MICHIGAN CITY – Although the skies were cloudy outside Marquette Catholic High School’s Scholl Center, there were many lights aglow inside during the Catholic Schools Week All-City Mass on Jan. 30.
Bishop Robert J. McClory urged the students to not let darkness cover what the Lord has given them.
“What we have is what the Lord has given us, Christ himself. It’s that light that’s in each one of us,” Bishop McClory told the students. “Today is a time to rejoice and thank God (that) He has given us this light.”
“If you’re feeling anxiety, concerned or worried … when you see the darkness and not the light, know the love of Christ is brighter than any darkness,” he said, sharing how Catholic schools allow for a deeper awareness of the light of Christ inside each of them.
Grade schools joining host Marquette were Notre Dame, Queen of All Saints and St. Stanislaus Kostka, all of Michigan City, and St. Patrick of Chesterton.
“This week is a chance for us to celebrate all we’ve been given in our Catholic schools, where we can come together and love Jesus, learn more about God, and learn more about the beautiful world He has given us,” he said. “To grow not just in our heads, but in our hearts – to love each other, encourage each other. To see all of our schools are places where the light of Christ blazes forward.”
Bishop McClory explained that “our lights aren’t to be hidden, but to be shared with others.
“Share that good news. Share what you like about your school with others,” he said.
The bishop challenged the students with a question to think about: “What do you like about your school?” Immediately, hands went up throughout the gym. One of the first students called upon was Notre Dame first grader Shea Seddon.
“They teach us about Jesus,” said Seddon, which drew a round of applause. “I like how they teach us that Jesus died on the cross for us and a bunch of other stuff about Jesus.”
Other responses included going to Mass, a new playground, the food, math, teachers and friends.
For Marquette senior Anne Marie Wadle, Catholic Schools Week is about the spirit of community within Catholic education – especially when all the schools gather for Mass.
“Catholic Schools Week is a good way to celebrate our area communities, especially for the Marquette community as we host the Mass,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity for we high schoolers to spend time with the younger students as one community for Mass. It’s great to see the gym full.”
During the week, many schools took time away from the normal academic schedule to allow for class games. “It’s a great way to take a break from our studies and celebrate our faith and each other. It’s something the public schools can’t do,” said Wadle.
She struggled to find words to stress the impact a Catholic education has had on her. “There’s no words to really describe it in a way people will understand unless they experience it,” Wadle said.
Caption: A young Queen of All Saints student gives a thumbs up during the all-city Mass at Marquette Catholic High School’s Scholl Center on Jan. 27. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)