On Wednesday, September 14th, the entire Kellenberg Memorial community came together for an outdoor opening school prayer service to celebrate the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross.
Fr. Albert Bertoni, S.M. addressed the community of Kellenberg students from grades 6 through 12, along with students from St. Martin de Porres Marianist School, saying, “We are gathering this morning to stir the flames of faith, to reignite, to relight, to rekindle the flame of faith in each one of us. We do this as we stand under the tree of life, which is the cross of Christ. We all have our sorrows, and disappointments, and setbacks…let us take them and hang them on the cross, as Christ has taken them all on for us already.”
Students of all ages were greatly impacted by the prayer service, and expressed that it was the perfect way to begin a new academic year. Freshman Dierdre Ambrosi reflected on the importance of the gathering as a community of faith in the beginning of the school year, saying, “It shows a sense of unity for us as a school. There are lots of new Latin School students and most of the freshmen are new to the school, as well. Coming together definitely increases the sense of community for us all.”
Squire Evan Carroll shared, “I think because we are all members of one Church, this is an important way to be together and celebrate our faith in Jesus.” Squire Colin Crowley said, “I think this is a great way to meet new people and to show that all the grade levels here at Kellenberg are really one community.”
Sukhi Brutus, a student in the sixth grade at St. Martin de Porres Marianist School, was grateful for the opportunity to pray together, and added, “I think today’s prayer service is important because it is a great way to praise the Lord and pray to Him for a great school year.”
Senior Chazz Rahynes shared, “I think this is such a great way to kick off the school year, especially for those who may struggle at times with their faith life. This gives everyone an opportunity to kick start their faith.”
Senior Andrea Goodman agreed and said, “After a summer of being separated from everyone this is a nice way to come together as a school community and reflect on the importance of the cross, and how Jesus conquered death for us.”
Music was provided by the members of the Gregorian Consortium, Kellenberg Memorial’s liturgical music group. Musical selections included “Lift High the Cross” and “We Will Rise Again,” with sophomore Christelle Pascal providing a solo performance of a meditation song, “At the Cross,” as well as an excerpt from “Amazing Grace” during Fr. Albert’s homily. Students were all given memorial cards featuring the Anima Christi prayer and crosses which were blessed by Fr. Albert during the service. A light breakfast was served for all outside following the prayer service.
Photos from the day can be found on photos.kellenberg.org. If you would like to view a recording of today’s prayer service, please visit our Livestream page here: https://livestream.com/wkmhs/events/6344342