There are some events throughout the Central Catholic school year that seem a little more special than others. One of these events is the annual Grandparents Day Mass celebration. Students were invited to attend this event this past Sunday morning, giving them an opportunity to spend a morning with their grandma and grandpa. With the historic gym filled to the brim with loving grandparents and their grandchildren, the outcome of this year’s celebration was definitely one to remember.

Mass was held in Central Catholic’s historic gym on Sunday, September 15. It was celebrated by Central Catholic Chaplain, Father Sean Downing S.M. After Mass, Athletic Director Mr. Ybarra led some fun-filled grandparent themed contests. Mr. Ybarra would rally up the grandparents in the crowd, asking them questions such as “Who is the Oldest Grandparent?”, “Which Grandparent has had the most grandchildren attend Central Catholic?”, and “Which grandparent traveled the furthest for Grandparents Day?”. With amazing answers, including one from a grandparent who traveled all the way from Taiwan, joy could be felt throughout the gym. After the games, students were invited to gather in the cafeteria with their grandparents for a small reception. As soon as word got around that coffee was being served, it is no surprise that multitudes of grandparents came rushing into the cafeteria. 

The unique feeling of love only a grandparent can give you, is what ultimately makes this such a special event. Senior Matthew Perez had to say, “It was a really awesome time. Quality time with your grandparents can sometimes be rare, so it was cool to be able to go to mass with them.” I’m sure many Central students felt the way Matthew did after the celebration, and I’m sure those in attendance felt the unconditional love of their grandparents. I know I did. From the beautiful mass, to the smell of black coffee in the cafeteria, to the radiated love from grandparents throughout Central Sunday morning, the Grandparent’s Day celebration was a huge success.