This Lenten season, students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to attend before school mass every Friday in the chapel. The theology department at BSM wanted to enhance the sacramental life at the school by providing Lenten masses for those who wanted to dive into the liturgical season in a voluntary way.

These masses were sponsored by BSM sports and activities including football, wrestling, baseball, speech, volleyball, golf, boys’ soccer, girls’ lacrosse, and softball. Captains of the sponsoring sport were asked to participate in the mass. “They did the readings, they brought up the gifts, [and] they got a picture with the priest afterwards,” theology teacher Mr. John DeLozier said.

Students were appreciative of the opportunity to go to mass in a closed setting with members of their team. “I thought it was good because you got to listen to the message in an intimate setting, so I feel like that’s more personal,” senior softball player Sofia Jenkins said.

The morning masses were not explicitly for teams. “There were a lot of students and the faculty and staff who were not on those sports teams who also attended, which was really great to see that we gave them this opportunity and they took it which is awesome,” DeLozier said.

Having a team there helped, but it was up to captains and coaches to spread the word. Attendance varied from around 30 to 60 people each Friday. Whether it be to start the weekend off right or relax, students enjoyed having the option there. “I thought they were super nice and I would definitely go again,” senior Emily Olson said.

Students may have also recognized a familiar face or two. Father Mike Sullivan of St. Joseph the Worker and Father Kevin Finnegan of Our Lady of Grace generously gave their time to be with the BSM community during Lent. “We are really grateful to the ones who did take time out of their very busy schedules to be with us,” DeLozier said.

With lots of positive feedback, the theology department hopes to expand the number of masses held in the chapel throughout the school year. “It’d be awesome if we could do it throughout the entire year not just in Lent…I think the next step, most likely, would be to do it during Advent and Lent next year and then maybe expand it from there,” Delozier said.