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.”