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Mater Dei Holds Their 25th Annual Commencement Ceremony
By Joseph Roberts• 8/10/2026
•2 min read
On June 6, 2026, Mater Dei Academy held its 25th annual commencement ceremony. The event began with a Solemn High Baccalaureate Mass in the school’s chapel. Students, par ents, faculty members, alumni, and guests gathered in the small room to give thanks and to pray for the future endeavors of the graduating class of 2026.
The Mass was celebrated by the visiting Fr. Marcel Stannus, the principal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) in Ontario, Canada, as the Celebrant, Fr. Richard Boyle as the Deacon, and Fr. Gregory Pfeiffer as the Subdeacon. In his sermon, Fr. Boyle connected the eight fleur-de-lis that are painted on the wall of the chapel to the eight graduates, and to the Eight Beatitudes. Following the Mass, members of the Class of 2026, dressed in caps and gowns, processed into the auditorium for the commencement exercises. Mr. Douglas Rowe welcomed everyone to the 25th annual commencement ceremony, saying that he “can’t believe that he has been here for all twenty-five.”
He then invited Fr. Boyle to the podium for some opening words. After this, Mr. Rowe invited Joseph Raphael Roberts, the class Salutatorian, to give the Welcoming Address.
Following the Salutatorian’s address, Fr. Boyle presented the High School Awards, recognizing students for their academic achievement, service, and dedication throughout the school year.
After the awards, Fr. Marcel Stannus offered the Commencement Speech in which he said that the graduates do not have to go out and change the world because we will not. All we can do is stick to the principles we have learned.
With the Commencement Address concluded, the diplomas were handed out. The Farewell Addresses were then presented by the Valedictorians: Jane Hatty and Timothy Burns.
With these speeches finished, Fr. Boyle continued with the Tassel Ceremony and the Class of 2026 moved their tassels from right to left.
After offering some final remarks, Fr. Boyle imparted his blessing upon the graduates, their families, and all those gathered for the occasion. The newly minted alumni then recessed out of the gymnasium and gathered at the huge brick sign out front. Climbing onto the sign, the graduates posed for photographs proudly displaying their diplomas and celebrating the completion of their high school years. The day’s festivities continued with a graduation party generously hosted by the Hatty family. Graduates, relatives, faculty members, and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and to enjoy one final evening together before embarking on the next chapter of their lives.
The Mass was celebrated by the visiting Fr. Marcel Stannus, the principal of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) in Ontario, Canada, as the Celebrant, Fr. Richard Boyle as the Deacon, and Fr. Gregory Pfeiffer as the Subdeacon. In his sermon, Fr. Boyle connected the eight fleur-de-lis that are painted on the wall of the chapel to the eight graduates, and to the Eight Beatitudes. Following the Mass, members of the Class of 2026, dressed in caps and gowns, processed into the auditorium for the commencement exercises. Mr. Douglas Rowe welcomed everyone to the 25th annual commencement ceremony, saying that he “can’t believe that he has been here for all twenty-five.”
He then invited Fr. Boyle to the podium for some opening words. After this, Mr. Rowe invited Joseph Raphael Roberts, the class Salutatorian, to give the Welcoming Address.
Following the Salutatorian’s address, Fr. Boyle presented the High School Awards, recognizing students for their academic achievement, service, and dedication throughout the school year.
After the awards, Fr. Marcel Stannus offered the Commencement Speech in which he said that the graduates do not have to go out and change the world because we will not. All we can do is stick to the principles we have learned.
With the Commencement Address concluded, the diplomas were handed out. The Farewell Addresses were then presented by the Valedictorians: Jane Hatty and Timothy Burns.
With these speeches finished, Fr. Boyle continued with the Tassel Ceremony and the Class of 2026 moved their tassels from right to left.
After offering some final remarks, Fr. Boyle imparted his blessing upon the graduates, their families, and all those gathered for the occasion. The newly minted alumni then recessed out of the gymnasium and gathered at the huge brick sign out front. Climbing onto the sign, the graduates posed for photographs proudly displaying their diplomas and celebrating the completion of their high school years. The day’s festivities continued with a graduation party generously hosted by the Hatty family. Graduates, relatives, faculty members, and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and to enjoy one final evening together before embarking on the next chapter of their lives.