Saint Joseph School Kicks Off Catholic Schools Week with Annual MIgration Mass
Webster – On Sunday, January 26th, the Saint Joseph School community gathered to celebrate the beginning of Catholic Schools Week with their beloved Annual Migration Mass. This cherished tradition, coinciding with National Migration Week, is a highlight of the year for students and families alike. It is a vibrant celebration of the school’s growing cultural diversity and the unity that flourishes within its community.
The day began with a solemn yet joyous Mass, featuring an entrance procession that included over one hundred students. Twenty-four countries were represented through flags and traditional attire, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the school’s families. Flags from nations such as the United States, Brazil, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Lithuania, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain, Saint Croix – U.S. Virgin Islands, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam filled the church with vibrant colors, symbolizing the unity in diversity that Saint Joseph School embodies. Students proudly dressed in their native costumes, embracing the opportunity to share and celebrate their heritage with pride.
Bishop Robert J. McManus, the Main Celebrant and Homilist, underscored the significance of the Jubilee Year of Hope, inspiring the congregation with his words. Eighth Grade student Jada Jackson and Sixth Grade student Bella Kicilinski took part in the Liturgy of the Word, while the Prayer of the Faithful reflected the global spirit of the day. Prayers were read in multiple languages, including Swahili by Kyle Muchiru (Grade 8), Polish by Julia Biela (Grade 4), Portuguese by Lukas Barbosa (Grade 7), Arabic by Rosemary Basha (Grade 8), Spanish by Hayley Benes (Grade 7), Greek by Samuel Brunnett (Grade 4), and English by Faith Muga (Grade 8). These multilingual prayers emphasized the interconnectedness of the school’s culturally diverse community and the universality of faith.
The Saint Joseph School Children’s Choir, directed by Brenda Lau and Maria Helena Czarnecka-Cieslak, elevated the celebration with their inspiring musical selections. Hymns including “They’ll Know We Are Christians,” “Companions on the Journey,” “Bread for the World,” and “Bless the Lord, O My Soul” resonated deeply with all in attendance. The Mass culminated with a special presentation to Bishop McManus by Student Council President Oluwatosin Akindele and Vice President Ayla Reed, a heartfelt moment reflecting the students’ gratitude and leadership.
After the choir’s uplifting closing hymn, “Trading My Sorrows,” students gathered for a commemorative photo with the bishop, capturing the joy and spirit of this meaningful occasion. The Annual Migration Mass stands as a testament to the Saint Joseph School community’s commitment to embracing diversity, fostering unity, and celebrating faith—values that are at the heart of its mission.
Photo Description: (Migration Mass Group Photo)
The Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, stands with Saint Joseph School students dressed in traditional attire, each proudly representing their cultural heritage, following the Annual Migration Mass. The flags of the 24 nations represented in the school community are prominently displayed on either side of the altar in Saint Joseph Basilica, symbolizing the cultural diversity and unity celebrated during this cherished Catholic Schools Week tradition.
To view the full photo album, click HERE.
