We begin our school year with an all-school Mass, as the year usually begins around the Assumption of Mary on August 15. Launching the year by celebrating the Mass together helps the students and faculty alike to focus on our joint mission to learn and to grow together as God’s children.
Perhaps the most well known of the all-school Masses is the Senior Ring Mass, which is celebrated in September. Immediately after this solemn celebration, seniors petition Monsignor Lawrence Frederick for a blessing upon their long awaited class rings under the gaze of their mothers, who have watched them grow from toddlers into young men. The seniors then come forward one by one to receive their rings.
November 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints, and as it is a holy day of obligation, the school meets again to worship Christ. Just as the senior mothers were invited to the celebration of the Ring Mass, so are the senior fathers invited to participate in this solemn celebration. Afterward, Mr. Steve Straessle dismisses the seniors from class and lunch so that they can spend time alone with their fathers. Catholic High’s goal is to help boys develop into young men of class and integrity, and we seek to do that work in conjunction with the boys’ fathers, who are their first models of manhood.
Weekly Mass – 7:20 a.m. Wednesday and Friday
December – Feast of the Immaculate Conception
February – Ash Wednesday and distribution of ashes
April – Closing School Mass
May – Mass at Carmel with the Carmelite sisters (seniors only)
Growing up with an older brother that went to Catholic High, I knew I wanted to be a part of what he always referred to as “The Brotherhood.” I love that I’m able to explore so many of my interests, from joining Broadcast Journalism and JROTC my freshman year to becoming president of the drama club as a junior. As I get ready for college in two short years, I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given at Catholic High that will help me stand out in the application process.
