EAST CHICAGO – Plenty of smiles and hugs were seen as graduates of the former Holy Trinity School returned to the location on Oct. 1, taking advantage of an invitation to attend an Alumni Mass and Reception. The school along Carey Street in East Chicago was first opened in September 1918 and closed in 1992.
Father Terry Steffens, administrator of Holy Trinity Croatian, greeted alumni as they entered the church and was pleased to hear that the occasion brought 50-plus alumni to the parish. He explained the idea for the special celebration developed from the recent Synod 2021 process.
Father Steffens began the Mass by pointing out that what can be fascinating to consider is that “a lot has happened in our lives since our grade school days.”
“It’s called change,” he said, “and we are encouraged today by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to be open to change.”
During his homily he discussed the different ways people sometimes keep a journal. For example, those who travel may keep a journal where they can articulate places and locations they visit. He also acknowledged that when individuals go on a spiritual retreat they can be asked to keep a prayer journal. However, Father Steffens challenged those in attendance to consider maintaining a different type of journal – a sin journal.
He suggested that during grade school is perhaps when people start to learn about the 10 Commandments, examining their conscience, going to confession and the idea of penance, but the teachings shouldn't end there. A sin journal, he said, could help the faithful “to move from what sins we tend to gravitate toward or are stuck in over the long haul.”
He added, “The sacrament of Holy Communion is the proclamation of our openness to be updated in a state of mercy. Not simply to be forgiven of our sins, but also to be open to growth in ways God’s love reveals in Christ.”
Before the alumni were invited to head upstairs to continue fellowship and enjoy a variety of appetizers and baked goods, Father Steffens ended the Mass with a special blessing.
“Although the school is closed, the spirit of the school lives on as the alumni gathered today,” he said. “We ask you to bless all of our alumni with deeper faith, that they may be updated in the maturning oneness they are all called to through baptism.”
Rose Smith, class of ’58, lives right across the street from Holy Trinity parish. Having grown up so close to the church, she said her family often attended prayer devotions so “it seems like we were here a lot.”
Smith spoke fondly of the women religious that resided at the church, even remembering accompanying one on the train to Chicago for a medical appointment. She shared that the nuns often came to her house to watch the late-Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, a respected teacher and gifted orator from Illinois, on television, and her mother would bake for them.
While reflecting on her school days, Smith said that she and a few friends were once being “bad girls” exclaiming how much they loved Elvis Presely in the street so one of the nuns made them write the singer’s name 100 times as a punishment.
“We all had such a good time,” she said. “We were all close.”
“I wouldn't have missed this for the world. It’s a wonderful opportunity,” she added, referring to the chance to gather with friends.
Mary Plesna, of Highland, graduated in 1950, 73 years ago. What she remembered most about her days in elementary school was how her sister was only a grade level behind her so every other year they were in class together.
“Which wasn’t good for her because I would tattle on her,” she said.
Plesna enjoyed the fact that the class sizes were small and said “it was a wonderful place to be” before moving on to attend Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond. She brought two of her children with her to the alumni gathering – her son Terry, who graduated in 1973, and her daughter Renee, who graduated in 1977.
Ellen Sadler, of Homewood, Ill., recalled the school having a great sense of community. She graduated in 1958 where many of her cousins did as well. She said having the opportunity to meet with old classmates was “just wonderful.”
Sally McMan, class of ’67, sat at the same table near Sadler during the reception. She said she would never forget the guidance and teachings of Father Bogovich.
“He was incredible, and I don’t think you find that today.” she said.
Cynthia Rivas, who helped organize the event, said she often heard people talk about the parish’s former pastor, Monsignor Paul Bogovich, and the school. Hearing those discussions influenced her to find a way for the community to connect.
With help from her son, they created a Holy Trinity Croatian Alumni social media page on Facebook to reach out to former students and recently used it to generate interest for the Alumni Mass and Reception.
“We really love connecting with people,” she said. “When people haven’t been to church I try to encourage them or if they haven’t baptized their children I say, “Let us help you.”
Rivas said sometimes that is enough to “open the door” and the families will stay connected to the parish. Other times people may feel unworthy to join the church but she always tries to stress that God is forgiving. It's about “enriching them and helping them grow,” she stated.
Rivas, one of the parish’s religious education directors, said the church does have CCD classes available and recently celebrated the graduation of five individuals, who were baptized and confirmed at the parish.
Holy Trinity is now looking ahead to its celebration for All Souls Day where it will have a table set up during the month of November for photos and other items of those who have passed to be displayed.
As to whether or not there will be more opportunities for graduates of Holy Trinity School to gather together, Rivas said she expects the alumni event will be held the same time every year, the first weekend in October.
“We can tell them now, ‘Save the date next year’ and they will come,” she said.
Caption: For the first time, Holy Trinity Croatian hosted an Alumni Mass and Reception for graduates of the former school on Oct. 1. The event brought together 50 graduates to reconnect with the East Chicago parish. (Provided photo)