2023 Baccalaureate Mass

Theme

”Time for Takeoff”

Principal Celebrant

Fr. Emmanuel

Ochigbo

Concelebrant

Msgr. Richard Duncanson, OLP Board of Trustees

Musician

Mr. Tim Foley

Student Welcome

Alexa Clemesha ’23, ASB President

Opening Song

“I Have Loved You” by Michael Joncas

I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have called you and you are mine; I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have called you and you are mine.

First Reading

Isaiah 43:1-7,19, Frida Luna ’23 & Carolina Ramirez ’23

Proclaimed in Spanish, translation to follow.

A reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah.

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, Jacob, and formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away.

When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you. For I, the Lord, am your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior. I give Egypt as ransom for you, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you, I give people in return for you and nations in exchange for your life.

Fear not, for I am with you; from the east I will bring back your offspring, from the west I will gather you. I will say to the north: Give them up! And to the south: Do not hold them! Bring back my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth: All who are called by my name I created for my glory; I formed them, made them. See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? In the wilderness I make a way, in the wasteland, rivers.

The Word of the Lord.

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 104, Paulette Vazquez ’23

Response: “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.”

Second Reading

Philippians 1:3-11, Elizabeth Thom Cattell ’73

Response: “Thanks be to God.”

Gospel

John 17:20-26, Monsignor Richard Duncanson

Response: “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Homily

Fr. Emmanuel Ochigbo

Prayers of the Faithful

Members of the Class of 2023 and Barbara (Biewer) Tarlau ’73

Response: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

For all Responses: “Lord, hear our prayer.”

French For the leaders of our Church and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, may they continue to allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in their ministry to build and proclaim the Kingdom of God. We pray to the Lord.

Chaldean For our world, that there may be peace throughout creation and that your guiding hand will inspire leaders to seek an end to violence. We pray to the Lord.

French For the poor, homeless, and all those in need in our country, that they find strength in God during difficult times, and that we may be steadfast in our dedication to serving our dear neighbors. We pray to the Lord.

Chaldean For people affected by any sicknesses and illnesses, may they find grace, strength, and courage in this liturgical season of Easter that will help them navigate any and all health challenges. We pray to the Lord.

For our greater OLP community of current students, graduates, parents and grandparents, faculty and staff, board members, supporters, and alumni, that we all may continue to carry on the spirit of our school’s mission of unifying love while remembering and honoring all of those who have passed away. We pray to the Lord.

For the Class of 1973 and all OLP alumni, that we can strengthen the bonds of sisterhood by coming together, reflecting upon, and celebrating the beautiful memories and wonderful values OLP has instilled within us. We pray to the Lord.

Spanish In gratitude for the parents, guardians, family members, and all others who supported the Class of 2023, that they feel God’s comforting grace and presence as they send their graduates off to college. We pray to the Lord.

German For the members of the graduating Class of 2023, that we take off into the next chapter of our lives continuing to inspire and change the hearts and minds of others, making our mark wherever we go, while also cherishing the wonderful memories of our time at the Academy. We pray to the Lord.

Offertory Song

“O Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship

O come to the altar

The Father’s arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with The precious blood of Jesus Christ

Presentaton of the Gifts

Gina Barrack ’73 & Isabella Fimbres ’23

Liturgy of the Eucharist Responses

“May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, or our good and the good of all his holy Church.”

“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.”

“When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.”

“Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, Miserere nobis. Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, Miserere nobis. Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, Dona nobis pacem.”

Communion Song

“One Bread, One Body” by John Foley

One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many, throughout the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.

Communion Meditation

“10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship His holy Name. Sing like never before, O my soul. I’ll worship Your holy Name.

Recognition of Alumnae Mothers and Blessing of Graduation Medals

Dr. Lauren Lek, Fr. Emmanuel Ochigbo, and Msgr. Richard Duncanson

Distribution of Graduation Medals

Alumnae Mothers of the Class of 2023

Final Blessing and Dismissal

Fr. Emmanuel Ochigbo

Closing Song

“Go Make a Difference” by Steve Angrisano & Tom Tomaszek

Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.

Go make a diff’rence. We can make a diff’rence. Go make a diff’rence in the world.