Loyola Academy Community Begins Lent with Ash Wednesday Mass

Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, celebrated the Mass, joined by Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ, and Rev. Peter Breslin, SJ, as concelebrants. In his homily, Fr. Stan invited students and faculty to embrace the three traditional Lenten practices—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—not as mere obligations, but as pathways to a deeper relationship with God and one another. He reminded the community that Lent is a sacred time, a kairos moment, calling each person to open their heart more fully to grace and to prepare for the joy of the resurrection. Fasting, he noted, is not simply about giving something up, but about making room for God and for others; almsgiving is love put into action.

The liturgy was enriched by the reverent participation of many students and faculty members. We extend our gratitude to Molly Hanley '27 (Call to Worship), Kaitlyn McGovern '26 (First Reading), Maya Guliana ‘27 (Second Reading), and Mary Jane Bukta '26 (Intercessions). Special thanks to Ty Linn '27 and Will Persohn '27 (Gift Bearers), Max Colpi '27 (Cross Bearer), and Mary Kate Bradley '26 (Book Bearer).

We are grateful to our sacristans—Daniel Vehovsky '26, Rose Harlan '26, Lilly Ryan '26, and Jack Nelson '27—for their careful preparation, and to our many Eucharistic Ministers, whose service reflected the shared leadership of our community in prayer.

Our liturgy was beautifully supported by our student musicians and singers: seniors Margaret Schomer, Jacqueline Willer, Emilia Nelson, Lily Fitzgerald, Angelina Denic, Aubrie Sese, Jenna Crosswhite, Bleu Strnad, Michael Dziekan, Daniel Malan, and Francis Tamayo, along with the the entire Ministry Choir. We also thank Mrs. Kay Gregg, Mr. Mike Gregg, Ms. Kati Byrne, Mr. Jesse Borower, and Mr. Patrick Rustandi for their leadership and accompaniment, helping to guide the community in song.

As ashes were traced on foreheads with the reminder, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," the Loyola community entered this holy season together—committed to prayer, sacrifice, and love in action. May these forty days be a time of growth, reflection, and renewed purpose as we walk together toward Easter.