By: Claire Caldwell ‘27
On Oct. 3, the freshmen class of 2028 filed into the theater for their Freshman Convocation, a long-standing tradition to welcome the freshmen to their first year at Ursuline.
This is one of the most memorable experiences of students’ first year at Ursuline. Freshmen are officially welcomed into the Ursuline community and receive their first all school pin which is blessed by the priest. As the years go by, every Ursuline student and alumna remembers their freshmen convocation.
The term “convocation” refers to a gathering or calling together. In the early Christian communities, people would assemble and invite individuals with special gifts and talents to share their abilities with the community. Ursuline freshmen are invited to share their gifts and talents with the community throughout their four years of high school and beyond.
Father Alfonse celebrated mass with the freshman and their families as part of the ceremony. Before receiving their pins from Dr. Shurley, Ursuline’s President and Ms. Smith, Ursuline’s Principal, the freshman all stand and say together the convocation pledge.
They pledge as a class to “support [their] Ursuline community in the joyful spirit of St. Angela and with the courage of St. Ursula.”
They are challenged to seek their true selves and to be open to God’s grace. Part of the Ursuline tradition is to be Christian women who love and serve others, guided by the Holy Spirit.
There is even a special blessing for the parents of the Class of 2028, granting them God’s undying love and grace as they raise their daughters. They pray for guidance in directing and encouraging their daughters to live out the Ursuline model of Serviam, trusting in the Lord’s presence in their lives.
The Recessional song is the infamous Alma Matter, which is also recited at Intramurals.
After the Convocation has concluded, the Mothers’ Club offers cookies and punch for all to celebrate the joyous occasion. Families meet up with their daughters to congratulate them and take photos with their new pins. Ursuline backdrops are provided for the perfect picture opportunity.
Sr. Lois does an amazing job directing Freshman Convocation every year, and this year is no exception. She works hard to make sure everything is perfect for the freshmen and their families, and of course, St. Angela.
“When I met some freshman in the patio the next morning after Convocation, they rushed over to hug me and say how much they enjoyed the convocation event. They loved the evening and receiving their pins as a class. They said their families really found it beautiful!” Sr. Lois said.
Another moment Sr. Lois shares about Freshman Convocation is that “The spirit of St. Angela was so alive during the evening. The next morning when I had my coffee with St. Angela during my prayer time, I sensed St. Angela smiling at me form her picture above my prayer table. She seemed to be saying with me ‘Alleluia, praise ye the Lord!’”
The freshman seemed to have really enjoyed the event. Many shared memories of their experience being inducted into the Ursuline community.
“It was a very formal event, and I was one of the readers, so I was a little nervous with everyone there, but it was so cool to be officially welcomed and to have our family and friends there to support us,” Eva Regmi, Ursuline freshman, said.
This event is not only for the freshmen. In addition to parents and teachers, Ursuline students of all grades come to welcome the new class.
“I really liked when we had to go get the pin and I loved that there were people from the other grades to support us. I’m so glad everyone was able to come together for this special event and I’ll never forget it!” Ellie Seaward, Ursuline freshman, said.
“I’m not Catholic, but I thought it was really cool to have everyone present at mass including teachers and parents and learn some of the special things y’all do during mass. Also, I enjoyed seeing all of my friends receive their pins,” Weslyn Huckin, Ursuline freshman, said.
“I thought that Freshman Convocation was a great opportunity to bond as one big Ursuline family. It was such a nice, warm welcome to our new home,” Audrey Harrison, Ursuline freshman, said.
“Freshman Convocation was a heartfelt ceremony that allowed us freshman to feel that we are officially a part of Ursuline Academy,” Ella Brauer, Ursuline freshman, said.
As the school year moves along and the freshmen become comfortable in their lives at Ursuline, they will never forget their convocation ceremony. This long-standing tradition is kept alive to ensure each new class gets a warm welcome into the Ursuline community.
THE BEAR FACTS 