Hunger for Eucharist made faith stronger

Soaring above a global crisis

The world changed in March – and one group uniquely affected was the high school graduating Class of 2020. In a moment’s notice, it seemed, Catholic high schools closed their physical campuses as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, sending thousands of students home to begin online classes.

For the seniors of the 22 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the final two months of their high school lives were turned upside down. But the amazing thing is how God worked quietly through this crisis. Over the next several pages, see how the Quarantine Class of 2020 used the support of their parents, teachers and faith to shine despite difficult circumstances. The Clarion Herald asked seniors to reflect on how they used their time of quarantine and handled the challenges of a global pandemic during one of the milestone moments of their lives. 

Get ready to be inspired!

 

 

More than two months later, I look back at the time I spent in quarantine with a different perspective than my initial nonchalant attitude toward the pandemic. I have come to realize that much more has been lost than the last two months of my senior year. 
    

Hundreds of thousands have been infected, tens of thousands have died and millions have lost their jobs – all over the span of two months. Seeing these staggering statistics makes me reflect on the countless blessings that my family and I have received from God. 
    

I reflect on how blessed I was to have been able to receive a high-caliber, Catholic education from a school such as Holy Cross. Throughout the pandemic, Holy Cross has held to its mission of “bringing hope.” From making sure that we all have the proper means of receiving an online education, to sending seniors care packages with the snacks that remind us of our time at school, Holy Cross has been there.
    

Initially I was a little skeptical about online classes, but Holy Cross was able to adapt quickly and made a seamless transition to online learning. 
    

The biggest challenge I faced was not being able to be with teachers in person. I have developed amazing relationships with all my teachers, and I missed being in their classes. But through web calls, emails and supportive letters, our teachers made us feel right at home and have brought hope to all of their students.
    

In my faith life, there has been the obvious challenge of not being able to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist. My family and I, however, have been able to view the live- streamed Masses at St. Dominic and the televised Masses from St. Louis Cathedral. While this is a far cry from experiencing the miracle of the Mass in person, we are able to stay safe at home. 
    

If anything, though, this pandemic has made my faith stronger. Because I could not attend a physical Mass, I came to realize my need for Communion. Attending Mass every Sunday and receiving the Eucharist prepares me for the coming week. When it was temporarily gone, I relied solely on prayer and the hope that this would all end soon. 
    

While my senior year did not end the way I intended, I know soon I will be able to celebrate my years in high school with my Holy Cross family. I pray that everyone stays safe, and I hope we can come together as a community once more soon.