New daily Mass schedule brings more student participation

More students attend daily Mass at Archbishop Carroll as a result of the Mass schedule changing this year, according to Father Mark Cavara, the school’s director of campus ministry.

“It is very edifying to see students invite fellow classmates to Mass,” Father Cavara said.

In previous years, daily Mass happened before school each day at 7:10 a.m. in the chapel. This year, daily Mass happens before school at 7:10 a.m. on Fridays only. The other days of the week Mass is held during lunch periods for what Father Cavara calls Grace Before Meals. On Monday, Mass is offered during 3rd period lunch. Tuesday’s Mass is during fourth period lunch. Wednesday’s Mass happens during 5th period lunch. Mass happens during sixth period lunch on Thursdays. During those lunch periods when Mass is not offered, students can participate in lunchtime prayer services.

The change did not bring an immediate increase in Mass attendance. In the beginning of the year, not many students attended mass during lunch. As students realized the positive effect Mass an have on their day and that the liturgy is only 15 minutes long, there has been a major increase in the amount of students coming to the chapel.

“Changing morning Mass to during the day has allowed me to get the opportunity to attend Mass during the week,”  said Maggie Grant, a regular Grace Before Meals attendee.

Another student, Courtland Schumacher, said, “Having the option to attend Mass at least once a week, during lunches, provides a really nice break in the school day.”