SAOPCS celebrates first Mass of year

Students at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School enjoyed their first school mass for the year last Friday, September 6. The school’s theme for the 2013-14 school year is “Rise Up! – Respect, Inspire, Serve, Empower, Understand, and Pray!” Father George Vattappara challenged the students with his opening remarks to Rise Up and share this message with one another every day. Deacon Tom Vicknair continued the message in the homily as he taught from scripture that each is to respect one another and love as Jesus loves. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church offers Mass daily at 9:00 am. The student body attends this Mass regularly, with the exceptions of holidays or holy days falling on another day of the week that they attend. Each week a different grade level of the school leads the Mass. Praise music is led by the school’s Praise and Worship choir, accompanied by students from the school band.