The CBA student body, staff and faculty joined Rev. Christopher Seibt, Parochial Vicar of St. Rose of Lima, to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the Lynch Gymnasium on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The Mass was the first of the new school year for the student body.

The Peer Ministers, led by student coordinators and seniors Clare Pierret and Geoff Parkes wore grey t-shirts, that read, “It Only Takes a Spark” on the front of them and introduced this year’s theme.

Rev. Christopher Seibt

“Our theme this year centers around the burning love of God,” Pierret shared. “God’s love for us is so intense, it frees us to be our best selves, it warms us to be more loving toward others, and it liberates us so we can continue to grow in the ways of God. I Thessalonians 5:19 warns us, “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” We each need to provide sparks of kindness, generosity, and compassion so that God’s fire will burn brightly throughout this year. It only takes a spark.”

Many students participated in Mass including juniors Allison Croucher and TJ LaDuca who did the readings and seniors Brennan Carman, Dan Kelly, Brendan Keeney and junior Molly Oyer who delivered the general intercessions. Students in each class represented the offertory procession including: John LaDuca (seventh grade); Quinn Horan (eighth grade); Katie Oyer (ninth grade); Charles Pride (tenth grade); Kate Benware (eleventh grade) and Emily Hanson (twelfth grade).

The orchestra and the new chorus called “Jubilee” which includes both students and faculty, along with some instrumental and vocal soloists, provided the music for the Mass.

Sophomore violinist Hannah Kang played the offertory song, “Romance in F” by Beethoven.

Brothers Joseph Jozwiak and Gabe Fiumano renewed their vows. John Murphy ’77, Board of Trustees President, commissioned Brother Joseph. Brother Joseph then commissioned Principal Matt Keough, followed by a commissioning of the senior class. The seniors were seated with a seventh grade student at Mass. At the beginning of the school year, the class decided that they wanted to be big brothers and sisters to the newest and youngest members of the CBA community.

Brother Gabe Fiumano ’47 and Brother Joseph Jozwiak.

Seniors and seventh graders sit together during Mass.

Senior Peer Ministers Nate Burns, Anna Schug and Lis Kip presented the Corporal Kyle R. Scheider Foundation. The Corporal Kyle R. Schneider Foundation renders support to assist duty, reserve and retired United States Armed Forces members, their families and injured and recovering heroes.

This week students in Peer Ministry have been collecting money during lunch periods to support the Foundation. Students can put their loose change and bills in any of the jugs, which are labeled with a photo of an administrator or teacher. These teachers and administrators agreed to take a pie in the face at the Pep Assembly on Friday if their jug was one of the top three in which money was collected. Participating are: Brother Joseph Jozwiak, Mr. Keough, Mr. Person, Mr. Benware, Mr. Harmon, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Barredo, Mr. Paris, Ms. Infanti, Mr. Jewett and Mrs. Major.

For additional photos of Mass, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cbasyracuse