May 12, 2014

Junior Leadership Ceremony

This past Wednesday we hosted our annual Junior Leadership Ceremony.  We use this event as an opportunity to commission the junior class as they prepare to become the student leaders of Trinity High School.  We also present them with three items:

1. Their class ring (if they ordered one).

2. A note from a teacher or coach encouraging them to make the most of their senior year and to be a strong leader.

3. A Tau cross.  This is one of the four signs of our faith that they receive each year.  I bought the Tau crosses this year in Assisi when I was there back in February.  I also asked our former campus minister, Fr. Andrew Nelson, bless them at the tomb of St. Francis of Assisi so they were extra special this year.

The ceremony is quite brief but is very nice (if I do say so myself).  It began with words of welcome by the class president Jack Schwamb '15 followed by an opening prayer by me and the whole crowd praying Psalm 25 monastic style.  Fr. Richard Dion, our chaplain, then read the story of the Ascension and the commissioning of the disciples from Mark's gospel.  Our principal Mr. Mailloux '72 then offered a reflection which was based on the style of leadership as exemplified by Pope Francis.  It was a masterful reflection and very moving, it was one of the best talks I have heard Mr. Mailloux give.

Following this, Mr. Mailloux commissioned the class by asking them:

1. Do you accept the challenge to be light to the Trinity High School community?
2. Will you carry out your responsibility as a Trinity High School student leader with enthusiasm and a willingness to witness to the gospel?
3. Are you committed to a ministry of mercy to both your school and your community?
4. Are you committed to giving witness to your faith as part of the evangelizing mission of Trinity High School?

To each question the students answered, "I do/will/am, with the help of God's grace."

I then called up each junior and they were presented with their items.  Fr. Richard concluded the evening with a blessing of the class and we then had a light reception.

All in all, it was a lovely evening and a nice opportunity to honor our rising seniors.  Here's to a great year!

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