Students and staff gathered in the gym for the homecoming Mass.
As per La Salle tradition, the majority of the Mass was led by students in the Leadership and Lasallian Ministry classes.
New staff members were invited to stand in front of the altar and receive a medal after taking a vow to serve La Salle and its students.
Each religion class was tasked with donating different types of nonperishable food for Lot Whitcomb Elementary School, and during the opening procession a representative of each class brought up their box of donations.
Junior Avari Brocker explained her plan to present the hymns in American Sign Language — something that was adopted last year — alongside a reminder of the importance of including members in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
La Salle’s choir led multiple songs during the Mass, including its rendition of “All Are Welcome.”
Fr. John Marshall once again joined La Salle from St. John the Baptist.
The theme of the Mass was “We Are More Than Enough,” which was echoed in the homily and statements from staff.
Student Body Class President Ezra Moody delivered the first reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18.
As a Catholic institution, Masses are a core part of the student experience at La Salle, and the opening Mass of this school year on Sept. 27 with the theme of “We Are More Than Enough” was the latest continuation of this tradition.
The Mass began with an opening procession featuring a group of students, each one representing a different religious studies class, carrying in boxes filled with nonperishable foods donated for Lot Whitcomb Elementary School. For years, La Salle students and staff have donated food to the school in order to aid the low-income families whose children attend the school.
La Salle’s Director of Campus Ministry, Ms. Sarah Maher, introduced the theme as a way to rally the school together. To a similar effect, the dress theme for attendees was clothing in either red, white, blue, or La Salle Gear.
During the homily, Fr. John Marshall gave “homework” for students, which included going out of the way to make others feel welcome in a high school environment.
After the Liturgy of the Eucharist, all new staff members were brought forward to receive medals from students. The staff members were then asked a series of questions related to living up to Lasallian values, which they replied to in unison with “I will.”
The next scheduled Mass is for All Saints Day, which is Nov. 1.
Denise Lanter • Sep 28, 2023 at 11:40 am
Mass is so crucial in continuing the the way of the Lord. Kindness and being friendly to all is needed.