The Notre Dame Diversity Mass

by Delaney Zeidman '23, Diversity and Inclusion Intern

We gathered to celebrate our annual Mass for Diversity on January 31. Father Jason Parzynski celebrated the liturgy assisted by Deacon Dr. Curtis Turner, Head of School for Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore, Maryland, who was also our guest homilist. Our SHADES students did an excellent job in organizing and assisting in various ways during the liturgy. Following mass, special guest speaker and alumni, Mr. James Gee ‘90 gave a moving speech to a captivated audience. We were blessed to kick off Black History Month with this special Mass for Diversity. It is truly in celebrating our differences we find unity in Christ.

During the liturgy, the prayers of the faithful were spoken by students in 9 different languages including English, Creole, Polish, French, Arabic, Italian, Slovak, Korean and Patois. Cultural artifacts, flags, and pottery were displayed on the stage. Our guest homilist, Deacon Turner, spoke about his experience as an African American Catholic in the United States. He also helped us to reflect on our Mercy Core Value of Respect as he referenced the dignity of all persons and all life as gifts of God prompting community in our world. 

The morning concluded with guest speaker and alumni, Mr. James Gee ‘90. He talked about the hidden heroes of the civil rights movement and he recalled his time at Notre Dame. Mr. Gee reminded us to stand up, and do what's right because you never know the impact you may have. The celebration was just one example of the Notre Dame diversity statement in action. 

Notre Dame High School Diversity Statement
Notre Dame High School is a Catholic community that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion by building empathy, respect, understanding, and unity with people who are different from each other by honoring each individual as unique and made in God’s image.

Notre Dame High School is dedicated to ensuring that our community has equitable access to available resources needed to enhance academic, spiritual, and social development regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, cultural background, ethnicity, linguistics, cognitive, and/or physical ability.