Schenectady students go en masse to daily Mass

Some students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Schenectady begin their school day by breaking bread -- twice.

The school's Mass Club "breaks bread" at morning Mass first and then goes to the school where they share their second meal -- breakfast.

The Mass Club, started by fifth grade teacher Terri Ann Petrocci, is made up of fifth graders and some sixth graders. The club meets each weekday morning at 7:30 Mass, meaning that some of the students sacrifice an hour's sleep to make it to the church on time.

Daily Mass

Miss Petrocci said that she begins taking students to morning Mass once a week each school year when she teaches the sacraments. This year, the unit on sacraments coincided with Lent and Mass attendance became "a seasonal celebration." In the past, she also took her students to Mass as a celebration of their birthdays.

This year, her students made a request: "If we're going to go one day a week, why not all?" With that, the Mass Club was born.

Principal Sister Elizabeth Calello, MPF, was encouraged by the students' interest in Mass. When Miss Petrocci came to her with the club idea, the principal said, "Go for it."

"I think it's great," said Sister Elizabeth of the club. "The kids get excited about it. They come to be together, to build community and the love of the Eucharist. It's a good focal point."

Why they go

The students have various reasons for being a part of the club:

Fifth grader Krzusztop Drzymalski participates "because I like to pray and God always helps me when I pray."

Classmate Marisa Clark said, "I like starting my day with Jesus and then coming [to school] and eating and spending time with my friends." Through Mass, she has found, "you get to be closer to Jesus and closer to school and Church."

Bobby Bufe, also a fifth grader, enjoys Mass because "I like to learn more about Jesus and God, and I like praying. It's a good education in religion."

"I want to be a part of my Church and school," said Tiara Daversa, also a fifth grader.

Inspired by teacher

Back in Miss Petrocci's classroom after Mass, it's evident that the students enjoy spending time with their teacher. They surround her, talking excitedly or shouting out her name. The students describe her as "fun" and "nice" " although they report she does give a lot of homework.

Parents are also pleased with the Mass Club. Pam Rost, a mother of a fifth grader, is supportive of the club, even though she is not Catholic.

"I think it's great," she said. "It's nice that they're finding friends at Church."

(06-05-97) [[In-content Ad]]