Senior Farewell

Father John, OSB and Deacon Andrew Nelson

This past Thursday we had our annual Senior Farewell Liturgy.  Father John Fortin, OSB of Saint Anselm College was our celebrant and he was assisted by Deacon Andrew Nelson.  The seniors processed into Mass wearing their graduation gowns - the first of three times they will wear them.  Father John preached a brilliant homily (which should be posted on our website soon) focusing on an ancient monastic saying, "The mind and lips may say one thing but feet never lie."  That is, we can say and think one thing but if we don't do what we are saying or thinking, we are lying.

Father John, OSB blesses the senior candles

Following communion, we presented each senior with a candle that had been personally decorated by a member of the school community.  Before we passed them out I reminded the seniors that at their first ever school Mass as freshmen, we presented them with Bibles.  Now as they are leaving, we present them with candles as reminders to be the light of Christ in the world.  As Mr. Mailloux '72 presented each senior with his or her candle he said, "Receive the light of Christ" to which the seniors responded "Thanks be to God."

The closing hymn was a favorite of our seniors, "Deep Down I Know."  It is a rather lengthy song and the seniors eventually got into lines and put their arms around each other and swayed back and forth.  It was very touching.

Following Mass, the seniors were treated to a slideshow of their past four years and then presented the yearbook dedication.  This year's honoree was a no-brainer - Mr. Gorski '58 who of course is celebrating his 50th anniversary as a teacher at Bishop Bradley/Trinity High Schools this year.  Congrats Tiny!