Mass of the Holy Spirit unites community
The headmaster was formally installed at the first Mass of the year, celebrated by the Bishop.
On Friday, September 23, 2016, Alex Zequeira P'19 was installed as the 17th headmaster of Saint John's High School. At the school's annual back-to-school liturgical celebration, all students, faculty, staff,trustees, families, alumni, and invited guests gathered in celebration of community, faith, and a new start at Saint John's.
The service was opened by Tyler St. Pierre '17, Student Activities Council president, announcing a procession of students and staff holding icons representing aspects of a Saint John's and Xaverian education: spiritual, social, physical, intellectual, creative, and aesthetic. As is tradition at the Mass of the Holy Spirit, over 30 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion were installed.
Celebrants for this Mass included alumni priests and friends of Mr. Zequeira.
- Most Reverend Bishop Robert McManus, STD
- Rev. Msgr. Bob Johnson
- Rev. Msgr. Frank Scollen '63
- Rev. Msgr. Tom Sullivan
- Rev. Anthony Kuzniewski, SJ
- Rev. John Madden 'H
- Rev. Thomas McMurray
- Rev. Ed Niccolls '66
- Rev. Paul T. O'Connell 'H
- Rev. Jose Rodriguez
- Rev. Thomas Simisky, SJ '88
"This is a special community – one that I have known and appreciated since 1992 when I first given a tour of the campus by two alumni from the class of 1990, next as an educational partner through my work at Nativity School of Worcester, and lastly, and most importantly, as a parent. However, over the last few months, I have come to appreciate more and more the tremendous and transformative education that happens here every day, and has happened here since our founding in 1898.
"'We stand on the shoulders of giants' - a phrase often uttered here at Saint John’s. I am fortunate as I step into the role of Headmaster to stand on the shoulders of two recent giants, Br. Conal Owens, who is here today and who is celebrating 50 years of service to the Saint John’s Community this year, and the shoulders of Michael Welch who dedicated 15 years of his life to his alma mater. I am grateful to both of them for all they have done for Saint John’s and for their help during this transition. Today, however, I want to offer some thoughts for reflection on a another group of giants, I would say the giants, of our school – the Xaverian Brothers, and what we can learn from their charism, their ministry, and their example."
During his closing remarks, Mr. Zequeira presented an outstanding senior with the Thomas Merton Award. Nicholas Rino '17, the 2016 recipient, has made Saint John's High School "a better place and a better community because of his stance in the school and his contributions within our community." Made possible by the generosity and stewardship of Mr. Peter O’Malley ‘56 and his wife Jan O’Malley, The Thomas Merton Award is given to a rising senior who is attentive to his own search of self-discovery, his relationship with God, other people, and all of creation. Nicholas received this honor for his very active engagement in spiritual life of the school and his own parish in Northborough, and participation in P-Cubed, Nativity School of Worcester's after school program, retreats and Masses."'We stand on the shoulders of giants' - a phrase often uttered here at Saint John’s. I am fortunate as I step into the role of Headmaster to stand on the shoulders of two recent giants, Br. Conal Owens, who is here today and who is celebrating 50 years of service to the Saint John’s Community this year, and the shoulders of Michael Welch who dedicated 15 years of his life to his alma mater. I am grateful to both of them for all they have done for Saint John’s and for their help during this transition. Today, however, I want to offer some thoughts for reflection on a another group of giants, I would say the giants, of our school – the Xaverian Brothers, and what we can learn from their charism, their ministry, and their example."
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