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August 31, 2022The VASJ school community joined together the morning of Aug. 30 to celebrate our Opening School Mass.
The theme for this school year is "Be a Blessing to All Nations," as chosen by our Campus Ministry leaders over the summer. Fr. Joe Fortuna of Our Lady of the Lake served as celebrant.
Five VASJ students were recognized at the start of Mass. Junior Seneca Morton, junior Maura Murphy, senior Brishae Williams and senior Janae Yarboro were acknowledged for attending the Ursuline Education Network Student Leadership Conference at Ursuline College in June. Senior Brea Warner was recognized for attending Marianist LIFE Week at the Bergamo Center in Dayton over the summer.
During the offertory, Brishae brought up the Ursuline Education Network flag, while Brea presented a framed LIFE mission statement. Both items will be displayed in the LOFT.
VASJ senior and COR team leader Maria Karboski penned a short essay about the meaning behind this year’s school theme.
“This year's theme is a special one because it can be viewed in two parts. ‘Be a Blessing’ is a call for everyone. To me, when we say to be a blessing, it doesn't mean you have to be holier-than-thou or praying 24/7. It means to treat everyone with respect, love and kindness. It is offering your best self to the world and caring for others, no matter what. ‘To All Nations’ means that your blessing cannot be limited to the people you like or only people who are nice to you. It means that we must be loving and caring to everyone.
“We chose this theme for the 2022-23 school year because we feel that our school needs encouragement as we get back on track. This theme isn't to pressure anyone into being someone they aren't; it's to encourage everyone to be themselves and share what makes them special. It's to encourage everyone to love both themselves and others and to really build our school community, which was hindered during our time online and away from one another the past two years.
“The blue and yellow colors are a reflection of this theme. The yellow is a reminder of Christ and the light he brought to us. It's to remind us to be bright and share what makes us shine. The blue is a reflection of Mary. We are a Marianist and Ursuline school, so Mary and her incredible faith should be emphasized as a model for us. Blue is a reminder that without Mary's willingness to accept Jesus and live out her calling, we would not have the blessings that He brought for us. These colors are a reminder to share your light and share the blessings given to us.”