Aquinas Star Mass Celebrates James & Lauren
Posted on 12/10/2021
The warmest St. Thomas Aquinas High School tradition has returned! On Friday, December 10, STA celebrated the annual Aquinas Star Pre-Christmas liturgy, which had been held in a scaled-back way in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. The mass was concelebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop James Checchio, Father Keith Cervine, and Fr. Mike Tabernerno. Music for the liturgy was provided by Mr. Joseph Cullinan ’02 along with the talents of the Liturgical Band and Choir. After communion, the much anticipated and moving rendition of “Mary Did You Know?” was performed by Mr. TJ Reilly ‘96.

Bishop Checchio, in his homily, reflected on the Mary’s “yes” to the angel Gabriel and the importance of hearing God and saying “yes” to the lives that He calls us to lead.

The most important attendees at the liturgies were, of course, the Aquinas Stars and their families. James Fucci attended with his parents Diane and Vince. Lauren Cervone was unfortunately not able to attend, but we look forward to her visiting soon so we can share the Christmas spirit with her and her parents and siblings.

After the liturgy, Aquinas Star Co-Chairs Morgan Brennan ’22 and Kylie Lucas ’23 along with members of Aquinas Star Board and the Student Council, presented the Aquinas Stars and their families with many gifts and expressions of love. All the gifts were purchased with the money donated by the STA students and faculty. The monetary gifts were made possible by the money raised at the Spaghetti Dinner. There was even a surprise visit by Santa Claus!

The parents of both Aquinas Stars spoke to the STA community, thanking them for the support of the program and the love and prayers that the STA family has poured out to them. With tears in their eyes, they expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming love and generosity of the Aquinas Star Program.

The families stayed to enjoy a special luncheon after which the Aquinas Stars along with their families had an opportunity to visit with faculty, staff, and students.

The Aquinas Star mass is always one of the most anticipated events of the year, and this year was no exception. It is a humbling and heartwarming experience that emphasize and reminds everyone what Christmas is all about. This year’s celebration was no different and proved to be just that: a true Christmas celebration.