Ring Mass
Wednesday,
October 21, 2009
Andrew Renniesen '10 & Matt Cassidy '10
The new post for @Salesianum features two members of the class of 2010 reflecting
on their experience at Ring Mass
Our first post is from Andrew Renniesen. Andrew is from Landenberg, PA,
and is the son of Randall and Leanne Renniesen. Andrew is a member
of the National Honor Society, and is active in both the school newspaper
and yearbook.
When asked to write about Ring Mass, I really had no idea how to start.
How do I describe such a pivotal moment in my Salesian life? Many words
and adjectives come to mind when I reflect upon the Ring Mass, but
the one word
that stands out in my mind is community. Upon entering the auditorium,
where the mass was held, I couldn’t help but notice all of my classmates--all
of my brothers--together in one place with their families. Everyone was
happy. Everyone was excited. Everyone was united.
I felt perfectly in place with my fellow seniors, hopping in pictures
after mass with a variety of different people from different sports
and activities.
We may take part in different sports or activities, but this was no
detriment to the bonds built through Salesian tradition, and the rings
given out on
that night were a way to remember this tradition.
This school experience was one of many which will live on in the minds
of many. The ring is a remembrance of Salesian tradition, and a unifying
factor of our
own Salesian community.
Our second posting is from Matt Cassidy. Matt is from West Chester, PA,
and is the son of Patrick and Rosemary Cassidy. Matt is a member of the
National
Honor
Society, and is editor-in-chief of the school newspaper.
During the week leading up to the Ring Mass, there was a lot of talk
about what to expect. Many guys had already experienced the ceremony
when their
brothers had received rings. I was surprised when I heard that some
people were having
their brothers’ or fathers’ rings blessed. I don’t have any
brothers and my father didn’t graduate from Sallies so I was excited to
get my ring but I really didn’t know what was in store for me.
I was handing out programs, waiting for my parents to arrive, when I
started to notice
a large
amount of students with not just parents but also their grandparents.
I realized that this mass was a symbol of tradition at our school.
When the mass began, I looked around and saw everyone sitting with
their parents instead of their classmates. It was a weird sight but
it felt
right that it
was a family event. I saw the faces of parents and grandparents enjoying
the moment
for us. I didn’t think much of this tradition because my dad and grandfathers
went to other catholic high schools in Philadelphia. But when I walked across
the stage with spotlights gleaming down on me, I understood the admiration that
graduates showed for the ceremony. It felt right, like I earned the ring with
the effort I put into my work over the first three years. When I shook Fr. Bill’s
hand and he handed the ring to me, I truly felt like a senior. It was
a reminder that I was on my final lap and I was almost to the end of
the track.
When I look back on that moment, I will always remember being at the
center of the stage, shaking hands with Fr. Bill, and the feeling
of accomplishment.
Back to School
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Fr. William McCandless, OSFS
I love summer! I feel I need to admit that as I begin to gather my thoughts
for the start of a new school year. The truth of the matter is that I
look forward to summer as much as the students. I enjoy going to the
beach, reading
books for fun, hanging out with family and friends late into the evening
and the freedom to enjoy a more flexible personal schedule. I also like
the quiet of the school as I sit in my office during the summer months
attending to all sorts of administrative tasks. However, since I’m
being truthful here, I also must admit that I look forward to the beginning
of the school
year just as much as I look forward to summer. ... Read More
