On Wednesday the 5th of February, the junior class celebrated their Ring Mass at Epiphany Catholic Church, where they received their junior rings. The rings symbolize sisterhood and the unique bond shared by the Class of 2026. In a meaningful ceremony, the juniors had the opportunity to celebrate a mass with their friends, family, and school administration.
The theme for the mass, “216 stars, one sisterhood”, was a manifestation of the years that the class of 2026 has already shared together, and a look forward towards the year to come. This theme was chosen as a reflection and celebration of the collective identity of the junior class.
“216 Stars, One Sisterhood” really captures who we are as a class,” Ring Mass committee member Carolina Lopez said. “We each shine in our own way, but together, we create something even more powerful.”
The mass began with the procession into the church of students, administration, and finally, the priest and Deacon Louis. The mass began as usual, and included scripture readings and prayer petitions from the members of the planning committee. The priest’s homily echoed the theme by asserting that although we each shine individually, we all burn together. Likewise, we can help each other burn, as stars do, and reflect the light of others.
After communion, the ring distribution began. Each junior was called by name to come forward and receive their personalized ring, a flower, and a heartfelt congratulations from Sister Carmen. After each student received their class ring and shared in the excitement of receiving the rings, a representative from the class made her way to the podium to give her much anticipated speech.
“Speaking at Ring Mass was such an honor,” Ring Mass speaker Sophie Gonzalez said. “It was more than just a speech—it was a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and celebrate the sisterhood that makes our class so special. Standing in front of my classmates, I felt so proud to be part of this journey with them and grateful for the bond we all share.”
Her speech was an amalgamation of all the emotions, experiences, and love the class of 2026 has shared and still hope to share in their senior year. Gonzalez captured the unique identity of the junior class while sending a profound and sincere message to her classmates, of which she was congratulated profusely afterwards. She expressed feeling anxious with excitement , but not particularly nervous, an emotion she attributed to the authenticity of her words. Gonzalez shared how her classmates have directly impacted her life, a sentiment that whole class seems to share.
“I wanted my speech to remind us that no matter where life takes us, we’ll always be connected by this sisterhood and the memories we’ve made together,” Gonzalez said.
Speaking to the juniors, the general feeling after Ring Mass was one of excitement and unity. The tradition is beloved by alumni and current students alike. This much was evident as mothers beamed with joy outside the church at their daughters’ matching rings. Students and families rejoiced in the significance of the ring as a symbol of community.
“To me, the ring symbolizes unity between me and all my fellow sisters,” junior Monica Cornide said. “I’m always reminded of that every time I look at it.”
