Day 11 - Closing Time

The boys arrived to Our Lady of the Atonement Parish at 8:15 am this morning to sing their final two Masses of the 2008-9 season. After such a warm reception last night, it was no surprise to us to have such an enthusiastic congregation, genuinely excited about the boys' presence. The clapped after each selection - even during the Mass - and again gave the boys a standing ovation after their three postlude pieces. Fr. Bob Remark (a former pastor of Mr. Heywood's from a different parish) acknowledged the boys in his homily by talking about their openness to let the spirit share their gift of music with those around them, allowing them to move and inspire others. He also took time to recognize the graduates for their years of service to the choir, as well as the staff who work so hard to help the boys achieve their fullest potential.

Boys were treated to receptions after each liturgy and then a lunch after the later Mass. At one of the receptions, they received a gift from a Member of Parliament (the equivalent of a House Representative) - a Canadian flag and Canadian pins that the boys sported in their white shirts for the remainder of the day. After lunch, it was time to bid farewell to their new brothers and sisters from Atonement Parish.

After lunch the boys checked in to the Riverside Radission Hotel for their final night of tour. First item on the agenda - some pool time! The boys took part in relay races, making whirlpools, some ball games and other typical pool affair. Others sat in the hot tub and took some time to relax before dinner. The boys dressed up in their blacks and whites and spent some time walking along the Detroit River enjoying the view of the Detroit skyline. They then headed to a restaurant for a dinner of either chicken fingers, burgers or a Mexican chili pizza.

They all headed back to the hotel for the final official activity of tour. The boys met in one of the hotel conference rooms and voted for this year's Leadership Award winner. They then received SJBC wristbands, which they had been giving away to other young people over the past 11 days, but not finally have one of their own. They also received their funny individual awards, picked by the staff and the 8th graders. The graduates then each had a few moments to share a few words with the younger boys, talking a bit about their SJBC experience and how much it meant to them. Tears were shed by just about everyone as old stories were retold and life lessons were shared. Mrs. Weber had the final word thanking the boys for all they've done this year. It really has been a pretty special year.

After all that, it was time for some more swimming! Mr. Heywood and Mr. Kleespie gave the boys a little extra swimming time for the last night of tour, and finally got everyone to bed (or at least in their rooms!) by 10:00 pm. Tomorrow, we head home to Saint John's. See you soon!