June 5, 2021

St. Mary High School graduates walk by faith

REGIONAL
By Kathleen Harrington

(IObserve photo/Fred LeBlanc)

WESTFIELD – Surrounded by family and friends, the St. Mary High School Class of 2021 processed into St. Mary Church in Westfield for the baccalaureate Mass, Friday, June 4, celebrated by Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne.

Father John Salatino, pastor of St. Mary’s, Father Duy Le, parochial vicar, and Father Brian McGrath, pastor of Mary Mother of the Church in Lee concelebrated the Mass. The words of the entrance hymn, “So from the beginning, the fight we were winning. You, Lord, were at our side,” told the story of the 14 graduates.

“This class will be known for its perseverance and faith,” explained principal Matt Collins. This was the class that almost wasn’t. As freshmen, they learned of plans to close the school.

“They had the faith to stay and they believed they would be here tonight,” said Collins who said the students and their families are very important to the history of St. Mary High School.

Addressing the 118^th graduating class, Daniel Baillargeon, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Springfield, told the seniors, “God knew you’d be graduating tonight.” Acknowledging the challenges they faced in the last year he said, “it wasn’t just because of masks. It was challenging because of division, sadness, despair, and death. But God promises more,” said Baillargeon.

As he wished them success in whatever path they choose, Baillargeon told them his greatest hope for them is that they “stay connected to the church and do whatever Jesus tells you.”

In his homily, Bishop Byrne recalled his time spent as a chaplain on a college campus as he shared five things they need to know as they begin this next chapter of their lives. The five things included: know yourself first; stay curious; get involved; don’t take life for granted; and most importantly, go to Mass.

Speaking to her classmates, valedictorian Natalie Pasko recalled the struggles they faced as a class from the uncertain future of the school to the pandemic.

“Overcoming these challenges, adapting to such challenges as a team, bonded our family together. Going into the future, what we learn from adversity makes us stronger and able to cope with future challenges,” Pasko said. Following her Catholic school education from St. Stanislaus School in Chicopee to St. Mary High School in Westfield, Pasko of West Springfield will attend the College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee to study graphic design next fall.

Members of the graduating class will also attend Stonehill College, Assumption University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, to name a few. Additionally, two members of the class are entering military service.

A video version of this story will be featured on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22NEWS.