HOLY SPIRIT SCHOOL OF TAGBILARAN

BACCALAUREATE MASS
APRIL 8, 2025 | HSST Chapel
Presider: His Excellency Most Rev. Alberto S. Uy

Theme: “HSST Empowering Future Ready Learners Through Holistic Development, Faith,
Innovation, and Sustainability”

Introduction (Bucad & Matu-od):

[Together] My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, a blessed day to all!

[Matu-od] Achievement is not measured by medals alone nor an individual triumph—it is the
fulfillment of a legacy, the continuation of a vision, and the realization of dreams nurtured by those
who came before us. Today, as we stand on the threshold of new beginnings, united as one
faith-filled community, we gather to celebrate our remarkable achievements as completers and
graduates of Kindergarten 2, Grade 6, Grade 10, and Grade 12 for the academic year 2024-2025.

[Bucad] As we gather together for this Baccalaureate Mass, we embrace the legacy of our founders,
whose vision continues to guide us. Their mission lives on in our triumphs, inspiring us to move
forward with purpose.

[Matu-od] Like St. Arnold Janssen, who built a legacy of faith in God, holistic development and
service; these have laid a strong foundation in each one of us making us empowered future ready
learners.

[Bucad] In the same way,St. Joseph Freinademetz saw no borders in his mission, embracing
people of all cultures and backgrounds; we too have learned that knowledge and service have no
limits, challenging us to live out his spirituality by welcoming others with open hearts.

[Matu-od] Just as Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk whose deep faith empowered many, we have
devoted ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, growing through every lesson, project,
and achievement into individuals guided by purpose and faith.

[Bucad] Just as Blessed Josepha Stenmanns embodied humility, perseverance, and love in her
service to others, we have learned that true achievement is measured not by accolades alone but by
the lives we touch and the difference we make.

[Matu-od] As we lift our hearts in gratitude to the Triune God for everything,may this Eucharistic
celebration remind us that our gifts and achievements are blessings from God and these are meant
to be shared to others for the greater good. Let us offer all these back to God, the source of all
goodness so that we will find meaning and sense of purpose in all that we do.

[Together] With joyful hearts and grateful spirits, let us now stand and sing our entrance hymn.

FIRST READING (Basco): Numbers 21:4-9

RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Piollo & Vallespin): Ps 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21
GOSPEL READING: John 8:21-30
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL: (Symbolic Offering)

Presider: Gracious and compassionate God, we come before You today with hearts full of
thanksgiving. We reflect on the symbols that mark the significant moments in our lives,
recognizing your constant presence in these milestones. We ask for your guidance and
light as we continue on our journey. Grant us the wisdom to recognize the many
blessings you've bestowed upon us and the humility to use them for your glory. As we
 offer these symbols, may our prayers be heard and our hopes be lifted in your loving
care. In your holy name, we pray…

“With grateful hearts, we place ourselves before you, O Lord.”

1.​ PENCIL, PENS, AND NOTEBOOK - Loving God, we thank You for the gift of creativity and
the opportunity to learn. Today, we lift up the learners' perseverance and growth. May we be
inspired to cultivate a love for learning that never fades, finding joy in knowledge and wisdom.
May we use the tools we’ve been given to reflect the values of integrity and curiosity. We also
pray for our ability to balance academic growth with personal development, understanding the
power of our minds to shape the future. We pray...​

Response: “With grateful hearts, we place ourselves before you, O Lord.”

2.​ DIPLOMAS - God of wisdom and knowledge, we lift up to You the diplomas we will receive,
symbols of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth. But beyond the pages and ink,
they represent the countless hours our teachers have spent shaping our minds, challenging
our thinking, and inspiring us to strive for excellence. We thank You for the educators who
have dedicated their lives to teaching, not just in the classroom but through their patience,
guidance, and belief in our potential. May we always honor their efforts by continuing to seek
wisdom, by using what we have learned for good, and by carrying forward the lessons they
have imparted to us with integrity and purpose. We pray…

“With grateful hearts, we place ourselves before you, O Lord.”

