News Post

St. Joseph’s Academy gathered as a community on May 3 for the traditional Senior Mass, celebrated by Father Michael Alello, pastor of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

Senior Raeann Didier welcomed the large crowd of students, parents, faculty/staff, administrators and Sisters of St. Joseph to the Eucharistic celebration in the Academy Student Center. Senior Claire Branch read from the book of the prophet Jeremiah. Senior Danielle Jones read from first Corinthians. Seniors Cecilia Callicott and Nikki Manuel led the prayers of the faithful. 

In his homily, Father Michael reflected on the term “senioritis,” introduced in 1907. The concept behind the word, he said, is rooted in being so ready to move on to something new that we give up on what we’re currently doing. “As we hurry to get to the next thing, to a ‘better’ thing, it can take us from the ‘real’ thing that is right in front of us,” Father Michael said. “But I offer you the gentle reminder that in the next few weeks, don’t rush it. Don’t be hurried to get to the next event, to get to graduation, to get through exams. Don’t rush it. Enjoy every moment. And remember, whether you’re graduating or in your first year of this great journey, that the point of high school is not to get to college. It’s to grow into the young women of God that God has created you to be; to be educated in the faith; to be formed by the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph; and to know that God loves you and cherishes you.” 

Father Michael told the students that high school is a time of being molded by God, growing in academic knowledge and appreciating the gift of community. “You have been blessed to be here these years where faculty and staff really love you, really care for you, even when they have to correct you, even when they challenge you to do your work and make good decisions,” he said. “I have no doubt in my mind that if you find yourself lost in the journey in the years ahead, you can always find your way back here, where you will be welcomed with love, guidance and concern. This will always be your home, always be the place for you to come back to and be reminded of where you’re rooted.” 

At the conclusion of mass, Ella Barhorst, senior class president, spoke about her experience as an Academy student, from the fun times to four years of growing academically, spiritually and personally. “Now it is time for me to say goodbye to this wonderful school and the people I love the most,” she said. “I say goodbye to my Sticker sisters, classmates, parents, friends, teachers, all here praying with us and joining us as we leave this school that has been a second home for four years. … Our success has not come from just our own determination but also from those around us.” 
  
Barhorst announced that the senior class gift is additional outdoor seating for the Dining Hall. “We hope you all enjoy this gift that leaves our mark on the school that has given us so much,” she said. 

Principal Stacia Andricain said the seniors are ready to leave SJA as confident, dependable, service-oriented young women who have grown deeper in their faith and in their relationship with God. “I hope it has been a special time for you,” Andricain said. “I pray that during your four years, you have felt cared for and supported and that you leave with the sense that you can take on the world, always with God at your side.

“Thank you for being wonderful role models for the underclass students; for embracing the challenges that we put before you; and for being leaders in the community, always carrying with you the mission of the school and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph.” 

Andricain announced that the new cantor stand and podium were designed and crafted by faculty member Hugo Andricain and his father, Hugo Andricain Sr., using reclaimed wood from the library that was once in St. Joseph Hall. 
 
Katie Potts and Aimee Cronan directed the Liturgy Choir. Senior Hallie Legendre was the cantor. Senior Maggie Blouin led the singing of the alma mater. Other featured vocalists were Kate Stanford, Lauren Vukovics, Delia Chaisson and Aliyah Trapp. Musical accompanists were Michael McDowell, piano; Hugo Andricain, guitar; and Stephen Barrios, percussion. 

Hugo Andricain is SJA’s liturgy coordinator.

Following mass, seniors and their parents gathered on the Batchelor Terrace and in the SJA orchard to enjoy the Senior Reception, hosted by the SJA Mothers’ Club. 

Lisa Guarisco served as chairperson of the Senior Reception Committee. Co-chair was Kristin Stafford. Aimee Walker is Mothers’ Club president.
 

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director

Photos by Jennifer M. Fontaine