Archbishop Hebda Celebrates Mass of the Holy Spirit for Caldwell’s First Academic Year as a University

Archbishop Bernard Hebda celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit at Caldwell on Sept. 10 to bless the institution’s first academic year as a university. The Mass of the Holy Spirit is traditionally held at the beginning of each academic year.

Archbishop Hebda, who is coadjutor of the archdiocese, said the Mass provides an opportunity for the members of the Caldwell community to ask the Holy Spirit to help them discern and develop their gifts and determine how God is asking them to use those gifts. He told those in attendance that from the time they are born and baptized the Holy Spirit has given them a gift “that the church needs.”

“The potential in this room is unbelievable. We have to allow the Holy Spirit to use our gifts to move things forward,” the archbishop said.

The Rev. Albert Berner, Caldwell’s chaplain, concelebrated the Mass.

A special blessing was given to the fall athletes, student government leaders, resident assistants and choir members.

The music was provided by the Caldwell University Chorale and pianist Warren Helms.

Senior Kathleen Flynn, president of the Student Government Association, had the chance to meet the archbishop.   “This is a milestone year for Caldwell University, and we were happy to share this historic moment with him and the Dominican sisters. Having the opportunity to speak with the archbishop after mass about our institution and the role of our Dominican roots in our campus community was very rewarding,” she said.