Jesuit High School of New Orleans

Long a Tradition at Jesuit, Mass of the Holy Spirit Brings Together Entire Blue Jay Community

Posted August 30, 2013 / Last updated March 25, 2014

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Blue Jays must live up to the challenge and nobility that comes with the Gift of the Holy Spirit: Fear of the Lord.

Blue Jays must live up to the challenge and nobility that comes with the Gift of the Holy Spirit: Fear of the Lord.

Jesuit students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday, August 30. This Mass has been a Jesuit tradition for decades and helps to set the spiritual tone for the new school year. It is one of two Masses during the school year where Blue Jays shed their khaki uniforms and wear coats, dress shirts, and ties. The Mass is so special that Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. considers it to be one of the five most important days of the school year.

The Mass of the Holy Spirit is not just a school tradition, but a practice that began in 1548 at the first Jesuit school in Messina, Sicily. Many Jesuit high schools and universities throughout the world celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of every school year.

 

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Mass of the Holy Spirit, August 30, 2013

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    The entire 2013-2014 student body celebrated their first Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday, August 30. Alter Servers leading the processional are seniors Thomas Nimmo, Patrick Steen, and Quinn Stiller; juniors Patrick Fine and Clay LoCoco; and sophomore Joseph Stagni.
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    Senior Alex Anderson leads the congregation in the responsorial psalm – “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.” Other readers include seniors Will Myers, Alex Scalco, and Christopher Wilson.
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    Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. speaks to the congregation about a health and noble Fear of the Lord, a Gift of the Holy Spirit.
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    Senior Patrick Steen served as a Student Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for Mass.
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    Senior Alex Scalco served as a Student Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
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    Mrs. Kate Arthurs leads the Blue Jay Chorus in song.
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    Blue Jays must live up to the challenge and nobility that comes with the Gift of the Holy Spirit: Fear of the Lord.
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    Gathering after Mass of the Holy Spirit on August 30 are Senior David treen, junior Nathan Cusimano, senior Taylor Lee, senior Nathan Zimmer, pre-freshman Jordon Tufts, senior Christian Bruno, senior David Stahl, and senior Ryan McMahon.