Celebrated by Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, with Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, and Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ, serving as concelebrants, the liturgy was celebrated on the Solemnity of the Ascension and offered a prayerful moment of reflection, gratitude, and sending forth for the senior class.

In his homily, Fr. Stan reflected on the bittersweet nature of graduation and the growth he has witnessed in the Class of 2026 throughout their years at Loyola Academy. Drawing from the day’s readings, he reminded students that their Jesuit education has prepared them not simply for academic success, but for lives of purpose, compassion, and leadership in service to others.

"You will be my witnesses wherever you go," Fr. Stan said, encouraging graduates to carry the lessons of Loyola beyond campus and into new communities, relationships, and opportunities. "Loyola Academy was never simply about getting into a good college. It was about becoming good people — women and men for others."

Fr. Stan also challenged students to continue seeking God in all things and to remain grounded in what truly matters. Reflecting on St. Paul’s prayer that "the eyes of your hearts be enlightened," he reminded graduates that fulfillment comes not from status or achievement alone, but from discerning who they are and how they are called to serve. "My prayer is that Loyola has helped you learn to see with your heart — to recognize God in friendships, in struggles, in joy, and even in moments of loneliness or uncertainty."

A highlight of the liturgy was the presentation of the Michael Rebarchak '79 Memorial Award, Loyola Academy's highest honor presented to a senior who exemplifies humble leadership, quiet service, compassion, and a deep commitment to being a person for others. The award is named in memory of Michael Rebarchak '79, whose life embodied generosity, kindness, and service to the Loyola community.

This year's recipient, Michelle Dutkin '26, offered heartfelt remarks reflecting on the relationships, growth, and formation that shaped her during her four years at Loyola Academy. Speaking about the strength of the Loyola community, Dutkin shared, "Somewhere along the way, this place stopped feeling unfamiliar. Strangers became classmates, classmates became friends, and friends became family."

Dutkin reflected on the profound impact of Loyola's teachers and staff, emphasizing the personal care and encouragement students experience throughout their journey. "They made it feel like they were investing in us, in who we were becoming, not just what we were producing," she said. She also spoke about the deeper lessons learned beyond the classroom: "We learned how to serve, not because it was required, but because it mattered. We learned how to lead with humility instead of ego."

As she concluded her remarks, Dutkin encouraged her classmates to carry the spirit of Loyola Academy into the future. "Loyola is not just a place," she said. "It is something we carry with us. It is the habits we formed, the values we learned, the friendships we built, and the way this community shaped how we see the world."

Before the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Ostdiek blessed the St. Ignatius medals that are distributed annually to graduating seniors, reminding students that the medals serve as a symbol of their lifelong connection to Loyola Academy and the Jesuit tradition.

Loyola Academy extends its gratitude to the many students, faculty, staff, musicians, liturgical ministers, and Campus Ministry team members whose leadership and participation helped make the Baccalaureate Mass such a meaningful and prayerful celebration for the Class of 2026 and their families.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, the Baccalaureate Mass served as both a celebration of all they have accomplished and a reminder of the values that will continue to guide them long after they leave Loyola’s halls. Rooted in faith and formed through years of learning, service, friendship, and reflection, the graduates were sent forth with the confidence to embrace whatever comes next — trusting that their Loyola education has prepared them to lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to being women and men for others.

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A special thank you to the many students, faculty, and staff whose participation helped make the Baccalaureate Mass such a meaningful and prayerful celebration for the Class of 2026 and their families.

Student Liturgical Ministers and Volunteers
Call to Worship: Sean Gregg
First Reading: Patrick Reaves
Second Reading: Izzy Kopecky
Intercessions: Anjalee Fernando
Gift Bearers: Daniel Vehovsky and Lilly Ryan
Cross Bearer: Ciaran Cohen
Book of the Gospels: Rose Harlan

Sacristans
Daniel Vehovsky
Rose Harlan
Lilly Ryan

Eucharistic Ministers
Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ
Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ
Rev. Greg Ostdiek, SJ
Ava Arguelles
Kate Dimberio
Michelle Dutkin
Emma Farris
Henry Fisk
Margo Hickey
Amelia Lister
Lily Marino
Kaitlyn McGovern
JuJu Miller
Colton Pacholski
John Solmos
Hannah Winters

Music Ministry
Lead vocalists included Lily Fitzgerald, Maggie Schomer, Jacqueline Willer, and Emilia Nelson. Instrumentalists included Francis Tamayo (piano), Michael Dziekan (trumpet), and Daniel Malan (cello). Additional vocalists included Sean Gregg, Michael Dutkin, and Augie Hammerle.

Distribution of Medals
Alice Kearney Alwin '98
Sarah Bennett
Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ
Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ
Trish De Preter
Tim Devine '88
Kay Gregg
Julie Hammerle '97
Melissa Krein
Susie McGovern
Mark McGuire '06
Rev. Greg Ostdiek, SJ
Chris Penna
Julia Rotondi
Anh Tran
Suzy Trott
Ty Wahlbrink, SJ
Antoinette Wawrzyn