Mass: what goes into it
Mass: what goes into it
Kelsey Phillip '25
Sports Editor
Every month, we all file into St. Louis Hall for some form of a religious event, whether it be an interfaith prayer service or a celebration of Mass, like the recent Immaculate Conception Liturgy. It features various readings and songs performed by students, with the help of Ms. Crawley playing the piano.
In our Immaculate Conception Liturgy, the seniors participated in one of the many traditions here at Louisville, placing their ornaments on the christmas tree. Ruby Dixon ’24 led the ceremony by describing the events leading up to Jesus’ birth and senior Ali Willig placed the star upon the top of the tree (twice).
The Mass was led by Bishop Wilkerson, and his homily wished that we lead others to ask “are you Jesus?” with our actions throughout the community. He also granted us an upcoming day off of school which will most likely take place in the next semester.
We celebrate Liturgy every month like clock work, but what preparation goes into them? Here is some input from Mrs. Hicks and Ms. Crawley about how mass is organized.
Sister Donna, Bishop, and Ms. Hicks at the December liturgy
Mrs. Hicks-Campus Minister
Q: When did you become in charge of Campus Ministry?
A: This is my third year doing it. I started doing it during the 2020-2021 school year.
Q: What do you like most about being in charge of Campus Ministry?
A: I enjoy seeing students from a different perspective than in the classroom. I am able to hear about their various faith journeys in different ways.
Q: How do you decide on the Celebrant (i.e. the priest or bishop) for the mass?
A: During the summer, I reach out to the Bishop with our schedule to see when he is available. Then I reach out to all of our feeder schools and then try not to schedule the same priest back to back.
Q: Where do you choose the readings from?
A: I look at the readings that are set for the day. If we have a main theme for the mass, I choose a scripture that relates.
Q: How do you decide on the readers/gift presenters for mass?
A: At the end of the year we send out an interest form in the religion classes. I look at the answers from the students and choose based on those.
Q: Where do you get all of the supplies that are used during the masses (i.e. communion/ decorations)?
A: All of the host and wine I order from a Catholic catalog. For decorations, I either find them in campus ministry or I take a quick trip to Joann’s.
Ms. Crawley-Music Coordinator
Q: How do you decide on the songs that are played during the Mass?
A: The occasion and liturgical time of year have themes, so I try to pick based on those and based on what the girls know already since we don’t have much time to rehearse. Since not everyone is willing to sing, I try to choose songs with words that are meaningful to the community.
Q: How long have you been playing piano?
A: I have been playing piano since first grade when I was 6. My mom was my first teacher.
Q: How do you decide who sings during mass?
A: Whoever asks and is willing to learn a song and be joyful when they sing. It's not a performance, it follows the Jewish tradition of being a cantor and inviting people to sing.
Q: What is your favorite liturgical song?
A: “Oh God, You Search Me and Know Me” which is Psalms 139. I do it constantly since it is my favorite song. It is about how God knows us inside and out.
Mass is a central part of Louisville and its community, which allows for us all to gather together and spend quality time with the entire school. Thank you to all of the participants that have volunteered this year for Mass and have engaged in Louisville’s faith community.