The Bishop Blanchet community gathered Friday, September 11 for the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which celebrates the start of the school year, the senior class, and the clubs and talents present in the school.

Seniors dressed nicely for the occasion and wore their graduation gowns for the first time as a class. After processing in, the seniors sat in rows in the middle of the gym as parents, relatives, and friends supported them from the senior section of the bleachers.

“It was very exciting and nerve wracking to be wearing our gowns for the first time and representing our school as seniors,” said senior Sarah Fesalbon, “but it was also a great way to start the school year.”

Father Marcin Szymanski of the University of Washington Catholic Newman Center celebrated the mass. During the homily, Szymanski explained the importance of becoming a better person rather than just excelling academically, in activities, or in sports.

“School isn’t only about learning,” said Szymanski. “It’s not about getting an education and a degree to get a good job…. It’s about being true, being kind, and being brave.”

Before the mass ended, a candle ceremony honored every club, sport, and activity in the school. As each activity was named, all students involved stood up while a representative from the group lit a candle and formed a ring around the seniors.

After the mass, seniors lined up in the quad to take their class picture. When finished, seniors met their families in the small gym to chat and eat snacks before returning to class.