Nearly 500 students, teachers and staff members at St. Ambrose School in Brunswick welcomed Bishop Nelson Perez to their campus on Jan. 31. The bishop?s visit coincided with Catholic Schools Week.
There was a Mass at 10 a.m. that was concelebrated by Father Bob Stec, St. Ambrose pastor, Father Rob Ramser, parochial vicar, and a Ruthenian Catholic priest who has children attending the school.
Bishop Perez asked the children to thank the priests, their principal, Lisa Cinadr, Christopher Knight, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, their teachers, parents and others who make it possible for them to experience the gift of a Catholic education.
He asked the students to share some of their thoughts on what makes St. Ambrose such a good school. Their answers included friendships, good people, awesome teachers, one big family, a chance to learn about God and the opportunity to go to a nice church.
?One thing that makes this school unique is that it?s Catholic. You?re here to learn about God and the world around you,? the bishop told the students. ?And one of the best things about this school is its students, so give yourselves a round of applause,? he added.
Bishop Perez quizzed the students about the theme for Catholic Schools Week: ?Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.? He connected the four themes with everyday things.
?Think about and live those four words,? he told the children.
After Mass, teachers were presented with bouquets of flowers as a thank you for their work. The bishop received a gift basket of items from St. Ambrose. He also joined the students in a special song at the end of Mass.
Bishop Perez had lunch with a group of 10 students and some faculty and staff representatives, as well as guests from the diocesan education office. The children were invited to ask the bishop questions while they enjoyed pizza and salad.
One asked how he would like to be addressed
