Class of 2025 Passes the Torch at the Mass of Hope
The phrase "pass the torch" alludes to the ancient Greek torch race, in which a lighted torch was passed from one runner to the next, as replicated in the modern day Olympic opening ceremonies. It means to relinquish responsibilities, a tradition, practice, or knowledge to another.
The SMS Class of 2025 did just that today, as they passed the responsibility of being leaders at St. Mary School on to the Class of 2026. Each 8th grade class assumes the role of school leadership when they step through the doors on the first day of their 8th grade year at SMS. Over the course of the year they grow and mature into young adults and disciples of Christ. Through service projects they learn to honor others above themselves and be faithful stewards of God's grace. Through their pursuit of knowledge in their academic studies they enrich their minds & test their limits until they reach their full potential. They strive to carry out their faith each day in their thoughts, words, and deeds. They become the eldest in our school family, the older "siblings", the Mass buddies, the ones who our younger students look up to and emulate. And lastly they carry on our strong traditions that have been developed over the past 175 years.
At the beginning of Mass, the Class of 2025 presented their class symbols; a group of objects that they feel personifies them as a class. Their symbols included:
Statue of Mary - the patron saint of our parish, statues have been displayed in each classroom throughout the class's years at SMS. They have watched over our students through joys, laughter, tears and struggles, and help to remind us to live a life of grace and mercy.
A Class Hoodie - the 8th grade hoodie represents unity and leadership of the school in their last year of learning and growing as students of SMS. The 8th grade hoodie distinguishes 8th grade students and also represents taking on the leadership role from the previous 8th grade class.
A Volleyball - the volleyball represents sportsmanship. Many members of the Class of 2025 have participated in SMS sports throughout their time at St. Mary’s. They have not only shown sportsmanship to classmates but to teammates as well.
A Microphone - the microphone represents responsibilities and privileges of the 8th grade classroom. Every morning 8th graders are responsible for reading announcements to the school. They also lead the students in prayer to bring us all closer to God before we start the school day.
A Bee - the eighth grade came to a unanimous decision to include the St. Mary School mascot, the Bee, as one of their class symbols. This bee reminds them how SMS always has people rooting for one another even when times are tough. It also reminds them that even though we, like bees, may be different from one another, that we should always work together.
Father Art & Father Peter con-celebrated the Mass, and Father Art thanked the parents & parishioners in attendance for the sacrifices they have made for Catholic education at St. Mary School. He noted that these members of the Class of 2025, and the soon-to-be- 8th graders are the future leaders of our church. In his homily he shared that no matter what talents we have, and although what we have to give may seem small, God wants us to share those talents, gifts, and our kindness freely, so that He may multiply it as Jesus did with the loaves and fishes in today's Gospel.
At the end of the Mass, as their parents looked on proudly and tearfully, the Class of 2025 lit candles, and passed their light on to the Class of 2026 as they stood at the altar together. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! As your 8th grade year is quickly coming to a close, may you keep this verse in your hearts:
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Click here to see photos from the Mass of Hope celebration & reception.