Merry Macs ‘09 Baccalaureate Mass Kicks Off Graduation 2009

Merry Macs ‘09 Wear Caps and Gowns to Begin Special Day

On Saturday morning, the family and friends of Ursuline Academy’s 2009 graduating class came together within the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor to witness the Merry Macs ‘09 becoming the newest members of the alumnae association. The Baccalaureate Mass is a special moment for all in attendance. Yes, it starts the day’s festivities which will conclude with the most beautiful night of the year, but Baccalaureate also reminds each of us how special each member of the graduation class was, is, and is becoming.

Bright and early, the soon-to-be alums arrived on campus and went to St. Ursula’s Hall to begin preparations for the traditional walk down State St. While in St. Ursula’s Hall, for the last time as students of Ursuline Academy, the seniors laughed and joked about good times..while also asking each other the typical questions of, “Is my cap straight?” and “Do I have lipstick anywhere but on my lips?” and of course “Are you hot too, or is it just me?”

At roughly 8:45am, Mrs. McAcy informed the seniors to lineup because it was time to begin the short procession to the chapel. At this time, Mrs. Macnamara and Mrs. McKay (Dean of Students) made one last attempt to make sure each of the soon-to-be alums were looking picture perfect. At 8:50am, Mrs. Macnamara escorted the Merry Macs out of the side door (next to the entrance to St. Ursula’s) and the historic, traditional walk down State St. had begun.

With each step, the seniors inched closer and closer to becoming the newest members of the more than 5,000 member alumnae association.As the class walked down State St and crossed in front of the main building, you couldn’t help but think, “Wow, they are almost done. I can remember when ….”.

At 9:00am, Mrs. Macnamara welcomed the family and friends of the graduates and announced that the administration, faculty, and staff and Ursuline Academy was present at the main entrance to The Shrine. At that point, everyone in attendance stood up, and the flashes starting going off making the inside of the chapel look like the skyline of must Fourth of July firework celebrations.

Taylor Dornier ‘09 served as Cantor with Ashley Spooner ‘09 carrying the cross, Megan Flynn, carrying the Serviam Banner, Mallory Morphy ‘09 carrying the Ursuline Banner, Veronica Zintz ‘09 carrying the Lectionary, and Jade Lamb ‘09 and Morgan Wilson ‘09 carrying candles.

Christine Baudouin ‘09 delivered the first reading from Sirach 6:14-17 and was followed by this year’s Student Body President Samantha Babin ‘09 who read from 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:16.

Following the reading of the Holy Gospel (John 15:1-8) and an inspiring homily from Fr. Hawkins, SJ, the Cor Unum Pins (signaling membership in the alumnae association) were blessed by Fr. Hawkins.

Senior Class President Emily Liuzza ‘09, was joined by classmates Ximena Rocha ‘09, and Courtney Royal ‘09 for the Prayers of the Faithful.

The Offertory Gifts were presented by Ashley Guillaume ‘09, Emily Keller, and Jerika Wingerter ‘09 with Caroline Andrews ‘09, Brittany Bodin ‘09, Clare Donovan ‘09, Jodie Joseph ‘09, Marissa Laurent ‘09, Jasmine Roussell ‘09, and Madeline Whitmire ‘09 serving as the Extroardinary Ministers of the Eucharist.

Following Communion, everyone in attendance was treated to a special performance of “My Tribute” which was performed on the altar by Scierra Legarde ‘09.