The CBA student body, staff and faculty joined Father James Carey, Pastor of the Church of the Nativity at St. Joseph’s in Lafayette, Immaculate Conception in Pompey, St. Leo’s in Tully, and St. Patrick’s in Otisco, to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the Lynch Gymnasium on Wednesday, Sept. 22.
The Mass was the first of the new school year for the student body.
The Peer Ministers, led by student coordinators and seniors Jackson Marko and Shanti Sapkota introduced this year’s theme, “Rooted In Faith” based on Jeremiah 7:18 which says, “Those who have faith in the Lord will be like trees with deep roots.”
“When we recognize God’s love in our lives, we are better able to share that love with those around us,” Marko said. “Just like a house that is built on a solid foundation, when you build your life on Jesus, you will be able to stand firm during trials or storms. You will not be tossed around when times get tough because you have built your life on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ."
“Today’s liturgy is a Mass of the Holy Spirit,” Sapkota said. “We are blessed to have the Holy Spirit living within our hearts, helping us to grow strong roots of faith. And so, we gather here this morning to remember and to celebrate God’s presence here amongst us and to be strengthened by His word and His presence in the Eucharist."
Many students participated in Mass including seniors Makenna Schultz and Izzy D’Ambrosio, who did the readings, and seniors Delaney Hayden, Joey Salvador, and Andrew Schaefer who read the general intercessions. Junior Nate Vault was the altar servers and senior Aubrey Mills carried the cross. Gift bearers were Charlotte Wilson (7th grade); Thomas Dearnaly (8th grade); Audrey Schaefer (9th grade); Cooper Marko (10th grade); Jerry Vielhauer (11th grade); and Declan Landers (12th grade).
Instrumental and vocal soloists provided the music for the Mass. 
Principal Debbie Brillante commissioned the senior class. The seniors were seated with their seventh-grade buddy at Mass.
For additional photos of Mass, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cbasyracuse
