Behind all the recognition Cardinal Gibbons receives for its achievements – sports championships, robotics nationals, and impressive drama productions year after year – lies the main achievement of educators and students growing closer to God daily.
At a Catholic school like Gibbons, faith serves as a shared foundation for students and administrators. However, with so many wonderful opportunities and activities available, it’s easy for our personal relationship with God to sometimes take a back seat.
The first day of the quarter can be very stressful for all, with teachers attempting to put in last-minute grades, and students trying to convince teachers to raise those grades. But through the doors of the Spiritual Life center, there is a new level of liveliness.
All school mass is in two hours, and there are many components to this gathering that Mrs. Kathleen Kozak is reviewing. Two days prior, Kozak spent well over four hours preparing for this hour-long service.
With the help of the Knights of Columbus, thousands of chairs have been set up in the main gym, advisory names are set out, and the altar is set and prepared for Fr. Luke Rawicki so that when the day comes, it all looks effortless.
Except behind closed doors, this task Kozak has been given is far from effortless. She was unable to complete this task without the “rigging crew.”
“It’s kind of neat, actually. One of the gentlemen also went to Catholic school himself, and now we have built a relationship having done so many masses together,” said Kozak.
All the effort she puts into making the celebration of the Mass would wear many out, but not Kozak. With the help of those in the Spiritual Life community and all the teams she has on her side, the task of setting up and planning the Masses becomes easier and easier each time.
“My heart is so full, the amount of physical work and logistical work put into it…us being able to come together and worship, it’s kind of like the whole family together,” said Kozak.
Kozak was asked if the time and effort she puts into this tradition of quarterly all-school mass is worth it.
“One hundred percent yes,” said Kozak.
