Father William Schmidt celebrates the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross Boston

The Mass of the Holy Spirit brought together the whole Cathedral High community and was celebrated by an alumnus and concelebrated by a school trustee.

Students, faculty, parents, alumni, and benefactors of Cathedral High School came together on the morning of Tuesday, September 15th to celebrate a votive Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The Mass was celebrated at the start of the new academic year, a tradition among many Catholic educational institutions.

Father William Schmidt, a Cathedral graduate of the class of 1968, served as the principal celebrant, 50 years after he attended a similar Mass as a ninth grader on his first day at CHS. Fr. Kevin O’Leary, rector of the Cathedral and trustee of the school, concelebrated.

Cathedral students pray during the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross BostonIn his homily, Fr. Schmidt related his experiences leading up to his attending Cathedral High School and ultimately becoming a priest, attributing his path to the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding him to God’s plan. Fr. Schmidt spoke of how today’s students should also know that the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives and that Cathedral is a part of God’s plan for them, too. He also acknowledged the important work done by benefactors of the school which have helped to keep it open, including the work of Sr. Mary Black, CSJ who was a long-time teacher and fundraiser at the school.

Students and alumni came together to assist at the Mass of the Holy Spirit as altar servers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, gift bearers, and readers. Richard Clark, director of music at St. Cecelia Parish in Back Bay served as organist. Thomas Manguem, director of music at Holy Name Parish in West Roxbury served as the cantor.

Afterwards, guests attended a reception on the lower floor of the Cathedral and explored the school’s updated facilities and classrooms.