Class of 2018 Urged to Make a Difference at Baccalaureate Mass

Posted May 21, 2018 / Last updated May 25, 2018

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Seniors stand for the entrance hymn.

Seniors stand for the entrance hymn.

The Chapel of the North American Martyrs was the sacred setting for Saturday afternoon’s Baccalaureate Mass honoring the 276 graduating seniors of the Class of 2018. The chapel and choir loft were filled as seniors and their parents attended the pre-graduation Mass, which fell this year on the Solemnity of Pentecost.

View the Photo Gallery from the Class of 2018 Baccalaureate Mass

The solemnity of the Baccalaureate Mass marks a happy occasion, not only for the graduates and their families, but also for members of Jesuit’s faculty, many of whom played crucial roles in teaching and inspiring the students to mature into good men and leaders for the world.

Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J., celebrates Mass as the principle celebrant and gives the homily.

Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J., celebrates Mass as the principle celebrant and gives the homily.

The Mass was celebrated by Jesuit president Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J. He was assisted by school chaplain Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J., and Frs. Paul Shaughnessy, S.J. and Donald Saunders, S.J.

In his homily, Fr. Fronk focused on three points—”the world, the Holy Spirit, and you [the individual student]”—and how they are not separate. Fr. Fronk urged the graduating seniors to trust the Holy Spirit is working in them. He clarified how all three points work together, saying, “You have to let the Holy Spirit inspire you, so you can go into the world and make a difference.”

Watch the Video of Fr. Fronk’s Baccalaureate Mass Homily 

Seniors Chris Ross, Leo John Arnett, and J.T. Holmes handled the readings while Caleb Rogers led the congregation in the Prayers of the Faithful.

Seniors meet up with their parents after Mass.

Seniors meet with their parents after Mass.

After Mass, seniors and their parents mingled on the chapel steps and on Will Clark Field. Many seniors took photos with their families and classmates, since they knew it was their last student event on campus.

The seniors will formally graduate at the Pontchartrain Center (Kenner, LA) on Thursday, May 24. The Commencement Exercises ceremony will mark the 171st year of Jesuit High School.

Seniors are reminded that they must be present for graduation rehearsal on Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Pontchartrain Center. The commencement ceremony starts promptly at 8 p.m.