Grandparent’s Day Mass

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Xavier students pose with their grandparents before Mass. Mr. Nick Ireland Photos.

Maddye Cavanagh, News Assistant Editor

Once a month, Xavier students gather to celebrate being Catholic through school-wide Mass. Last month, over 340 grandparents joined their grandchildren in the celebration.

Father Ken Glaser of St. Ludmila parish asked the grandparents to raise their hands if they remembered certain traditions that used to be done when celebrating Mass. Many remembered the priest facing away from the congregation or when the Mass was spoken entirely in Latin. While the structure of Mass may change, the Catholic Church teachings are universal and long lasting.

Becky Gundacker, grandmother of junior Michael Gundacker, was in attendance at the Mass. She plays the piano at her hometown parish and was very touched by the music Voce performed.

“The music was very spiritual and well put together,” Becky Gundacker said. “It genuinely touched my heart and I’m glad I was able to experience this with my grandson.”

This Mass is a tradition among many Xavier families and has been celebrated by many students since elementary school. Junior Macy Lembeck celebrates Grandparent’s Day Mass yearly with her grandmother.

“Grandparent’s Mass is important because we get the  opportunity  to see our grandparents and celebrate Mass with the people that care for and love us,” Lembeck said. “I love being able to meet all of my friends’ grandparents. Also, it has become a tradition for my grandma and I to attend Mass, and we always make a girls’ day out of it. It’s my favorite Mass of the year.”

Xavier hopes to keep the tradition of Grandparent’s Day Mass for years to come.

Maddye Cavanagh

News Assistant Editor