Last night's mass was absolutely beautiful! It was such a powerful experience, and I'm so happy that I got to be a part of it. The students returned to school an hour before mass, and we gathered in our 8th period classes. I happen to love my 8th period, it's my most outgoing drama class, so I was really happy to share the experience of Mass of the Holy Spirit with them.
The music was in a combination of languages and styles, representing the various ethnic backgrounds of CRJ students. The Nigerian Igbo Catholic Choir, about 20 people, was there, along with their drummers. Some parts of the Mass and the music were in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Latin, and the music styles ranged from traditional to tribal to upbeat. It was an amazing celebration of the school, and as we processed in, I couldn't believe just how many people were there!
That's right...we processed in. We walked down the aisle as a whole school, grade by grade, faculty mixed in with students. The aisle was lined by the Knights of Columbus in full regalia, and we had several visiting Jesuits, Archdiocesan priests, and sisters, as well as the president of St. Thomas University in Houston. The gym was transformed into a beautiful space for worship, and really reflected how hard the development staff and campus minister have worked over the past few weeks.
I was a Eucharistic Minister at mass last night, and I think that was the coolest part of the whole experience. So many of my students came to me to receive the Eucharist, and being able to say their names when I offered them the blood of Christ definitely made the whole mass even more meaningful. One student who I'd had to send to P.H. (Penance Hall, or detention) over something that happened in our class this past week, came to me to receive communion, and it felt like a reconciliation in a sense.
Immediately after the Mass had ended, there was a real live mariachi band to lead all 1,000 people into the party in the cafeteria, or as everyone at CRJ calls it, the cafe! James Coney Island, a Houston institution so I've been told, was there serving chili dogs, chips, and cookies and soda, and it was a great time for the students to show their families around the school. I met the families of two of my most wonderful students, one freshman and one junior. I was so honored that the girls introduced me to their moms, and it was so good to honestly brag about each of them!
Not only were families of students everywhere, but it was also great to meet families of the other faculty and staff. I was in line for food with my 3 housemates who came and our JVC Program Coordinator, Katie, when I turned my head, and was so pleasantly surprised to see a familiar face... a good friend from PC, Charlie DaSilva!!
Charlie has a good friend who also teaches at CRJ, and he came to visit for the weekend... AND brought me my favorite treat from LaSalle Bakery in Providence! No, not banana hazelnut iced coffee, he couldn't bring liquids on the plane... but banana chocolate chunk bread! A whole loaf! As of writing this, I've already had two pieces, and I couldn't be a happier girl. Especially since I am off today and Monday! I slept in (til 7:45, woohoo!), had a leisurely breakfast, cleaned up my room a little, had lunch with Eva thanks to a groupon left by the JVs from last year, and just finished working out at the gym. We have a connection with the Houston YMCA, and are working on a very discounted membership... but for now, I have a 1-week free trial membership :).
It was so nice to have a day for some self-care, and I'm really enjoying time to myself for a few hours. Plans for the weekend include cleaning the whole house as a community, possibly a high school football game, and seeing Sister Mary and Charlie! Have a wonderful long weekend, and I'll post more when there's more to share!
xo
I was the happiest girl last night... 4-day weekend, and LaSalle!
Miss Tully at her desk... better decorations to come! The bookshelf behind me isn't mine... just what's on my desk :).
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