On the evening of Friday October 23rd, members of the Kellenberg Memorial community gathered together for an evening of praise, worship, and fellowship, marking the first XLT of the 2020-2021 school year. This occasion was a particularly joyous one, because it was the first XLT that has been held since March 11, 2020. No one knew during that final XLT what the next few months would hold, let alone that it would be the last time the community would be able to gather in person and in prayer together for a long time to come. But in spite of social distancing, the closeness of this community and the joy that was expressed by all was truly something to behold.
Mr. Eric Harnisch explained, “It was a very special XLT for our students. To be able to be back gives our students some sense of closure after everything stopped so suddenly last spring and to once again be able to be a part of an event they love so much.”
With the XLT Band and Gregorian Consortium in full force, under the direction of Mr. Matthew Bursig, the evening’s tone was set with great music and an atmosphere of prayer. Mr. Bursig shared, “We were so blessed to be able to join together in a special night of prayer, song, and community. I was so proud of our musicians as they brought their talents and faith to XLT and of their devotion to Christian music and Eucharistic Adoration.” Many of the clubs and organizations at Kellenberg have had to resort to remote meetings, to ensure the safety of the community at large. But preparing and rehearsing for a performance this way is no easy task. Mr. Bursig elaborated, “We only were able to hold a few virtual meetings and had very limited rehearsal prior to the event.”
In addition to wonderful music, Mr. Shaun Moran ’04 was the guest speaker. Sharing his heart with the students and parents of the Kellenberg community, he expressed the true gift we have in the Eucharist. And after so many months of having to be without Mass, his message resonated with all present.
“Events like this, during these special times, are important,” Mr. Bursig remarked. “Although we have to be socially distanced, we don’t have to be distanced from our faith. And although our friend or neighbor may be 6-12 feet away, we are still sharing in the community of love, faith, and support for each other. That is Kellenberg. That is the Church.”