Every year, Seton School in Manassas dedicates a week in November to prepare for the feast of Christ the King. Throughout the week, students have the opportunity to celebrate themed days in order to win “spirit” points for their class in hopes of winning Spirit Week.

While the students look forward to the friendly competition and change of pace, the highlight of the week is when Seton students, faculty, staff and families come together to celebrate the feast of Christ the King. Seton begins the commemoration by attending Mass, celebrated this year by Father Mark E. Moretti, parochial vicar of Christ the Redeemer Church in Sterling.

The priest then takes the Blessed Sacrament and slowly makes his way out of the school as the altar boys hold a canopy above him and the school band plays the hymn, “Lift High the Cross.”

The student body then follows in a solemn procession around the block in silent prayer. Once the students make their way back into the building, the school makes a consecration to the Sacred Heart. The priest celebrates benediction and leads prayers.

Father Moretti then takes the Blessed Sacrament to the chapel as the entire student body stands and sings the hymn, “An Army of Youth.”

The final event of the week is the Enthronement Dance on Saturday evening, where students come together for a festive night of dancing and celebrating Christ the King. The theme of the dance may change from year to year, but one thing that remains constant is the beautifully decorated chapel, lit with candles, welcomes anyone who seeks peace and time with Our Lord in the midst of the celebration.

Many blessings and graces come from this special week dedicated to Christ. It allows Seton students to become united as an “Army of Youth” while fixing their hearts on the importance of “fighting for Christ, the Lord … on earth’s battlefield.”