It was a day of celebration for the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology as the community came together for the Commissioning Mass, an annual event that includes prayers for those who have completed their studies and are heading out into ministry.
The Mass, celebrated by Regis College President Gordon Rixon, saw classmates, faculty, alumni and staff gather in the St. Joseph Chapel at Regis. Before Mass began, Master of Divinity student Stephanie Schtein, one of the graduands, offered a welcome to those assembled.
In his homily, Fr. Rixon told the graduands, “The Church is waiting for you,” adding that the students will serve as “voices of hope and faith” in the world, helping people to “discover the joy and fullness of their own living.”
Doctoral candidate Sr. Carla Thomas, OP, shared a reflection on behalf of the students, linked the day’s readings, which spoke of dying to sin and living in Christ, as relevant to our time, and especially to the work of theologians as flowing from cooperation with God. God’s great commission to love God and neighbour prompts us to ask how we are sharing the gifts that we have to renew and restore life, she added, noting that theological study offers the tools with which to think through questions and the ways to find answers.
Describing her time at RSM as “a journey rich in more ways than I can count,” Sr. Carla cited new friendships and the support of faculty and staff as valuable aspects of her years studying.
A total of 26 graduands were commissioned. Those in attendance stepped forward and faced the congregation as prayers were offered by all assembled on their behalf. They then were given a book celebrating 2025 as a Jubilee Year based on the theme of hope and were presented with a yellow rose.
Following Mass, RSM Dean Jaroslav Skira described the day as one of “joy and gladness,” offering thanks to all who had helped, including the choir and musicians, as well as the student life and student council committees.
He also expressed “hearty congratulations and blessings” to the graduands, calling them “people of service,” noting they are bearing witness, blessed with the wisdom and insight of how to be a source of encouragement to a troubled world.
The dean concluded with an invitation for all to attend the reception, where goodbyes were said, emails exchanged and promises to keep in touch were all part of the conversation.
