On August 30, 2022, over a thousand students and teachers poured into the Terry Center. As one observes, many teachers and students adorned themselves with flashing red ties. Then, the students hush as the procession begins. This marks the first time that Jesuit Dallas held an all-school Mass of the Holy Spirit since 2019.
Significance
The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a common tradition among Jesuit institutions since 1548. The Jesuit institutions would gather to thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and to seek wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the coming year.
Celebrating Mass
Although it occurred in its usual form like Sunday masses, this mass was very unique. This mass included special events such as the recognition of new faculty members at Jesuit. Also, this mass was highlighted by Fr. Joseph’s refined and powerful homily about growing as men for others under the Holy Spirit. Recently, I had the opportunity to conduct an interview with Fr. Joseph about his thoughts on the mass.
Interview with Fr. Roy Joseph
In my homily, I stated that our true school spirit should reflect the working of the Holy Spirit within us. That means that we are men of truth in word and deed who follow and need to rely on the help of the Spirit of Truth. In the end, we are called to be genuine and united, living as the men of true spirit, blazing forth as the Holy Spirit leads the way.
Recognition of New Faculty Members
Annually, at the end of the Mass, Jesuit Dallas recognizes and honors its new faculty members. This year saw 17 new faculty members joining our community.
Dorrie Andrew – Campus Ministry
Sarah Evans – Science
Rey Fernandez – Operations
Kara Fino – Advancement
Conall Flanagan – Social Studies
Chelsea Hafertepe – Advancement
Laura Hudec – Language
Rick Lefebvre – Athletics
Drew Maddox – English
Josh Pabian – Mathematics
Tom Perez – Mathematics
Ismael Rodriguez – Theology
Joel Saroni – Mathematics
Sierra Thain – Finance
Mallory Wainwright – Theology
Every year, Jesuit Dallas alums return to campus to serve as members of the Alumni Service Corps (ASC). This year’s new ASC members are Mr. Reid Allison from Texas Tech and Mr. Ethan Lee from Loyola Chicago.
Conclusion
The Mass of the Holy Spirit was definitely instrumental in igniting the fuse to our school year. In the end, we must remember to enhance our intellectual competence and “go forth and set the fire on fire” as St. Ignatius once said.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned to The Roundup for more coverage of Jesuit Campus Ministry and student life!
