The Cathedral Prep Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2026 was celebrated yesterday at Saint Peter Cathedral. Each senior was accompanied by an alumnus or alumna of Prep or Villa, while friends and family filled the congregation. Eight decades of Prep and Villa alumni were represented. Baccalaureate serves as a final chance for seniors, their families, and the faculty and administration of Prep to come together and celebrate Mass as a community. It is an opportunity for students to share their faith with friends and family and remember the wonderful times the Class of 2026 shared.
The Mass was celebrated by Cathedral Prep Chaplain Fr. Ben Daghir and concelebrated by Fr. James Campbell ’98, Fr. Luke Daghir, Fr. Michael DeMartinis, Fr. Jason Feigh, Fr. Kevin Holland ’12, Fr. James McCormick ’74, Fr. James Power ’08, and Fr. David Renne.
After communion, the soon-to-be graduates were welcomed into the Alumni Association by Villa Maria Academy alumna and Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System board member Almitra Clemente Clerkin ’81VMA. She spoke about how each graduate has brought a special gift to their class, sharing their unique character, many talents, and genuine spirit. She welcomed them into a dedicated sisterhood and brotherhood that will be a part of their lives forever. She reminded them that they will always have a home to come back to at Cathedral Prep, and that they will always be in our prayers.
The Class of 2026 was then pinned by a Prep or Villa alum. Students were pinned by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, coaches, and friends. No matter what the year of graduation, every alum shares a common bond of that sisterhood and brotherhood.
The evening captured the spirit of a tradition that continues to be incredibly special to Prep graduates. 🟠🔵⚫✝