3.​ PLANT - God of new beginnings, as we prepare for the future, we lift up our parents who
have nurtured, guided, and supported us along this journey. We thank You for their love,
sacrifices, and constant encouragement. They have planted the seeds of wisdom and faith in
our hearts, helping us grow into the people we are today. We pray that You bless them with
peace and joy, knowing their hard work has borne fruit, and that they feel Your love in all the
moments they have supported their children. We pray...

Response:“With grateful hearts, we place ourselves before you, O Lord.”

4.​ MEDALS - Lord, as we recognize achievements through medals and awards, we

acknowledge that these honors are not ours alone. They are the fruits of the encouragement,
guidance, and sacrifices of our teachers, mentors, and families who have supported us every
step of the way. May these symbols of excellence remind us that success is not just about
personal gain but about using our talents for the greater good. Bless all those who have
mentored us, who have challenged us to be better, and who have believed in us even when
we doubt ourselves. May we carry their teachings in our hearts as we strive to make a
meaningful impact in the world. We pray…

Response:“With grateful hearts, we place ourselves before you, O Lord.”

5.​ TOGA AND STOLE - Compassionate God, as we reflect on the TOGA AND STOLE that we
will soon receive, we are reminded of the journey that has brought us to this moment. These
garments symbolize the years of learning, growth, and perseverance that have shaped us.
They represent not just our academic achievements but the personal transformation we have
 undergone, the friendships we’ve formed, the lessons we’ve learned, and the strength we’ve
gained. Our teachers, through their guidance and care, have helped shape us into who we
are today. As we approach the next chapter of our lives, may we carry forward the lessons of
discipline, responsibility, and compassion that have been instilled in us, ready to embrace the
future with hope and purpose. We pray…

Response: “With grateful hearts, we place ourselves before you, O Lord.”

6.​ SCHOOL LOGO - As we gather today to celebrate our accomplishments, we give heartfelt
thanks for the gift of knowledge provided by our beloved Holy Spirit School of Tagbilaran. For
nearly a century, this institution has been a beacon of learning and wisdom for the Boholano
community. We pray that it continues to be a vessel of blessings, guiding future generations
with its commitment to Trinitarian values, transformative teaching, and a global
perspective.May every student who walks through its doors be equipped with not only
knowledge but also wisdom, integrity, and compassion to shape a brighter, more just world.
May they emerge as thoughtful leaders, ready to make meaningful contributions to society
and the global community. We pray that the legacy of Holy Spirit School endures, inspiring
others to follow its example and empowering individuals to live out the values of faith, service,
and excellence. We pray…

Response:“With grateful hearts, we place ourselves before you, O Lord.”

Presider: Gracious and loving God, we thank You for hearing our prayers and for Your unwavering
presence in our lives. As we stand at this pivotal moment, we reflect on the symbols of
our journey—each one a reminder of Your guidance, grace, and love. We ask this
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

COMMUNION
COMMUNION SONGS:
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Commentator: Learners are requested to please stand!
(Ms. Himalaloan will light the candle from the flame of the big candle in the altar,
after which the governors will start to move forward to light their candles from Ms.
Himalaloan’s candle.)

Sr. Remedios Socorro Aunzo SSpS: ‘Life is a journey and not a destination’ and at each stage in
life there are ‘entry’ and ‘exit’ stations. Though each leave-taking is painful, it opens up potential for
growth, like an egg must break for new life to begin. At the kindergarten stage our tiny footsteps
walked shyly through our campus. As we grew up and crossed grade school, junior and senior high
school stages, we came running with enthusiasm to interact and learn with friends and classmates.
All these years have seasoned us in physical and mental discipline, nurtured our talents and
developed skills necessary for life, service and social adjustment. The journey in this school is
almost over and time has come to say ‘goodbye’ to all that was dear to us in school – the persons,
experiences, events, thrills and frills of school life.

Presider: Dear learners as you continue your journey of life be assured there is someone more
awesome and trustworthy who will walk beside you always if you only trust and entrust
yourselves to the promise of Jesus ‘I am with you always’.
May God's blessing follow you all as you find new journeys to travel. May you walk safely
along the pathways of your dreams. May his gentle hand guide the decisions you will
make and the passions that you follow. May your hearts and lives always reflect his love
and truth. Amen.
Learners’ Oath:
(Each student will hold high a lighted candle (lit from the main candle) as they recite the oath
together with the leader)

(To be recited by all)

Oh, Holy Triune God, on this day of our school life we promise to be true to our Alma Mater.

