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Joy-filled prayer marks Baccalaureate of Class of 2023
Joy-filled prayer marks Baccalaureate of Class of 2023
Our entire school community gathered with parents and other relatives of our senior class for an enthusiastic, joy-filled celebration of NDCL's traditional Baccalaureate Mass on Wednesday morning.
            
The prelude to the liturgy featured this video featuring the photos of the 185 members of our Class of 2023. 
            
As the Mass began, senior Julia Jaworski used the metaphor of a camera to welcome everyone to the celebration. She reminisced with her classmates about the many "snapshot moments" that brought them to this important milestone in their lives.
            
"A lot of the focus of high school is on getting to this last year," Julia said. "It’s a bit like looking through a viewfinder on a camera. We’re often dead-focused on seeing only what we want and have anticipated for so long that we forget to look at what’s going on in the background, the other components that make the experience."
            
"As we transition, getting a little bit more of a taste of the big world, may we always carry our Lion pride with us and stay true to the leaders NDCL has transformed us to be. The work ethic and dedication to excel that has been instilled in us starting on our very first day of freshman year has set us up for success," she explained.
            
Holding up a Fujifilm camera from her childhood, Julia concluded, "At the end of the day, remember that life is like this little red Fujifilm: Focus on what’s important, on what’s happening now. Capture the good times, especially the moments that seem insignificant. And if things don't work out, refocus, and take another shot."
            
At the end of the liturgy, each senior received a replica of the statue of Mary and Jesus that once stood in front of the Brothers' House at Cathedral Latin School and now graces the Mary Garden on NDCL's front lawn.
IN MARY'S SPIRIT: Mr. Waler presents a keepsake statue of Mary and Jesus to senior Gianna DiFranco during Wednesday's Baccalaureate Mass.
SUNSHINE & SMILES: Senior Carley DeRespiris celebrates in the sunshine following the Baccalaureate Mass.