WORCESTER – Notre Dame Academy students were challenged to have a relationship with God, share his love, and show concern for others’ salvation as they started school Thursday.
Father Jonathan J. Slavinskas, their chaplain, who is pastor of Our Lady of Providence Parish, was preaching at the Mass of the Holy Spirit which wrapped up their first day of school.
It was marked by coronavirus-induced challenges – and encouragement in the midst of them.
“We did it; we all made it through” the day, Lisa Mancini, head of school, said before Mass began. She thanked students who kept their masks on, and implored those who struggled to comply with the new requirements to do better – or they’ll face consequences. Soap bubbles wafting outside reminded them to keep a six-foot “bubble” around them.
Juniors and seniors spread out across the auditorium to attend the Mass in person, and others watched via Zoom from their homerooms, said the principal, Susan Butler.
Only Father Slavinskas received Communion, as it was the first day, and new safety prococols needed to be worked out, she explained. Paula Isakson, head of campus ministry, added that they wanted to practice social distancing, and that some students might not be used to attending Mass.
Father Slavinskas encouraged them to think, as he elevated the Eucharist, that “this is what St. Julie lived her life for” and that they are called to do the same. The Eucharist is not just a symbol, but Jesus’ presence, he explained. He asked them to pray that their hearts would be opened and that they will grow into the holy women they are called to be.
In his homily he had preached about St. Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, who sponsor the school. He said St. Julie was hated for her Catholic beliefs during the French Revolution. She sought to educate young women’s minds, but also their hearts and souls, so they would experience eternal happiness, he said.
He told today’s Notre Dame students their educators love them and that they are called to live Jesus’ love.
“Jesus says, ‘Love your enemies,’” he said, challenging them to share the Good News, even though not everyone wants to hear it. “Jesus says, ‘Live it even if they persecute you … not just for your own salvation” but for theirs.
He acknowledged that this is a time of uncertainty and craziness and asked how to get back a sense of normalcy when things aren’t normal.
“To have to leave school at a minute’s notice, all because of this virus that has attacked so many … has instilled fear,” he said, and talked about holding 10 funerals a week during the height of it all.
But in the midst of it “I also saw the best of humanity working together,” he said, speaking of nursing home staff caring for patients and people contributing generously to his parish’s food pantry.
He said his listeners have experienced frustration and confusion but that, “as we begin anew,” this is an opportunity to reflect on the Lord inviting us to enter into relationship with him – for our own salvation and that of others.