“You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!” – Psalm 139:13-14

On Thursday, December 12, St. Thomas welcomed mothers and mother figures of current students to participate in the annual Mother/Son Mass, honoring The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass is a meaningful time for mothers to connect with their sons in prayer.

“This is one of my favorite STH events,” Mothers’ Club President Stephanie Yankowsky said. “It’s a special moment to worship with our sons. My favorite year was when I had both my sons at STH together.”

To begin the service, the Mothers’ Club presented flowers, donated by mothers of St. Thomas students, at the feet of the Blessed Mother. Student body president Mathew Michael shared a few words about the Mass and the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe before a mariachi band performed the opening hymn, “Buenos días, Paloma Blanca.”

“STH Mother/Son Mass is one of my most favorite events of the year,” St. Thomas mom Holley Madden said. “Each year it brings us together to remind all of us of the special bond that mother and son have. I remember the three years I was fortunate enough to have two sons there at the same time, it was a very special time for the three of us to come together and celebrate Mass together.”

Mass attendees were honored to hear from Father Kevin Storey, Basilian Superior General and former school President. In Father Storey’s homily, he shared personal anecdotes about the impact that the mothers in his life have had on his understanding of motherhood and its spiritual purpose. He shared that, like all mothers, God, too, looks at His children with fondness and joy, raising everyone to be His own.

While honoring the mothers and sons of St. Thomas High School, the Mass also offered opportunity to support mothers outside of the school community. The annual St. Thomas Baby Shower, in memory of Jonathan Gleasman (’01) had been in action for weeks prior to the service. To partake, students and their families brought baby supplies, clothing, formula, and other necessary items for infant care to school. Many mothers and sons brought donations to the school at Mass, and these products will be donated to The Gabriel Project Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

“The drive is named in honor of Jonathan Gleasman, a former Eagles for Life President, who tragically passed away during his time at St. Thomas,” senior Edward Bocock said. “As the current Eagles for Life President, I hope to continue Jonathan’s legacy by sustaining the yearly success of the Baby Drive with help from St. Thomas.”

Because of the generosity of mothers, sons, and families in the St. Thomas community, hundreds of mothers will receive the care they need this holiday season.