Senior mass

Class of 2019 at the 8th annual senior mass. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso. Photo courtesy of Loretto Academy.

Azalea Esquivel-Reyes, Class Sections Editor
November 15, 2018

Loretto Academy hosted the 8th annual Senior Mass organized by the Diocese of El Paso and mass was held by Bishop Mark Seitz.

All seniors from the El Paso Diocese schools: Loretto Academy, Cathedral High School, and Father Yermo gathered in a Senior Mass to celebrate their last year of high school.

Diocese of El Paso seniors during mass at Loretto Academy. Mass was celebrated on October 5, 2018. Photo courtesy of Loretto Academy.

On Friday October 5, 2018, Loretto opened their doors to both Cathedral and Father Yermo to celebrate mass at the St. Joseph’s chapel at Loretto Academy.

All students began assembling at the chapel by 8:30 a.m. and by 9 the mass began.

Loretto senior Ivana Ortiz said “The mass was really special to me because I joined with all of the seniors from the Diocese of El Paso.

We are all brothers and sisters of faith and this bond will carry on with us for the rest of our lives.”

Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mark J. Seitz and his homily gave an insightful message to all of the seniors.

Bishop Mark Seitz exiting the chapel after mass. Mass was celebrated on October 5, 2018. Photo courtesy of Loretto Academy.

“You are the future leaders of this world.” he said to the crowd of seniors.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz gave the class of 2019 seniors a blessing and a call to follow a life of faith and be the leaders of the world.

Loretto senior Maria Andrea Fernandez said, “What was most beautiful to me was when we all held hand for the Our Father.

We all joined hands with Cathedral and Father Yermo and it felt like we didn’t have any boundaries.”

Sister Buffy said, “I wasn’t used to having a lot of boys at Loretto and I was a little overwhelmed.”

She instructed all seniors to gather at the front steps outside of the Loretto chapel for a senior mass picture.

Ale Saldana, Loretto’s photographer, captured a picture of all seniors from the diocese of El Paso.

After the picture was taken, all seniors were invited for a breakfast at the El Convento patio.

Burritos of all sorts were given, sweet bread, and a choice of either juice or milk.

Seniors were given time to socialize while they enjoyed their breakfast.

Loretto, Cathedral, and Father Yermo students gathered together. Quality time was shared between seniors after mass at El Convento. Photo courtesy of Loretto Academy.

The class of 2019 seniors will forever remember this special mass as their last mass all together.