Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child achieved a historic milestone on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, as twenty-seven members of the Class of 2026 were commissioned as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion during a Mass held in the Mother Mary Campion Center for the Performing Arts. This marks the largest group in the school’s 100-year history to be entrusted with this sacred responsibility.

The Mass, celebrated by Father Anthony Randazzo, Pastor of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, was the culmination of the juniors’ Eucharistic preparation program. Through this program, these students are now trained to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion during school Masses, deepening their connection to their faith and community.

Initiated at Oak Knoll in 1989, the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion program invites students to partake in an intensive process during the spring. Applicants are required to submit thoughtful essays on the significance of the Sacrament of Eucharist and the Ministry of Communion, participate in interviews, and complete specialized training before being commissioned.

This year’s newly commissioned Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion include Madison Martin ’26, Ella Dunn ’26, Emma Walters ’26, Emma Hager ’26, Grace Chipperson ’26, Heather DeCesare ’26, Alexandra Sparno ’26, Braeden Roelke ’26, Elizabeth Van Orden ’26, Lilly McMahon ’26, Alexandra Striffler ’26, Caroline Monks ’26, Erin Traynor ’26, Katherine Criqui ’26, Charlotte Conte ’26, Annie Tobin ’26, Keira McGowan ’26, Maris McGinty ’26, Quinn McNany ’26, Grace Bienstock ’26, Gwen Bell ’26, Catherine Luzzi ’26, Carly Caesar ’26, Magdalene Battista ’26, Victoria DaSilva ’26, Madelyn Parks ’26, and Emmanuella Chukwukere ’26.

Oak Knoll’s Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion program continues to nurture students’ spiritual growth and reflects the school’s enduring commitment to fostering servant leadership and active faith. With one additional junior scheduled to be commissioned next week, the number of newly certified ministers highlights the sense of community celebrated during Oak Knoll’s centennial. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on this incredible achievement!