Sophomores Jordan Kelley and Chris Szeszycki work on building the set for the upcoming Philelectic Society production of “The Odd Couple.” The production begins on Thursday, Sept. 18 with a 6:30 p.m. preview performance. Visit the Phils’ page for the full list of show times and dates. The Philelectic Society—the oldest co-curricular organization at Jesuit—is the school’s drama department. It presents the public with musical theatre as well as comedy and dramatic pieces in Jesuit’s 894-seat auditorium.

The start of Jesuit football, with all of its weekly hoopla, fun, and excitement, also heralds the quiet celebration of a Mass for the Blue Jay players. Usually this Mass is held in the Holy Name of Jesus Chapel on the second floor of the Banks Street administration building. Believe it or not, all of the roughly 95 members of the team have successfully squeezed into the small Chapel, which is currently undergoing an extensive renovation, although definitely not from being overcrowded. When completed in 2015, the renovation should substantially increase the amount of available elbow room in the Holy Name Chapel. In the meantime, when the football game falls on a Friday (such as it does with Ponchatoula on Friday, and for most of the upcoming season), the players gather for Mass at 7:10 in the morning in the relatively spacious St. Ignatius Hall, an oasis of sorts with its beautiful arched windows overlooking the live oaks on Banks Street and the hustle and bustle going on in the school yard below. St. Ignatius Hall is an appropriate setting for the Mass since it once served as the Chapel for the numerous Jesuits in residence, and offers an intimate and cozy atmosphere for prayer and reflection, even sans pews. Having the Mass for athletes in St. Ignatius Hall also does not interfere with the daily Mass for students that is celebrated each morning at 7:15 on the other side of the yard in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs — a distance equivalent to maybe one nice run or a long pass from our spiritually fortified Blue Jays.

Rev. Tony Corcoran, S.J. speaks to Blue Jays gathered in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs during lunch. Hosted by the Sodality, Fr. Corcoran’s presentation on his missionary work in Russia following the collapse of the Soviet regime attracted a large number of students, faculty, and staff to the large chapel. Fr. Corcoran shared personal stories of his ministry and spoke about the persecution many Catholics in eastern Europe face on a daily basis. A native of Texas, Fr. Corcoran taught here at Jesuit in the early 1990s. He has been working in Russia for more than 17 years and is currently the superior of Jesuits serving in Russia.

Pre-freshmen John Bendernagel, Sam Gibson, and Neal Hebert get a kick out of buying frozen treats from Br. William Dardis, S.J. ’58. Proceeds are split to support the Thanksgiving Drive, the cheerleaders, and the Mission Drive.

Following Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday morning, students are dismissed from school. People are usually surprised when they see for the first time how quickly students leave Carrollton & Banks in a deserted state. Some of the younger Blue Jays — like freshmen Tyler Mire (left) and Patrick Calhoun — are not as mobile and hang in the Traditions Courtyard while waiting for their ride home. The Wild Photographer happened to be laboring nearby (well, it is Labor Day weekend) and coaxed Messieurs Mire and Calhoun, and Fr. McGinn, to allow the snapping of this presidential memento of sorts.

Junior Joey Bongiovanni talks with campus ministry Director Jeremy Reuther about his ushering duties for Friday morning’s Mass of the Holy Spirit.  Students will arrive on campus in coat and tie to celebrate this Mass which has been a Jesuit tradition for decades and helps to set the spiritual tone for the new school year. More information about school Masses is detailed on the Liturgy & Worship page.

Prefect of Discipline “Top” Abshire met with pre-freshmen in their computer literacy class. Top gave the class some tips on how to navigate Jesuit and encouraged them to be Men of Faith and Men for Others. He discussed with them the importance of keeping up with their school work and shared with the new Jays his mantra for the school year: “Do what you have to do before you do what you want to do.”

Mr. Joey Latino tosses a new letterman jacket—still in the bag—to junior Peyton Hidalgo for his participation on the varsity bowling team last year. All 2014 baseball, bowling, golf, tennis, and track & field lettering athletes were scheduled to pick up their lettermen jackets, patches, and stripes today.

With the start of the new football season approaching, members of the Blue Jay Marching Band practice Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” on Will Clark Field Monday afternoon. The school’s official marching unit is probably best noted for its elaborate routines, unique shows, intricate maneuvers, and the “Blue Jay Sound.” This group performs at football games, pep rallies, home basketball games, and Mardi Gras parades.

Moments before the final bell signaling the start of Morning Assembly on Friday, senior Francis Plough raises his arm with his fist clenched — as if to punch out the stifling heat and humidity that envelopes the Traditions Courtyard — and begins a spontaneous and enthusiastic solo cheer in salute to the Class of 2015. Plough’s performance infuses a shot of energy into 1,422 Blue Jays, especially the 275 seniors, many of whom momentarily stop yawning to return the cheers, including an amused classmate, Robert Zazulak (left). Plough is captain of the Jesuit swimming team and actively involved in student campus ministry and the sodality, among other co-curriculars, with the exception being the cheerleaders. He would just as soon stand in the back of his homeroom at assemblies and “Plough” ’em over with cheers.

In a prayer service attended by about 120 student members and potential members of Sodality, recent graduates Alex Scalco ’14 and John Guerra ’14 speak about how the brotherhood of Sodality continues to be important in their lives. After they spoke, Sodality members renewed their commitments for the school year and then enjoyed lunch in front of the chapel. Sodality of Our Lady is directed by Fr. John Brown, S.J.

Blue Jays make last minute purchases in the Blue Jay Shop after school. Students wishing to purchase school supplies, books, or apparel can visit the shop. It will be open each day throughout the week from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m., during both halves of lunch, and for two hours after school.

Ten Jays make jokes in the Commons as they ponder the purpose and mock the meaning of a crimson-colored snack bag. Pictured from left are: pre-freshman Damose Ituah, pre-freshman Cy Fuxan with his junior brother Cade Fuxan, seniors Sam Johnson, Michael Belanger, Francis Plough, David Gaines, and Chris Simmons, junior Evan Dudenhefer, and senior Michael Conrad.

ROTC cadets meet outside the Chapel of the North American Martyrs for a jambalaya lunch to welcome students to the new school year. From left, freshman Donald Barrett, sophomore John Crowson, and pre-freshman Evan Ehrensing each pick up a bowl of piping hot jambalaya served by MGySgt. J.R. Piseno.

Freshman Aiden Roberts talks with Fr. Don Saunders, S.J. under the shade of a tree in Traditions Courtyard during lunch on opening day of the 2014 – 2015 academic year.

After effortlessly sailing through Book Day, a group of sophomores beat the heat and relax in the Traditions Courtyard with some snoballs. Led by Sophomore Class President William Fine, the student council class officers organized the cold, refreshing treat for the entire Class of 2017. Pictured from left are: Robert Illg, Blake Parenton, Joshua Harper, and Brett Balser.