Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • December 6, 2024 19 On Sun., Aug. 25, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral kicked off the new school year with its annual Backpack Blessings Mass. Over Father Tony Arguelles blesses the backpacks of local students to help prepare them for the new school year. 125 students from Nativity parish and neighboring parishes, as well as both Catholic and public schools came together for this special event. During his homily, celebrant Father Tony Arguelles implored families to be an intentional part of their children's school lives this year and to make God a core focus of each school day. Nativity BVM Catholic Elementary School third grader, Sophia Dorcik, understands the importance of these blessings for everyone to have a great year. ‟ It was so much fun getting my backpack blessed, ” remarked Sophia, ‟ and I feel good knowing that every day Jesus is with me in my backpack! ” Prior to the Prayers of the Faithful, all students were invited to the altar to par- ticipate in the blessing ceremony. Nativity Cathedral is proud to host this beautiful Mass for all local stu- dents and wishes everyone a wonderful new school year! Backpack Blessing Mass Members of the Nativity BVM Cathedral’s Cho- ral Society, Gloria in Excelsis , under the direction of Terry Maddox, were honored to again perform at the Armed Forces Retirement Home Veterans Day Open House Ceremony on Fri., Nov. 8. This year, they were joined by the Nativity BVM Ele- mentary School Choir. Gloria in Excelsis N ativity BVM C atholic S chool , B iloxi Congratulations to our Nativity BVM Catholic School Saints first and second grade flag football team on their Cchampionship win during this sea- son’s CYO sports tournament. This group of up-and-coming athletes put in all of the hard work for a big payout. Sixteen of Nativity’s first and sec- ond graders made up this superstar team and were led by Head Coach Dub Hornsby and assistant coaches, TJ Fraser, Jeffrey Ellis, and Pat Williams. Practice began in August with some students taking the field for the very first time. From the onset, the goal was to instill team spirit, hard work and perse- verance throughout the team. Coach Hornsby was intent on developing each of his players, while mak- ing sure they all knew they were an integral part of the team. Throughout the season and following each game, Coach Hornsby and his assistant coaches would gather their team, along with their opponents, and pray together. For this group of dads, it was important for their team to remember that win or lose, God always comes first. Coach Hornsby and his staff are incredibly proud of their 2024 Flag Football Team. “Nativity School puts so much into all of its extracurricular programs, from sports to cheer to choir and beyond,” remarked Hornsby. “Being able to add another feather in the cap of an incredible organization has been a great way to start off our time at Nativity School.” On behalf of Nativity School, congratulations to our boys for bringing home this wonderful win! Principal Traci Kessler holds the winning trophy following the big win! Bishop Kihneman poses alongside Dub Hornsby, TJ Fraser, Pat Williams, Jeffrey Ellis and the first and second grade boys flag football team. Nativity BVM Catholic School starts off the CYO Sports Season with a WIN! Nativity School Foundation and 2024’s generous gift Nativity BVM Catholic School is thankful to this year’s gift of $74,602.50 from the Nativity School Foundation. Each Nativity student will receive $435 to be applied towards their school tuition balance. Founded in 2011, Victor Mavar wanted a way to help offset tuition costs for all Nativity students. He wanted to find a way to promote Catholic education by helping make it affordable while also building a foundation model for other institutions. Mike Bruffey, Foundation President, was on hand to pres- ent the check to the school. Bruffey is proud of this unique gift that the Foundation can bestow upon the students. “Catholic education is an incredibly pow- erful way to provide the most necessary knowledge to our young population,” stated Bruffey. “The Nativity School Foundation is honored to be a part of each student’s educational journey, and we look forward to providing more each year.” On behalf of Principal Traci Kessler, the families of Nativity BVM School and most importantly, our students, we thank the Nativity School Foundation, along with the Mavar family, for their continued support! Proud to be a Saint!!! RightFather Godfrey Andoh, Diocesan Superin- tendent Jennifer Broadus, and Nativity Principal Traci Kessler, smile alongside members of the Na- tivity School Foundation, the Mavar Family, the Nativity Parents’ Association and students as the Foundation presents its annual check.