News Campus Life Mass of the Holy Spirit Initiates New School Year

Mass of the Holy Spirit Initiates New School Year

September 8, 2022

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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

Following this special event, I had the opportunity to interview Fr. Joseph about his thoughts of the Mass itself.

Fr. Joseph elevating the host during the Liturgy of the Eucharist

What were your thoughts of the student body gathering together for Mass for the first time since 2019?

I thought of the first time I celebrated Mass for the entire school in 2019 and of how this would be last time that I do so, for a while anyway, because I’m moving next month. It really was a joy to see everyone from that view, to recall the good things that have happened here, and to anticipate the blessings of the Holy Spirit in the year to come.

What do you think is important about the Mass of the Holy Spirit itself?

This particular Mass is important because it emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in our growth as men for others. Like the disciples at Pentecost, we together implore the Spirit’s special blessings to empower us for the opportunities and challenges that inevitably lie ahead. An outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit enables us to be the men we are called to be with renewed confidence and courage in this new academic year.

What do you think were the main takeaways from your homily?

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.

Students praying during the Prayers of the Faithful

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!