Amanda Spriegel-Director of Liturgy

A School Mass of Remembrance on September 11, 2007

The anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 happened to be on a Tuesday this year.  As Tuesday is our customary School Mass day, we chose to use this day as a remembrance of not only those tragic events, but all acts where people hurt other people.  We did this, not mournfully, but with quiet reverence for the dignity of life.  We used readings that reflected our need to be good and to value others.  We prayed the Mass of Peace and Justice.  We used light to remember that we are all called to be light to the world and to bring Christ’s light to the world.

What follows is a narration of the Mass we celebrated and photos of much of it.  We thank Mr. John Hoch, part of our faculty, for the wonderful photographs.

Before Mass

The children entered the church in reverent silence this day.  They took their seats and were told to keep their ears and eyes open to see the special things we would do this day.

Prelude

The Handbells played several pieces of music, some composed to honor the events of 9-11.

The Opening Comment was read:

Entrance with tolling of a bell

After the beautiful music as a prelude, Mrs. Oster, tolled a handbell as the procession of lanterns was carried forward. 

Opening Procession

All the lanterns were placed on an environment in front of the altar and also at the Ambo.  Class 6G were the liturgical ministers for this Mass.

The lanterns are placed:

The procession of the Celebrant takes place:

Our Lector proclaims the First Reading.

Mrs. Oberdick sings and leads us in the Psalm.

Father Pat proclaims the Gospel

Father Pat gives us a homily on the readings and the memory of that day

The General Intercessions are read.

Our Gifts of Bread and Wine are prepared to become the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus, Christ.

Some of our faculty was our Extraordinary Ministers of Communion at Mass that day.

Not every School Mass is on a special day to the world, but every day that we gather to celebrate the Paschal Mysteries, is a special day to us.  Parents are always welcome to join us for School Masses.  Your children are so proud to see you there!  For the schedule of School Masses and Prayer Events for this School Year, please click into the Liturgy portion of this website.  School Mass and Prayer Services