Scarlet & Gray Spring 2022

ASH WEDNESDAY MASS BRINGS ON CAMPUS COMMUNITY TOGETHER On Wednesday, March 2, the Mater Dei community came together in prayer to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass in the Grotto. Normally, all-school Masses take place in the Meruelo Athletic Center. But the event was moved outside to the Grotto this year for several reasons.

“The beauty of the Grotto enhanced with the Stations of the Cross on the tress and the purple draped cross was the perfect location for this year’s Mass,” said Ms. Helen Steves, Executive Director of Campus Ministry.

In addition to the symbols of our faith that carry us through Lent, blue and yellow bouquets and a prayer candle were present in honor of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Our Ash Wednesday Mass theme featured faculty and staff who have a current student at Mater Dei. Mr. Josh Avendano ’97, Director of Information Technology, and his son, Jason ‘25 (pictured on our cover), were honored to be a part of the procession into Mass.

“I was so honored when Ms. Steves asked me. As an alumnus, it was so special to share this tradition with my son who is following in the footsteps of so many members of our family as a second-generation Monarch. I felt so blessed,” said Mr. Avendano.

While it was a bright and sunny day, the mood in the Grotto was somber and reverent. “Even in these most challenging times, our students were deeply respectful. I am proud of them, and I credit the daily work of our incredible Religious Studies Department for preparing them for this Mass,” said Ms. Steves. Father Anthony Bautista, was thrilled to preside over his first all-school Mass. Father Anthony arrived from the Philippines last 20