October 21, 2022

Dan Dougherty, President, Cristo Rey New York High School

Cristo Rey NY is a co-sponsored ministry of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

Annually, Cristo Rey New York High School welcomes its students with the Mass of the Holy Spirit. The goal of this mass is to guide our students into being both intentional and hopeful about the start of the new school year. We come together to ask for blessings as we remind our returning students of the importance of community and introduce our first-year students to their new family while acknowledging the accomplishments of their elder classmates. We close out this mass with an award ceremony, honoring the students who are both high achievers and those who have shown the most growth in their courses. Beginning the year with this ceremony is meant to show the upperclassmen how much they have matured and achieved while inspiring the younger classes to strive for their best in the coming year. The ceremony encourages all to keep moving forward and work towards becoming professionals for others.

As our community moves further away from the height of the pandemic, we have kept at our core the importance of being together and lifting each other up through the challenges the year might bring. We are fortunate to revisit traditions we have not been able to enjoy since the pandemic began. We are grateful to unite for holiday gatherings, school-wide clubs, events, and mass celebrated as a whole in our beloved St. Cecilia’s Church. This has led to a newfound excitement as we all remember the value of togetherness.