‘Star’ power benefits two families families

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the annual St. Thomas Star Mass and gave the homily Dec. 15.

The Aquinas Star Spaghetti Dinner is the first event of the year and opportunity for the whole community to welcome the newest members of the Aquinas Star family and begin the fundraising to provide financial support to the Stars and their families. The “Aquinas Star/Ahr Star” program began in 1987 as a way for the  St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) community to come together and support a chronically or terminally ill child.

Concelebrants were: Father Michael K. Tabernero, STA’s director of Catholic Identity; Father Ronal Vega, Campus Ministry member; and Father Keith M. Cervine, former former STA chaplain.

Music for the liturgy was provided by Joseph Cullinan (Class of 2002) along with the talents of the Liturgical Band and Choir. After communion, the much anticipated and moving rendition of “Mary Did You Know?” was performed by TJ Reilly (‘96).

In his homily, Bishop Checchio, reflected on John the Baptist’s role in making a way for the Lord and challenged the faithful to make a way for the Lord in their lives.

After Mass, members of he Aquinas Star Board presented the Aquinas Stars and their families with many gifts and expressions of love. All the gifts were bought with money donated by the students and faculty.

The financial gifts were from the  proceeds of the Spaghetti Dinner.

In addition, Santa Claus made a surpirse visit.

The parents of both Aquinas Stars thanked the St. Thomas community for the support of the program and the love and prayers that they shpoered them with.

The families stayed to enjoy a special luncheon, after which the Aquinas Stars along with their families had an opportunity to visit with faculty, staff, and students.