By: Joshua Solomon, '21
Mrs. Rachel Kass is the new Theology teacher for the 11th grade. She is a very pleasant person who is passionate about her work and very dedicated. Mrs. Kass comes to us from Ursuline Academy. We’re excited to introduce her to you as our first Teacher Spotlight for the year.
JS: How has your experience been so far with the students of Holy Cross?
RK: I have been very impressed by the young men of Holy Cross. I love to incorporate discussions in my classroom and every time I have, I heard an insight I had never thought about before. It makes me look forward to the rest of the year!
JS: Why did you choose Holy Cross?
RK: I have worked with students of Holy Cross as a coach for TeenCROSS in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. I always saw the men as compassionate, intelligent, and kind people. There is a very noticeable character a Holy Cross man has that sets him apart from other schools in the city. When I heard of a job opening in the theology department, I had to put my resume in!
JS: Was Theology your first choice of subject to teach?
RK: Yes it was! When I think about how I want to spend my time in the world, I can’t think of a more rewarding and interesting subject to teach. I love to watch young people learn and grow, but I especially love seeing a deepening of their spiritual lives. I think it’s a beautiful journey to witness.
JS: What is one thing that you like to do when you’re not teaching?
RK: If I had to pick only one thing, I’d say spending time with my family. Both of my parents are one of eight children – so I have a lot of family in the area! My favorite days are when we all get together.
JS: If you could have one superpower what would it be?
RK: I think I’d like to have the ability to stop time. There are so many moments that go by so fast, I’d like to have the chance to stop and appreciate them more as they are happening.
JS: If you could visit one place in the world where would it be and why?
RK: I would love to go back to Assisi, Italy. I visited the town during a pilgrimage retreat eight years ago, but I was so young I don’t think I appreciated it the way I would now. I attended a Franciscan university, so St. Francis and St. Clare have a special place in my spirituality. I’d really like to go back now that I’m more mature.
JS: Where do you see yourself in twenty years from today?
RK: I see myself more firmly rooted in my community. I’ve lived a lot of places and only recently settled down into marriage, my own home, and the beginning of a family. I really look forward to growing my family and becoming a presence in my school, church, and neighborhood. I hope in twenty years I can look back and see that I have done that.
JS: If you could meet one celebrity who would it be and why?
RK: I really wish I could have met Anthony Bourdain (celebrity chef and author). He was a writer, traveler, and chef. I admire his openness to other people and cultures and his ability to be at ease with whatever company he was keeping. I think it would have been great to get dinner with him!
JS: Congratulations on the pregnancy! When is your baby due?
RK: I’m in my seventh month – the home stretch! My husband and I are expecting her to arrive on November 6.
JS: Do you have any names picked out for the baby?
RK: Yes! We chose Winona Day Songy; Songy is my husband’s last name. Winona means “first daughter”—accurate -- and we loved the nicknames Winnie and Nona. We also decided to honor Dorothy Day as her patron saint because of her commitment to peace and justice. I hope Winnie will look up to her the same way my husband and I do.
Welcome to the family, Ms. Kass! We encourage everyone to stop by and say hello!