Homecoming Mass

Today we kicked off our Homecoming Festivities with Mass.  Father Ray Ball, the pastor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Concord, celebrated Mass for us.  Father Ray was the chaplain at Trinity from 1993-2002 so this was a sort of homecoming for him as well.

Before we began Mass, we congratulated Victoria Fatukasi '16 as she became an American citizen yesterday!  Victoria, who came to the Unites States from Nigeria in 2005, led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance.

During Mass Father Ray preached a nice homily encouraging the students to be the person God made them to be, not to worry about what other people think about them or how people think they are on the outside.  Things and people, he said, aren't always what they appear.  He proved this point by showing a ball which expanded to triple its size.  Father Ray also had with him a compass that Mr. Mailloux '72 had given to him as a gift when he left Trinity in 2002.

Following Communion I offered the following reflection:

This is a great time of year: football is in high gear, the leaves are changing color, the Deerfield Fair is this weekend, and Trick or Treating is right around the corner.  It is also a time of year that most high schools and colleges take the time to come together to welcome home alumni and friends back to campus for football and fellowship.  It has been very exciting for many of us to welcome Father Ray Ball back to Trinity High School.  Father Ray was the chaplain here at Trinity for many years before being transferred to the White Mountains in 2002. We are so happy he is back in our area and once again available to join us for Mass on occasion.  Welcome home, Father Ray. 

It is very inspiring for me that we at Trinity kick off our Homecoming festivities in the best way possible - with Mass.  This is a demonstration of what this school is truly all about - we begin all things with prayer and Jesus is always our focus.  You can learn Math, Science, English, etc. anywhere but what makes this and so many other Catholic schools different is that those things are secondary, our faith and our mission come first here at Trinity High School.

I’ve also been inspired by the many canned goods and food items that are overtaking Campus Ministry as we speak.  Whenever I speak to local charities or organizations, they always marvel at your commitment to service and to helping the less fortunate.  You have heeded Jesus’ call to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, visit the stranger and the sick, and house the homeless.  You are all truly disciples of Jesus Christ and I cannot thank you enough for constantly and consistently answering His call without counting the cost.

As we begin our Homecoming, let us continue to ask God the Father to bless our work, as we strive to be like God the Son, all with the help and guidance of God the Holy Spirit.  Amen.