Aquinas Landmark Spring 2021

daily via Morning Update , the student-run news program, which is streamed so that all classrooms and distance learners can tune in. Our monthly masses are being streamed as well, which has invited even more of our Aquinas community to come together. Not only has it allowed our students, faculty, and staff to safely participate from classrooms and offices throughout campus, but alumni and friends of Aquinas – from all over the world – have also had the opportunity to “attend.” We have welcomed Bishop Salvatore Matano, Father Kevin Mannara, CSB ‘81, and Father Bob Werth ‘63 on campus as celebrants. Our student Extraordinary Ministers of Communion go to designated classrooms, offices and overflow areas to distribute the Blessed Sacrament, escorted by another student who gives instructions for the reception of Communion or a blessing. For traditions such as Lessons and Carols, and Stations of the Cross, which are typically performed live by our Peer Ministers in the auditorium, we prerecorded these performances and posted to our YouTube channel for all to enjoy. Planning for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is currently underway. COMMUNITY SERVICE Because community service volunteer experiences for students in organizations outside of school are limited, many new opportunities to reach those in need have been added during the 2020-21 school year. Students have been helping elderly grandparents, neighbors, and friends in a variety of ways that they haven’t been able to count toward service hours in years past. Raking leaves and shoveling, grocery shopping and baking items for grab and go shelters, as well as making masks, and babysitting for essential workers have all become great opportunities for our students to reach out. Perhaps one of the most popular experiences for our students this school year was creating human connections with nursing home residents through writing. In total, nearly 1,200 Christmas cards were sent to eight different nursing homes in Monroe County with simple, friendly notes from Aquinas students. While traditional service opportunities may be on hold for a while yet, it has been truly rewarding to guide our students and watch as they continue to find other avenues to make a difference in their communities. As we have looked for new ways to celebrate our faith throughout this pandemic, we have been stretched and challenged and at times, frustrated. And that’s okay; because this is God’s will for us in Christ. In this time, with joyful, prayerful, grateful hearts we have been taught goodness, we have been taught discipline and we have been taught knowledge. Because we are AQ Together in Christ. By Linda Moll & Sister Dora Christian ith During a Pandemic Staff from The Highlands at Brighton with some of the nearly 1,200 Christmas cards AQ students sent out this past holiday season. 7