Mass of the Holy Spirit Celebrates Canterbury’s New Sacristans

The first Mass of the academic year— the Mass of the Holy Spirit—is a special tradition on the hilltop. Not only does it offer an opportunity to connect and reconnect with fellow Saints in prayer, but it celebrates the installation of the School’s new Sacristans. Among Canterbury’s most prestigious leadership positions, Sacristans serve as spiritual role models to the Canterbury community and encourage all students to examine and honor their faith through acts of worship and service.

On Sunday, September 14, the Canterbury community—including parents and relatives of new Sacristans—gathered in the Chapel of Our Lady for the Mass, which was celebrated by the School’s Chaplain, Father Brendan Horan, S.J. Twelve Sixth Form students, having demonstrated the faith, character, and leadership qualities required for this honor, were initiated to the role. They are…

Serena Bacetti
Jaelyn Beauvais
Calista Bickers
Miguel Garcia
Virginia Guevara Figueroa
Devin Guilbe
Cody Hew
Yun (Angel) Lin
Gianna Martinez
Daniel McGuire
Clare O’Meara
Victoria Ostrowski

The candidates vowed to nurture the faith community at Canterbury. To that end, they will help organize retreats and offer daily reflections and prayers at School Meeting throughout the year. Most importantly, they will serve as role models and inspiration to their fellow students to become more thoughtful and proactive in their spiritual lives at Canterbury and beyond.

During the homily, Fr. Horan discussed the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God—and why each and all are crucial to a Sacristan. In her address to the congregation, Head of School Caroline Blatti observed that while each student brings with them a different perspective to their new role, they are united in a common hope: to serve, to inspire, and to encourage a reflective and balanced approach to faith and life.

“Your strength is rooted in your deep calling to your faith and your unwavering commitment to standing firm in the face of the changing and often tumultuous forces that can define adolescence,” she said. “We are inspired by each of you. We are here for you. We will be with you every step of this incredible journey.”

Congratulations, Victoria, Clare, Daniel, Gianna, Angel, Cody, Devin, Virginia, Miguel, Calista, Jaelyn, and Serena!

View Photos