School president Ronny O’Dwyer S.J. commenced the opening weeks of the new school year with the Mass of the Holy Spirit Sept. 6 in the gym. 

“It is a great tradition that goes back hundreds of years that Jesuit high schools and universities all around the world start their school year with,” Director of Campus Ministry Kelsey Grimm said. “It’s a big celebration being with Jesus, and it’s a time when the whole building is coming together, so it’s a special occasion.”

Fr. Tom Green S.J., the Provincial Superior of the Central and Southern Province, joined Fr. O’Dwyer to celebrate the Mass. Green signed a document with the Board of Trustees that renewed the school’s Sponsorship Agreement with the Jesuits. 

“When you go chasing after athletics or academics, all of that will flow, if you focus on your identity,” Fr. Green said. “That’s why I congratulate you, and I congratulate Fr. O’Dwyer, and the faculty and staff, and you students, for staying true to your identity.”

The school emphasized the formal nature of the event by enforcing the Mass dress code. Students wore a dress shirt, tie, dress pants, belt, and presentable shoes for the whole day. 

“The clothing you wear affects your mindset,” Mrs. Grimm said. “So when we go to Mass, which is the most important thing that we celebrate as a community, we dress nicely because Jesus is going to be present in the bread and wine with us.”