Bishop Kelly Boise
By Father Greg Vance, SJ
Bishop Kelly Chaplain
We are now in the rhythm of the new school year at Bishop Kelly. Many of the faculty and staff have already caught and recovered from their first cold of the school year. Freshmen, who last week looked terrified, are now walking the halls like they own the place, and everyone looked forward to the first long weekend/Labor Day holiday! And yet, we are just getting started.
The beginnings of things in life are incredibly important. Beginnings set the stage, situate and root us in our proper place in history.
Think about it. If you are going to watch a movie or read a book, you need to be introduced to the characters and the setting. When you come to Mass, the beginning is where we ask God’s forgiveness and compose ourselves for the celebration to come. As a matter of fact, we routinely tell students at Bishop Kelly that if they want to get more out of their attendance at Mass, they should come with at least two prayers in their minds and hearts: a petition and a prayer of gratitude. If they bring these prayers with them in their minds and hearts, they are more prepared to begin Mass fruitfully and effectively.
It is incredibly important that we begin the school year at BK well, for all of the reasons mentioned above and simply because we seek to begin the year and everything we do with God’s blessing and grace. Even though there has been activity on campus all summer long, the pace has really picked up since August and the start of September.
Not long ago, we gathered for the day with many of the students who have volunteered to be leaders with their peers for the House System for the coming year. We laughed, played games, prayed and reflected on what it will mean for these generous young people to minister Jesus Christ to their peers and adults this year.
We also had a day dedicated to making our incoming Freshman class as prepared and excited as possible. “Freshman Academy” is a highlight of the year and is a testament to our commitment to the success of every student. The Mass that begins the day is a highlight. We try to give our diverse community (students and parents) practical ideas for participating as much as possible in every celebration of the Eucharist we are privileged to attend!
For a few weeks now, tryouts and practices for fall sports have been taking place. The campus is literally abuzz with the energy of new classes and activities. We love it because it means that the school is again, after the summer break, what it was founded to be.
BK also marks its 60th anniversary, so there will be various rituals and celebrations through-out the year. We know that among our families, there is excitement (as well as a little bit of trepidation) for the year to come. We associate the beginning of the school year with things like new notebooks and pens, new shoes and new friends. And, certainly not least on this list are the new students, families, and administrators we welcome into our community or into new roles within our community.
As we embark on this new year, we ask that you join us in prayer for the students and families of Bishop Kelly High School. We strive daily to deliver on the BK Mission to “educate and develop the whole student in the Catholic tradition - Spirit, Mind, and Body.” Your prayers and support are invaluable as we work towards this crucial goal.
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