BACCALAUREATE LITURGY
Friday, June 2, 2023
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Fr. Robert Hagan, Dr. Laura M. Hotchkiss, Mrs. Erin Pratt, Mrs. Bridget Bonner, Mrs. Lindsay Miller, Ms. Julia Tully, the Upper School Women’s Chorale, all Liturgical ministers, the faculty and staff of the Academy, and our loving parents who have journeyed with us toward this day.
Celebrant
Fr. Robert Hagan, OSA
Entrance Procession
Cecilia Marie Massaua, Cross
Madeline Margaret Gleeson, Lectionary
Maura Ann McGeary, Candle
Margo Rodgers Kemp, Candle
Gathering Song
Gather Us In Lorna Elizabeth Anne Petrizzo
Here in this place new light is streaming
Now is the darkness vanished away
See in this space our fears and our dreamings
Brought here to you in the light of this day
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken
Gather us in, the blind and the lame
Call to us now and we shall awaken
We shall arise at the sound of our name
We are the young, our lives are a mystery
We are the old who yearn for your face
We have been sung throughout all of history
Called to be light to the whole human race
Gather us in, the rich and the haughty
Gather us in, the proud and the strong
Give us a heart so meek and so lowly
Give us the courage to enter the song
Introductory Rites & Greeting
Liturgy of the Word
Please be seated.
1st Reading
Sirach 42:15-25 Rachel Elizabeth Swan
Response: “Thanks be to God.”
Psalm
This Day Was Made by the Lord Grace Elizabeth Morley
In every age, O God, you have been our refuge. In every age, O God, you have been our hope.
2nd Reading
Ephesians 4:1-16
Response: “Thanks be to God.”
Cecilia Marie Massaua
Grace Elizabeth Morley
Gospel Acclamation Celtic Alleluia Emily Morley ’25 & Please stand if you are able.
Gospel Mark 10:46-52
Response: “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”
Homily
Please be seated.
Prayers of the Faithful Lauren Elizabeth Margerison
Response: “Lord, hear our prayer.”
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Presentation of Gifts
Offertory Song: Like a Sunflower
Ava Kehoe Del Vescovo
Devin Janet Tegler
Isabel Janine Zozaya
Stephanie Ann Bramwell
Olivia Johanna Mulligan
Refrain:Like a sunflower that follows every movement of the sun, So I turn towards You, to follow You my God.
In simplicity, charity I follow (2) (R)
In simplicity, honesty I follow (2) (R)
In simplicity, fidelity I follow (2) (R)
Sanctus Sarah Maria Deeney
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!
Mystery of Faith
When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, oh Lord, until you come again.
Eucharistic Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Sign of Peace
Lamb of God
Communion Hymns
Table of Plenty/Lord I Need You Erin Ashley May
Table of Plenty
Refrain: Come to the feast of heaven and earth, come to the table of plenty God will provide for all that we need, here at the table of plenty
O come and sit at my table, where saints and sinners are friends
I wait to welcome the lost and lonely, To share the cup of my love (R)
O come and eat without money, come to drink without price
My feast of gladness will feed your spirit, with faith and fullness of life (R)
My bread will ever sustain you, through days of sorrow and war
My wine will flow like a sea of gladness, to flood the depths of your soul (R)
Lord, I Need You
Lord, I come, I confess. Bowing here, I find my rest. And without you, I fall apart. You’re the One that guides my heart.
R: Lord, I need you, oh, I need you. Every hour I need you. My one defense, my righteousness: Oh, God, how I need you.
Where sin runs deep, your grace is more. Where grace is found is where you are. And where you are, Lord I am free. Holiness is Christ in me. (R)
So teach my song to rise to you, when temptation comes my way. And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on you.
Jesus, you’re my hope and stay. (R)
Concluding Rites
Presentation and Reading of Letter from Archbishop Perez
Blessing of the Medals Blessing of the Graduates
At this time, we invite all family members to extend your right hands over your graduates, as we bless them together.
Let us unite our hearts in prayer and entrust to the hands of the Lord these women of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur.
May God who began this good work in you carry it through to completion, enabling you to use your talents to the fullest.
May God give you the grace to make wise choices and to be faithful to your commitments, always confident in the support of those who love you.
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you will continue to seek excellence for yourself and others.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you will work for justice, equality, and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and change their pain into joy.
May God bless you with the confidence to know that you can make a difference in the world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done.
May your integrity be a gift to the world and may the Spirit of God be with you always.
May you have the wisdom and courage to always proclaim by your lives even more than by your words the goodness of God.
Recessional Song: A Clare Benediction
May the Lord show His mercy upon you
May the light of His presence be your guide
May He guard you and uphold you
May His spirit be ever by your side
When you sleep, may His angels watch over you
When you wake, may He fill you with His grace
May you love Him and serve Him all your days
Then in Heaven may you see His face
Then in Heaven may you see His face
May you see His face
Reflection
Awards Presentation
Notre Dame Alumnae Award
Katherine Devlin Halligan
Mrs. Erin Pratt Director of Upper School
Given to a member of the graduating class who exemplifies the philosophy portrayed in the words of the school song, “Love, Courage, High Ideals, Loyalty to the Standards of the School”
Aimee Willard Scholar Athlete Award
The Aimee Willard Scholar Athlete Award is given in memory of Aimee Willard, star athlete and team player of the Class of 1992. The recipient of this award, selected by the members of the Physical Education Department, is an honor student and an outstanding athlete.
Sister Rose Carmel Award
Awarded to a member of the graduating class who, in the opinion of the faculty, has served the community quietly and effectively, with a mature sense of responsibility
Sister Mary Augusta Award for French
Presented to a graduating student who, throughout her study of French, has demonstrated consistent effort, enthusiasm, and a true love of the French language and culture
Irma Alonso Award for Spanish
Awarded to a member of the graduating class who, throughout her study of Spanish at Notre Dame, has consistently demonstrated a love of and enthusiasm for the Spanish language and culture
Rittenhouse Square Award
Bestowed on the President of the Student Council in recognition of her outstanding leadership and service to the Notre Dame community
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a student who embodies the mission of the Academy throughout her Upper School years by her “passion for justice and love for the poor.” In the spirit of St. Julie, with simplicity and joy, she has lived the gospel mandate of service with integrity and compassion.
Alma Mater
Lyrics on back
Alma Mater
With hearts and minds attuned to praise, your standards wrought in faith, Nobility, love and courage, too--the guiding spirit of our youth, Your high ideals that never swerve, your work so nobly planned, The friendships formed ’neath the gold and blue will unite us, Notre Dame.
Your labors blessed by the Almighty Hand of the loving Architect Are as a symbol of noble life where love and sanctity gleam bright. O Seat of Wisdom, Mother mild, we place our hope in you. Undying loyalty we pledge, O beloved Notre Dame.
“Teach them what they need to know for life.”
St. Julie Billiart
