About 1,500 students, teachers, faculty, staff and guests attended the annual All Lorain County Mass on Jan. 24 in the Coliseum (gym) at Elyria Catholic High School in Elyria. The event took place just as Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 26 to Feb. 1) was about to begin
Celebrant was Father Eric Garris, diocesan vocation director. Assisting was Deacon Jeffrey Lindholm. A group of enthusiastic EC musicians and vocalists led attendees in song throughout the liturgy. Attendees could follow along with the lyrics that were posted on a large screen.
Students in grades 5-8 were invited to the Mass. Participating schools were: St. Jude and St. Mary, Elyria; St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception and Holy Trinity, Avon; St. Joseph, Avon Lake; St. Joseph, Amherst; St. Anthony of Padua and St. Peter, Lorain; and St. Peter, North Ridgeville. They joined the 530 EC students at the liturgy.
(See photo gallery above.)
“This is the first time in a long time that all nine schools were able to attend,” said Annie Cunningham, director of communications and marketing. Students sat in groups by school with signs indicating their school name.
In his homily, Father Garris stressed the importance of listening to God’s call and his plan for each of them. He assured them they were God's beloved sons and daughters and he wanted the best for them. He also reminded them about the gift of their Catholic education and how it is preparing them for success both academically and spiritually.
Before Mass, Annie Heidersbach, EC president, welcomed the visitors. She pointed out the new, dark blue carpeting covering the new floor in the gym. The carpeting was purchased with assistance from several generous donors, she added. It helps protect the floor from damage that could be caused by the chairs used for Mass and other events in the Coliseum.
After Mass, Father Garris and Deacon Lindholm were presented with some EC swag.
In addition, Terry Ziegelmeyer, director of admissions, and Principal Suzanne Lester, conducted drawing for a $500 scholarship and EC swag.
When the event concluded, EC students returned to class and the visitors were dismissed by school. St. Jude students walked to their nearby campus while others boarded buses to take them back to their respective schools.
Elyria Catholic began in 1947 with 19 students. The first building was constructed in 1949 and the first baccalaureate celebration took place on June 9, 1950, with 17 students graduating on June 11. It is the only coed Catholic high school on the west side. EC became the first Lorain County school to be recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Learn more about EC by clicking here.