The Baccalaureate Mass is probably my favorite part of the graduation tradition at Central Catholic High School. It is much more intimate than graduation and you really feel a part of the “pomp and circumstance.” This is when the academic achievements are recognized as well as the families who have their last child graduating. The Class and Student Body Presidents’ speak and the alumni pins are distributed. It is the last mass the class will celebrate together.
Today at mass we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension. The moment when Jesus ascended into Heaven, forty days after Easter. As I listened to the priest explain the significance of the feast, I thought of the beautiful cross in the Adoration Chapel behind the altar of the church. Unfortunately, not all parishioners are aware that this chapel exists, but it is quickly becoming one of my favorite parts of the church. On the backside of the crucifix (visible in the main worship area) is another image of the glorified Christ, alive and looking towards heaven with an extended hand. It is beautiful. I thought during mass that this would be a great picture for the Photo of the Day and so I went back after mass.
Much to my delight, I saw that the Tabernacle had been installed since my last visit. It is truly is magnificent. I was awestruck as I walked in and saw it for the first time. Now I knew why I had been prompted to go back to the chapel. God knew I would appreciate seeing this beautiful addition. My photographs do not do either of these pieces justice. They truly must be seen in person to fully appreciate… So, if you happen to be near St. Stanislaus Church (on Maze) in Modesto anytime soon, stop by for a minute. I know you won’t be disappointed.
This picture is a true and accurate image of a portion of the crazy people who I hang out with on Monday nights. All of these characters are a part of the RCIA team (there are a couple more too) who facilitate the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults for St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Modesto. I went through the program as a Catechumen in 1999 and have been hanging around ever since. We meet every Monday from 7-9 at the church. There are so many wonderful stories and experiences I could share but the most important component of this program are the fabulous people pictured here and many, many others who didn’t make the shot. My relationship with them is unique to each individual and a priceless treasure.
4 hours later 19 new Catholics. Another Easter Vigil under our belts… and each one is a profound experience. I borrowed a super-fast lens from my friend Trish to take some pictures in the low light… They are all posted on the St. Stans’ RCIA page at www.kellirocha.com, but this particular shot was memorable for me. Fr. Ramon’s homily was very motivational and he even had the congregation and his fellow priests and the deacons on their feet shouting Alleluia and applauding. Leroy joined me this year and was kept busy as an usher.
This photograph is probably my favorite from the night. This is Cameron’s Confirmation.
In preparation for the Easter Vigil (April 3rd) I borrowed a very fast lens from my friend Trish and did some trial, low light shots of the church this evening after RCIA. This lens is a fix 50 mm 1.4f. SWEET! I can’t believe how true the lighting and the color came out. Granted that using a lens that fast requires a steady hand and the results would be better with a tri-pod (which I desperately need) but I thought this one turned out pretty well. The glass portion (behind the altar) is a new addition so I was very excited to include it in the frame. I look forward to shooting at the Vigil and have some basic settings marked down so I won’t need to do too many adjustments during the mass. Check back after April 3rd to see my favorite one.
Tonight is my second favorite Monday night in RCIA. We attended the annual “Tour of the Church” and our first tour of the new church. I went a little early and did some low light photography. I don’t have a decent tri-pod right now, so I simply set my camera around on various flat surfaces and set the self timer. The church is magnificent and I was thrilled to see that the Christmas decorations were still up. The red in the the Poinsettias is really beautiful with the background of the neutral tones.
This is a unique perspective. Not everyone gets this view. This shot is from the Ambo where the Word is proclaimed by the priests and lectors. (Only imagine it full of people.)
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