(To be recited by K2-Learners)

We will cherish the happy moments spent in this school. We also promise to be simple in our
choices and in the way we live and relate with others.

(To be recited by the Gr.6 Learners)

We will live by the Trinitarian values instilled in us by our teachers and share the love and care we
have received with those we will encounter in the world.

(To be recited by Gr.10 Learners)

We promise that in our own little way, we radiate Your presence to others by respecting one another
regardless of sex, social status, religion and age.

(To be recited by Gr.12 Learners)

With the Spirit of Fortitude, we will respond to the issues on women, fellow youth, Indigenous
Peoples and ecology.

(To be recited by all)

O Holy Triune God, we thank You for the gift of knowledge and wisdom that we have acquired from
this institution. Thank You for the spiritual transformation that this school has provided us. As we
immerse ourselves into the world, we hope that your Son Jesus, together with ever blessed Mother
Mary, and with Saint Arnold and Saint Joseph, Blessed Maria Helena, and Blessed Josepha will be
there to guide us. We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Commentator: Everybody is requested to lay his/ her right hand over the Completers and
Graduating Learners​

Presider: To you our dear completers and graduating learners, as you continue your journey in life,
continue to live the truth in the spirit of love.
Let us invoke the Holy Spirit to come upon these completers to enlighten them and guide
them.
Song: Holy Spirit...
CONCLUDING RITE
FINAL BLESSING

WORDS OF THANKS (Carpenteros):

[To be sung by Orgil]
Happy to let you know

You make me glow, I feel so good, it's true

So glad that I have you

You love me so, now all is bright

I'll always thank you for the glow and thank you for the joy

Thank you for the love you give to me

 I'm glowing, glowing inside with your love shining through

Thank you for everything you do

I'm glowing inside because of you

With hearts full of gratitude, we stand here today, not just as completers and graduates, but as
individuals shaped by the love, wisdom, and guidance of those who have walked this journey with
us. Today’s Baccalaureate Mass has been a beautiful reminder that our achievements are not ours
alone but are the fruits of sacrifices, prayers, and unwavering support.

First and foremost, we thank God, whose divine providence has carried us through every challenge
and triumph. Through Him, we have found strength in moments of doubt, courage in times of
difficulty, and joy in every success.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Bishop Alberto S. Uy for presiding over this Eucharistic
celebration. Your presence and inspiring words have filled our hearts with renewed faith and
purpose. Thank you for reminding us that our education and achievements should be used in the
service of God and others.

To our beloved parents and guardians, your love, patience, and sacrifices have been the foundation
of our education. Every early morning wake-up call, every word of encouragement, and every silent
prayer you have offered for us have been our pillars of strength. Today, we share this achievement
with you.

To our dear teachers and school administrators, your dedication and passion have not only
sharpened our minds but have also shaped our values and character. You have been our mentors,
guiding us not just in academics but in life. You have instilled in us the spirit of faith, service, and
excellence, and for that, we are forever grateful.

A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Marivic Tocmo with the HSST Choir, making this celebration more
solemn and meaningful. We are also deeply grateful to Ms. Marivic Domingo and Sr. Lilia Masalta,
SSPS, for their dedication in preparing the chapel and creating a sacred and welcoming space for
this special occasion. To Sir Junjun Niñofranco, thank you for your invaluable assistance in
managing the sound system. Your efforts have made this celebration truly unforgettable.

As we move forward, let us carry the lessons we have learned, the values we have embraced, and
the faith that has guided us. May we continue to live out the spirit of Truth in Love and use our
education not just for personal success but for the service of others. With grateful hearts, we offer all
that we are and all that we have become back to God, trusting that He will lead us to a future filled
with purpose and grace.

Thank you, and may God bless us all!

[To be sung by everyone]

So I must thank you for the glow and thank you for the joy
Thank you for the love you give to me
I'm glowing, glowing inside with your love shining through
Thank you for everything you do
I'm glowing inside because of you