Memories of my Baccalaureate Mass...1989

While this tradition was started in 1432 it has transitioned from being a strictly Catholic mass to one of multiple faiths coming together to recognize the achievements of their graduates. The service is one of worship, celebration and thanksgiving for the students who are about to graduate; recognizing their wisdom and learning they’ve experienced in their school career.  Although the baccalaureate mass is not an “official” school sponsored event it can be held on school grounds or at an area church.

The Mexico Academy and Central Schools baccalaureate mass is this evening, Thursday, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. All the churches in the school district meet throughout the year and come together for various services, to include the annual baccalaureate. Each of the traditional elements is included with the help of all the clergy and community members. It is one way we, the community and believers can come together to support our school, each other and especially our graduating seniors.

I attended Bishop Cunningham Jr./Sr. High School in Oswego, New York. I was blessed with the opportunity to plan our baccalaureate. I enjoyed this but didn’t think much of it at the time. I dove in to the Scripture to find just the right verses and even worked with our choir teacher to select songs that would go with the Bible readings. My mom and Heidi helped me bring my envisioned banner to reality. “His light is shining on us” was the theme with a full church in attendance that evening. We wore our graduation gowns and caps ~ this was exciting in itself with the junior class as our ushers and servers. A great tradition to share with the underclassman and honor to represent our school before God and our family. A blessing overlooked at the time.

I encourage you to call your local high school and attend the graduating seniors Baccalaureate service this year. You will be blessed and the graduates will be encouraged. They need our support, love and prayers ~ they are our future! They will be making decisions that affect our lives for years to come.

If you are a member of the MACS district – Mexico High School at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium. You will experience one of the many blessings when your school is open to supporting the spiritual growth of their youth in addition to their educational growth.