At Our Lady of Consolation, soon-to-be Andrean High School graduates heard Bishop Robert J. McClory give a spiritual perspective on a pandemic protocol students became familiar with in recent years, during his homily at the traditional farewell Mass.
“Contact tracing” was a key point in the bishop’s remarks at the Merrillville church on May 31, the first of the three diocesan high school Baccalaureate Masses held in different locations.
During Bishop McClory’s comments, many students nodded in recognition as he described the efforts made to identify everyone a person may have been in close proximity to who could have passed on the coronavirus.
The diocesan shepherd said there is a spiritual and, therefore, “far more superior” version of contact tracing.
“In many ways we will never see (it) until we pass on from this life and, pray God, are given our heavenly reward. That is: all the lives we have touched and all the impact that we have – all the love, the faith and prayer and joy and service and friendship and support and compassion and works of mercy and acts of generosity that a lifetime can accomplish,” said Bishop McClory.
“That kind of contact tracing, if one could do it, would be beautiful to behold,” he concluded.
Outgoing Andrean senior Joe Calacci has observed that dynamic of care, prayer and perspective during the two years he spent at 5959 Broadway in Merrillville after transferring from a public school.
“I like the faith and family that comes with going to a school like Andrean,” Calacci said. “I’m excited for the future.”
Calacci plans on studying business management at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Best buddies Antonio Barnes and Charlie Koeppen stood by Calacci as they greeted friends and family after the liturgy. They each played on the 59ers football team that made two state championship appearances.
According to Barnes, their prayer, study and football feats created a solid, “family bond.”
“I came from public school; I transferred to Andrean. I know they’re not doing something like this – coming here to Mass with everyone. It’s really great,” Barnes said, before offering a shout-out of appreciation to his parents.
Nearby, three friends and St. Michael the Archangel, Schererville, graduates – Isabella Cuadra, Ryese Evanatz and Jacalyn Roberts – recalled zany episodes such as accidentally tripping their science teacher and football coach Chris Skinner in his classroom.
But there was also reflection on more serious matters. Evanatz identified with the words of the bishop’s homily on what was the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“I liked when the bishop talked about how Mary went on her journey to help her cousin and how she made haste to see her. I feel like I would make haste for my friends, too,” Evanatz said.
Soon-to-be Bishop Noll Institute graduates joined family members and friends on June 1 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary.
It was a warm morning, with many parents and students fanning themselves in the cathedral as Bishop McClory spoke about the lifelong memories and faith-inspiring moments many have shared about the Catholic School in Hammond.
Staying cool as he hung out after Mass with his brothers, Xavier Zuckley said he feels things are moving fast.
“It’s kind of surreal – this is the last all-school Mass where we’re all together now, but we all will go our different ways,” Zukley said.
He is one of four boys who were educated at Our Lady of Grace School in Highland and is a graduate or currently enrolled at BNI.
Tina Zuckley, the brothers’ mother, said their education has been an investment in the things that really matter.
“It’s a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but it’s worth it in the end to have them exposed to what we believe,” Tina Zuckley said. “If you want to make it happen and want your children to learn what being Catholic, spirituality and what hope and faith are, you can make it possible.”
Xavier Zuckley, more than 6-feet-tall, will be attending Aurora University (Ill.) on a volleyball scholarship and will study business.
Tracing back the contacts she has made during her years as a Warrior, Butler University-bound Aleni Vasquez said the many memories seem longer than the road that stretches into the future.
“It’s a little bittersweet moment,” explained Vasquez. “I’m excited about the future and college but, sadly, I’m leaving my friends and the school that I love so much.
Bishop McClory celebrated a Baccalaureate Mass at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Michigan City on June 7, with 58 future Marquette Catholic High School alumni present.
The bishop stressed the importance of staying connected with the Lord and others, relating it to the evening’s Gospel from John. “Jesus reveals He is the vine, His Father is the vine grower and we’re told to remain in Jesus … Ultimately, it’s a reminder of our connectedness to Christ and to each other,” said Bishop McClory.
“We don’t know how that vine is going to exactly look or the number of people you’ll have an impact upon,” the bishop added.
Chloe Wozniak admitted there were times she struggled while at Marquette, but ultimately, it was “the environment and people” at Marquette that helped her through the tough times.
She added how Kairos, a religious retreat for juniors and seniors, was a game changer for her. “I was struggling with wanting to go to school and, when I got back, I realized I needed to keep moving forward and it put me back on track.”
Wozniak will attend Manchester College to study nursing.
“Nervous, anxious, and ready to go” was Jack Gausselin’s reaction following graduation. Gausselin will leave in the near future for boot camp as he embarks on serving our nation in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Gausselin said his time at Marquette helped prepare him for the military. “The military is a brotherhood and that’s what Marquette is, a tight-knit community. I’m excited for what lies ahead.
Marquette principal Casey Martin offered the graduates insight as they prepare to enter the real world. “Choose your response, pray for guidance, and honor sacrifice. These three things will keep you grounded in the new world that awaits and the journey that is ahead of you.”