The Junior Mass of Unity and the Class Ring Tradition Celebrating Brotherhood, Legacy, and Lifelong Connection

Each fall, De La Salle juniors gather with their families and teachers for a moment that marks both reflection and belonging — the Junior Mass of Unity. It’s more than a ceremony; it’s a rite of passage. During this Mass, students receive their De La Salle class rings, a tradition that connects them to generations of Spartans who came before them and those who will follow.

For Len Gollnick ’70, the ring he received more than five decades ago still carries deep meaning. “Those formative years helped shape who you become,” Len shared. “Not everyone bought a ring back then — some thought it was too expensive or planned to get one in college — but to me, it was never just jewelry. It was a symbol of lifelong brotherhood.”

That brotherhood, Len says, has endured through the years and across continents. He recalls reconnecting with classmates who still proudly wear their DLS rings — and even being recognized by one while traveling in Italy. “It’s a reminder of the connection we share,” he said, “and of how deeply De La Salle has shaped us.”

More than fifty years later, today’s students carry that same sense of pride and connection. At the 2023 Mass of Unity, Conor McCabe ’25 spoke to his classmates about the meaning of receiving their rings:

“By receiving these rings, we are accepting the responsibility to represent our school and exemplify true Lasallian and Spartan beliefs. We are committed to becoming hardworking, resilient men of faith who enter to learn and will leave to serve.”

For Conor, the ring represented resilience — a symbol of how his class had weathered challenges together and emerged stronger. “Wear these rings with pride,” he told his peers, “knowing that you will forever be a De La Salle Spartan.”

At the 2024 ceremony, Mayan Lopez ’26 built on that message, reminding his brothers that their rings also stand for courage, unity, and shared purpose.

“Your ring symbolizes a bond that ties you to the Brotherhood of Spartans, past and present. It represents not only excellence, but also your commitment to one another — to stand side by side, to lift each other up, and to face adversity together.”

From Len Gollnick’s class of 1970 to today’s juniors, the Mass of Unity continues to honor what makes De La Salle unique: faith, brotherhood, and the call to serve. Each ring carries more than metal — it carries memories, meaning, and a lifelong reminder that once you are a Spartan, you are always a Spartan.

Here’s to all Spartans past, present, and future — may your rings remind you of the brotherhood you’ve built, the faith you carry, and the community that will always stand beside you.