By Brian Sheehan ‘25
On Aug. 30, Brother Rice gathered for the first all school mass of the year, inducted new peer ministers, and announced the Junior of the Year award finalists and winner. This tradition is a great way to start off the new school year and bring crusaders together.
All school masses are always a great thing. They bring the Crusader community together for prayer and strengthen everyone’s religious faith. The all school masses help remind students and faculty members that they are united through Jesus Christ and to follow in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice.
Senior Jay Jilek said, “I was glad to be back in the Brother Rice gym for the first all school mass of the year. I think it is great that the entire student body can come together and share the celebration of the mass.”
At the first all school mass, it’s customary to introduce the new peer ministers for the school year. The new peer ministers participate in each mass by doing the readings and serving as eucharistic ministers. The introductions allow other students and faculty members to recognize the leadership of those men and allow peer ministers to embrace the role they have taken.
Senior Stephen Devine said, “It felt great to be inducted. I think it’s nice I can be an example for the rest of the students.”
After mass, the school also recognized the Junior of the Year award finalists and winner. At the end of junior year, five Crusaders are selected as finalists for the Junior of the Year, but only one can win it. The following year, those juniors who are now seniors are recognized in front of the whole student body. This year the Junior of the Year finalists were Jay Jilek, Gavin O’Connor, JD Maloney, Matt Phelan, and the winner was Conner Stack.
“Winning Junior of the Year felt amazing,” said senior Conner Stack. “It is a very prestigious award and I am thankful that I can represent the Class of 2025. All the finalists were worthy of winning and should be proud of themselves.”
The first mass was a great way to start off the school year. It helps students start off on a positive note and carry that spiritual strength with them all throughout the year.
