Marists students and faculty gathered in the main gym for a mass marking Ash Wednesday, March 5, to prepare for the season of Lent.
“I was looking forward to Ash Wednesday because I love reading at mass,” said senior Hannah Sutker.
Before it started, Marist President Larry Tucker recognized some of the upcoming events such as the math team going to state and the band going to Hawaii. He also explained the purpose of Lent and its three main aspects: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
After the opening song and readings, Father Tom Hurley said the homily to expand upon the readings from the book of Joel and the second letter from Paul to the Corinthians.
“Father Hurley’s homily taught me to keep being kind, no matter how hard it may be sometimes, just be kind,” said Sutker.
He incorporated a song called, What the World Needs Now is Love by Jackie DeShannon. Father Hurley shared its message of spreading love and emphasized how important the Marist students are to the world.
“I learned that we need to spread our love and positivity around, and just be there for one another,” said senior Sarah Marrero, a member of the choir.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist and Communion Rite then followed. Communion was distributed to everyone present while the choir sang. The blessings were announced soon after.
“The best part of the mass was singing One Bread One Body because it’s my favorite song,” said Marrero.
Father Hurley then explained how to receive ashes and they were distributed to all who chose to receive them. Once students and faculty received their ashes they were dismissed from the gym to return to class.
“Getting ashes reminds me to stay humble and know where I came from,” said Sutker, “I came from the earth and it reminds me to remain connected with the earth.”
This mass was different not only because of the distribution of ashes, but because Choir Director Anslee Rainwater was absent.
“It was a challenge but we all pulled through and had fun,” said Marrero.
The choir, with help from many student voices, was able to fill the gym with song.
“Singing at mass makes me feel like I’m very impactful and that I help others through song,” said Marrero.
