Commissioning Liturgy

This mass gets its own entry because it might have been the best mass I have attended in a really long time (potentially rivaling Baccalaureate Mass and 7pm mass…sorry Paul.)The music for mass was great, including a Zulu gospel acclamation, a second year JV gave a fearless and inspiring reflection on her JV year right after the Gospel, and all 123 JVs in the Northwest were commissioned as were the JVC Northwest staff and board. We were called up by our area directors, who prayed over us, presented us with Jerusalem crosses (like many have received on retreats like Quest or Kairos), and gave a final blessing of their hopes and support for our community. Mass concluded with a spirited singing of Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Freedom Medley” where Fitts the Friendly led a train throughout the gymnasium and we concluded in a giant circle. It was an incredible way to close out the week and really inspired me about the level of community and support that exists among all of JVC Northwest. This week really reinforced my decision to serve as a volunteer in JVC Northwest because the entire experience was so personal and community oriented.