutt said he serves as an extension of God's hand when he visits the home of a bedridden worshipper to offer communion.
   "Those who are sick, they can't leave their homes," he said. "But they still desire that closeness with God. I'm that hand, and they are counting on me to do that. It's humbling to fulfill that role."
   Northcutt, a 41-year-old maintenance test pilot at the Corpus Christi Army Depot, serves the Flour Bluff community as a volunteer Eucharistic minister, visiting the homes of churchgoers who are incapacitated. He said helping those less fortunate is both necessary and gratifying.
   "Volunteering is just something that was put in my heart," he said. "I enjoy it. It is an immediate fulfillment, and you can see a direct result when you volunteer."
   Aside from serving 20 years as an Army warrant officer and spreading the word as a minister, Northcutt also volunteers as a ninth-grade Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (religious education) teacher at his church, St. Paul the Apostle Church in Flour Bluff.
   He also sits on the Sharing the Light committee, a group within his church that urges members to give their time to others and get involved in the community.
   Northcutt also volunteers with the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Booster Club at Flour Bluff High School.
   "I got to meet him while working with the Booster Club," said John Delatorre. "He's an excellent person. When you work with him, everyone gets to say what they think is right, and he's always willing to compromise. He's a people person. He listens to people without just jumping into his own opinion. He's deeply religious and because of that, he can do anything."
   Of all the aspects of Northcutt's life, it is his own family that he is most proud of. He has been married to his wife, Kristi, for over 20 years, and has two daughters, Danielle, 19, and Cassie, 16.
   "Every day, I'm just so proud of them," he said. "What's so great is that we all do this together. We work with our church, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, and work for the community as a family."
   Northcutt said he would like more people to get involved and find their place. This is the reason he enjoys serving on the board of the Journey to Damascus retreat.
   The Journey to Damascus retreat is a non-denominational program approved by the Catholic diocese. It is a renewal weekend, held up to five times each year, that helps people move closer to Christ. The retreat is held at the Corpus Christi Catholic Center. Northcutt said the retreat offers a series of classes and meditation sessions.
   "We help people become more aware of their spiritual selves," he said. "That's the biggest thing. I just like to watch people improve their relationship with God and become a better person. I've seen people lose their anger and realize what a wonderful life they really have. They find their faith again. That's why I do it."
   Northcutt has been recognized as part of the 10th annual Caller-Times/Channel 6 Jefferson Volunteer Awards, which celebrate community volunteerism.
   Nominations are accepted throughout the year, and a community panel each month selects four honorees to be featured in articles and on Channel 6 News. In April, 10 Jefferson Award winners, selected from among the volunteers featured throughout the year, will receive bronze medallions minted by the Franklin Mint for their efforts to enrich their communities and the lives of their neighbors.


Staff writer Christine Spencer can be reached at 886-4388 or by e-mail at spencerc@caller.com

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