![Blessing of a finished project.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1696441317/stsebs/xirrak6fyo8ocu2opaoy/093023_ArrowsRise-Dedication-007.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1696441317/stsebs/xirrak6fyo8ocu2opaoy/093023_ArrowsRise-Dedication-007.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1696441317/stsebs/xirrak6fyo8ocu2opaoy/093023_ArrowsRise-Dedication-007.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1696441317/stsebs/xirrak6fyo8ocu2opaoy/093023_ArrowsRise-Dedication-007.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1696441317/stsebs/xirrak6fyo8ocu2opaoy/093023_ArrowsRise-Dedication-007.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1696441317/stsebs/xirrak6fyo8ocu2opaoy/093023_ArrowsRise-Dedication-007.jpg","width":2200}])
On Saturday, September 30, donors of the Arrows Rise project, their families, and members of the St. Sebastian’s community, gathered to bless and dedicate Arrows Rise, the School’s newly constructed football and lacrosse field viewing space. The project has significantly improved spectator safety and the spectator experience for our loyal fans and also provides a shared space for our entire community.
Headmaster Burke began the ceremony thanking the Lord for “more gifts and blessings than we can count.” He reflected on the naming of Arrows Rise, “What a fabulous name: In Church and in Chapel, we ask our Arrows to Rise and together we pray the Our Father and we sing…such hymns as Rise Up, O Men of God. We pray that our dearly departed rise to heaven. Rise, a verb, a call to action. Rise, a noun, a denotation of elevation. Meet me at Arrows Rise.” Headmaster Burke thanked all who were involved in the project, giving so freely and fully of their time and talent. Trustee and campaign co-chair, Tara Ciongoli P’25’25’27’29, and Kerry Frisoli P’17’19’21’22’26, wife of trustee and campaign co-chair Mike Frisoli, were invited to unveil the Arrows Rise plaque, located on the upper level of the Rise, followed by a blessing of the space by Fr. John Arens.
Tara Ciongoli gave a heartfelt speech, thanking the group assembled, and shared why this project spoke so powerfully to her family, touching on three important things that were embodied in the Arrows Rise Project: “Our love of our boys, and particularly our love of watching them play sports”; “Our love of Seb’s. How meaningful Seb’s is to our entire family, and this was one perfect way to give back to the school we love”; and “the incredible power of friendship and community. The way watching sports has an incredible effect of bringing a community together. The fact that Arrow Rise is now playing a small part in that, is so meaningful to us.”
Board President Jim Elcock '77, P'08 concluded the blessing and dedication, thanking Tara and Mike for spearheading the campaign, and recognizing the wonderful families whose incredible support of the project made Arrows Rise a reality.
Following the dedication, guests made their way across the football field for a reception before returning to Arrows Rise to watch our football team lead in a 35-7 win over Nobles.
