As is tradition at Jesuit schools, Bellarmine College Preparatory began the new academic year the morning of August 16 by celebrating Mass of the Holy Spirit.
Fr. Mario Prietto, S.J., superior of the Bellarmine Jesuit Community, was the presider, with many of his brother Jesuits as co-Celebrants. Bellarmine’s president, Chris Meyercord ’88, delivered the reflection that encouraged students to become fully engaged in the life of the school and to exemplify the school’s motto of being men for and with others.
Also noted during the Mass of the Holy Spirit was Bellarmine’s justice theme for the year, Caring for Our Common Home, reflecting the school’s emphasis on environmental sustainability. During the past spring, Bellarmine was named a Gold Level Green Ribbon School by the State of California in recognition of its various environmental initiatives.
Families from the classes of 2025 and 2024 were welcomed to campus on August 15 at the Get Acquainted Party (GAP) and Mass, presented by the Mothers’ Guild and Dads’ Club. As the campus was closed at the beginning of last year’s school year, current sophomore families were invited to take part in what is typically an event held for frosh and transfer families. The occasion provided an opportunity for new families to celebrate Mass, enjoy lunch, and to get to know each other and hear about many aspects of campus life. Several booths were set-up on campus, with parent representatives providing information on such topics as the Mothers’ Guild Fashion Show for Tuition Assistance taking place October 16, area reps and carpooling, and registration for membership in the Dads’ Club Booster program in support of athletics and Bellarmine’s outreach program.
It is wonderful to see the Bellarmine community back on campus. Here’s to a great year!