It was a day that brought the Christmas virtues of joy, love, and giving to life. On Dec. 15, students and faculty of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, gathered with joy and excitement, as it was once again time to be with this year’s Aquinas Stars, Jack Heilich and Domenic Horbacz.
The STA Aquinas Star program adopts two children with chronic medical conditions each year with the goal of supporting them spiritually, emotionally, and financially. Though Domenic was not able to attend the Mass, he was, and continues to be, in our thoughts and prayers. However, Domenic’s family, as well as Jack and his family, joined STA for a morning of prayer and celebration.
Joining the STA community for Mass were Bishop James F. Checchio; interim St. Thomas Aquinas High School president, Father Keith Cervine; director of Catholic Identity Father Michael Tabernero, and STA theology teacher Father David Keyes.
It was so important for the students and Aquinas Star families that everyone was able to come together in celebration, and it was even more important that we were able to do it through liturgy.
Aquinas Star co-chairpersons Caroline Devlin ’24 and Brianna Romero ’25 had a few words to describe the preparation for this day, and why it was so extraordinary to them and the school community.
“The Aquinas Star Mass is special for so many people. For the Aquinas Stars and their families, they get to see the whole school come together to celebrate them and their strength through difficult times. And for the school, they get to see the amazing families and provide them a sense of community,” said Devlin.
“Caroline, Father Mike, and I worked hard to prepare for the Mass and to make it as special as possible for the Aquinas Stars. So, trying to figure out the perfect gifts and the brunch was fun to plan as well,” added Romero.
At the end of Mass, a special guest appeared to give gifts to Jack, Domenic, and their families. Santa and his helpers were able to make some of our Aquinas Stars’ dreams a reality. Everyone watched in excitement as they opened the gifts.
Jack and his family received family suite tickets for a NJ Devils game and backpacks for his sisters. Domenic was gifted a toy Lamborghini, a personalized Mets jersey, and backpacks for his sisters, too.
When asked about their favorite part of the day, Devlin and Romero both agreed: “Our favorite part [was] definitely watching the Aquinas Stars and their families’ reactions opening the gifts we got all of them. We always try our best to make sure the gifts are something they’ve been wanting for a while, so being able to see their reactions once they realize their gifts is always so adorable.”
The school community couldn’t be more grateful for the Aquinas Star Program, and the families they help support every year. The Aquinas Star Mass was truly a day of faith, hope, love, and Christmas cheer for STA’s wonderful Aquinas Stars.
Elizabeth Bera is a member of St. Thomas Aquinas class of ’24.