In the midst of National Catholic School Week, four Catholic schools have gathered together to have joint-mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Santa Maria. The mass marks the first time that these schools have
celebrated together.
“I came from the Diocese of Colorado Springs and they had a mass with all of the schools,” St. Mary’s school principal Michelle Cox said. “It was wonderful.”
She added the idea behind the joint mass is for the students to realize that they are not just part of a school, but part of something bigger.
Four fathers celebrated the mass: Rev. Charles Hofschulte, Josephites, CJ; Rev. Riz Carranza; Rev. Thomas Cook; and Rev. Ed Jalbert, CJ. In addition, representatives from each school performed altar service, and a choir was assembled comprised of students from the schools.
A reception followed the mass, which allowed St. Mary’s to showcase their diversity, Cox said.
La Purisma Concepcion Catholic School, St. Louis de Monfort Catholic School, St. Mary of the Assumption School, and St. Joseph High School were present for the mass.
This article appears in Feb 3-10, 2011.