On May 3, the annual Senior Prayer & Brunch brought daughters and their mothers or guardians together in the dining room to enjoy a Saturday morning before graduation.
Many arrived in fancy attire, ready to take photos with their friends and partake in a meal catered by the Epicurean Group. Once seated, Director of Mission and Ministry Amy Jobin initiated the opening procession and expressed excitement for the upcoming moments of reflection that the prayer service would offer.
Moving into the Opening Prayer, she sequentially invited seniors Adrianna Cirina, Virginia Fitzgerald, Alonda Ordonez, Jennifer Elwood, Hailey Kockos and Jane Hipps to join her on stage. Cirina started by reciting readings about St. Julie’s life, and others followed with the Responsorial Psalm 34 and a scripture reading of the Story of Ruth and Naomi.
Jobin then invited the moms and daughters to reflect on themes highlighted by the readings – unconditional love and loyalty – by encouraging them to show appreciation and gratitude for the moments they have shared. Especially with seniors heading down the homestretch, this activity gave the Monarchs crucial time to fully embrace the relationships they formed with their mothers before heading to college or other post-high school plans.
“It’s definitely bittersweet for everyone, just as, like, it kind of is nearing the end,” shared senior Hailey Degnan. “I think it was also really, like, a great way of celebrating our relationship with our parents and remembering all the fun times we’ve had.”
Shortly after sharing such a heartfelt moment, she and her mom, Kristen Degnan ‘92, each shared a speech on the vital role that NDB played in shaping some of their fondest memories together. She commented on Hailey’s journey from being a shy, timid 14-year-old to a fierce, confident leader who has gained skills and experiences that have prepared her as a future student at Santa Clara University.
“I’ve loved watching Hailey grow up in so many ways at Notre Dame, whether it’s academically, friendship [or] just socially,” said Kristen Degnan. “All these lasts make it much more emotional and just more touching, knowing that this is kind of the last little stretch for all of you girls at Notre Dame and your moms.”
Mothers and daughters gave each other blessings by rubbing olive oil on each other’s foreheads, signifying their love and affection for each other. After the closing prayer, attendees indulged in the buffet.
Epicurean served French toast, quiche, sausages, scrambled eggs and tater tots, along with an assortment of sweet desserts. Students and their moms had been given raffle tickets upon their arrival, and Head of School Meredith Essalat ‘98 later announced that Bella Svanberg had won a college dorm essentials-filled gift basket from the raffle set up by the newly elected ASB.
Through a reflective prayer and delicious meal, the tradition allowed mothers and daughters to spend quality time with one another during their last month at NDB, strengthening their bonds.
