After a long and mentally challenging first week back at Academy of the Holy Names, it was time for both students and faculty alike to reflect in a peaceful all-school Mass setting on Friday, August 24, in the Brady Center.

Setting the theme for the  Mass of the Holy Spirit  in his opening address,  President Mr. Arthur Raimo requested the congregation to take time to contemplate on those things for which they were truly thankful. Mr. Raimo  reflected on  the modifications that Academy had made during the summer in preparation for the beginning of the school year.  “There have been a lot of changes this year. Certainly the new lunch program, the iPads, even the artificial turf on the playgrounds … however, the Academy of the Holy Names will always stand for certain values that will not change.

Father Bruce Craig SDB, pastor of Mary Help of Christians Parish, celebrated the Mass.  In his homily in reference to the Gospel according to Matthew, Father Bruce Craig spoke about talents. In the Gospel, talents were referred to as coins. “Jesus uses this comparison to get across the idea that we each have gifts or talents given to us by God.  The important thing is figuring out how to use them. With life being the most important gift given to us by God, we must use our time wisely and productively.  Most importantly, we must find pupose in each of our lives.”

Thanking God for our gifts and talents proved to be the perfect message from President Raimo and Father Craig as students continued on to class learning new apps and skills for their iPads and sharing these with each other.