The Crowning of Mary
Article and photos by Mr. Dave Thompson

On Wednesday, May 9th, everyone at St. Pius X School gathered in the worship space to honor St. Mary. Eighth graders Kristi Jensen and Andrew Gerlach  lead the gathering as each grade level expressed  their own unique way of honoring the Blessed Mother of Jesus.

The Pre-Kindergarten sang a song to ask Mary for her help. The third grade recited the Hail Mary in Spanish. The fourth grade sang "Holy is His Name," which contains the words that Mary spoke from The Magnificat. As the fourth grade sang, the seventh graders stood in front and performed the song in sign language. The Kindergarten recited a poem and gave flowers to Mary.

As the Kindergarteners came forward with their flowers, everyone else sang "Hail Mary Gentle Woman." The fifth grade then recited the Hail Mary in Latin. The sixth grade then presented The Litany with each sixth grader announcing one of the many names that have been given to Mary over the years. After that the second graders recited the Hail Mary in French. The first grade then presented a choral reading to Mary.

To enhance the enjoyment of the celebration, other eighth graders accompanied the assembly with their musical talents. Kristen Coffey and Adrienne Mata played the guitar, Katrina Jackson played the flute, the chimes were played by Emily Garcia and Jessica Tooker, and the vocalists were D'Aaron Moore, Bridgette McNally, Khoa Nguyen, and Mr. Hammond (who, by the way is not an eighth grader).