The Mass of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary celebrates the virgin conception of Jesus by Mary, a significant moment in the Christian religion. It was held in the gym on the Broadway campus and was attended by the entire high school.

“I’ve gone to a catholic school my entire life and am very familiar with the ceremony and its core values,” senior Julia McKinnon said. “Nevertheless, it’s important to note that even someone outside of the religion can find meaning from this event,”

This mass is significant to the community because of the school’s connection to the Sacred Heart community and its values. Students and teachers alike celebrate the mass every year as a way to ring in the holiday season.

“This was a space to contemplate the spirit of Christmas and where it comes from,” global politics teacher Devin DeMartini said. “This was good in terms of community connection and the choral group sounded fantastic,”

The mass included a traditional procession and reading. Additionally, students were able to hear their peers sing in the student led chorus. The elementary school students attended a separate mass later in the day, but participated in similar activities. 

“I really appreciated the homily and I thought it was a timely reminder,” DeMartini said. “It reminded us of the practices that we can achievably do.”

Although not all students adhere to Catholic religion, certain values are embedded in the curriculum and bolstered through the service activities partaken. Students left the mass inspired to give back to their community at this time of year, according to McKinnon. 

“Even though I’m finished with my service requirement, around this time of year I always look for ways to give back,” Mckinnon said. “I hope that the community will embrace this invitation and contribute to their community.”