St. Francis Cathedral School opened its doors again in eager anticipation of a blessed and exciting school year ahead. In the past week, over 400 students flooded the hallways and classrooms of our beloved Cathedral School. With laughter, joy, and a desire to grow in their academics and faith, St. Francis students brought light and life to our beautiful campus after a long and quiet summer.
As students exited their cars or walked up to the school entrances on their first day, they were greeted by their new principal, Ms. Kathleen Dalton, who is beginning her first year as principal. Ms. Dalton was previously the school’s Dean of Student Academics.
Upon entering their classrooms, students reconnected with friends, welcomed new students to the school, and met their new teachers. St. Francis teachers and administrators reviewed the expectations and responsibilities of St. Francis students over the course of the week. After the usual routines of the first few days of school, St. Francis students, teachers, and administrators concluded their week with a whole-school Mass to welcome the new school year.
The first Mass of the year was a votive Mass to the Holy Spirit, during which the school community called on the third person of the Holy Trinity to bless, guide, and assist students, teachers, administrators, and families throughout the school year. During his homily, Fr. Christy, Rector of the Cathedral, exhorted and encouraged students to become saints, emphasizing that this requires a daily choice to love one another. Fr. Christy shared with St. Francis students, “Being a saint is loving the person in front of you in your class, in your school, and on your team. Sainthood begins today.” Reminded of their call, St. Francis students and staff reflected and prayed for the help of the Holy Spirit to become the saints God called them to be.
In conclusion to the Mass for the Holy Spirit, the school began a new tradition of commissioning its teachers for the upcoming school year. St. Francis faculty and staff lined up in front of the congregation and received words of encouragement from their new principal and a blessing from Fr. Christy. In her remarks, Principal Dalton said to her new faculty, “Praying for you and supporting you daily is my promise.” In turning to her students, she said, “In the heart of God, he has us here to help us choose the good in the face of obstacles. Remember how much your administrators and other students love you. We are so proud of you.”
As St. Francis begins its new school year, join us in interceding and praying for all of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators that the Holy Spirit may continue to provide the graces needed for all the ways we hope to see our students grow intellectually and in their hearts.
St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!