Thanks to the space provided by Lion Stadium and the wonders of live-streaming technology, the entire NDCL community continued an important annual tradition by celebrating opening Mass for the 2020-21 school year on Sept. 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary...
NDCL Celebrates Opening Mass
Thanks to the space provided by Lion Stadium and the wonders of live-streaming technology, the entire NDCL community continued an important annual tradition by celebrating opening Mass for the 2020-21 school year on Sept. 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Chaplain Father Jim Caddy led NDCL in prayer.
Director of Student Leadership Ben Lozar relied on his experience as a geometry teacher to create a seating-grid formation on the field that physically distanced the school’s 675 in-person students and all faculty and staff members. Assistant Admissions Director Quinn Malone managed the live video feed of the Mass for 35 live-streaming learners and any other persons who wished to join.
Following the Mass, senior Kelly McGraw addressed the student body. Kelly is this year’s Student Activity Board President.
“We have to remember to make as many memories as possible and enjoy the small things that happen every day because we are only in high school once,” Kelly told the students. “I am so glad we are all able to be here to celebrate Mass, and I have high hopes for what this school year will bring. It is important to remember the power of our community against the challenges we are forced to face and to all work together to roar with the spirit and make this year the best it can possibly be.”
Seniors Kayaking Retreat
It wasn’t exactly the shores of the Sea of Galilee, but about half of the NDCL senior class connected with God and each other during two kayaking retreats down the Cuyahoga River last week.
The retreats began with the celebration of the Eucharist in Annunciation Chapel with Bishop Emeritus Roger Gries on Wednesday and Father David Stavarz of Saint Gabriel Church on Friday.
Before and after kayaking trips down the Cuyahoga River, students reflected upon and discussed the role of NDCL’s core value of integrity their personal, social, and spiritual journeys. The day ended with a surprise stop at McDonald’s for ice cream cones.
Impressively, the seniors exemplified integrity throughout the day by inspiring hope and confidence in all they met along the way.
“The manager of Crooked River Kayaking Adventures said that our students were an absolute joy to be around, the bus driver remarked about how polite they were, and the staff at McDonald’s told us we have great kids,” said campus minister Halle McKeon.
