The 455 pre-K through eighth-graders at Seton Catholic School in Hudson rolled out the welcome mat on Jan. 26 when Bishop Edward Malesic stopped by to celebrate Mass, visit classroom and enjoy lunch. (See the slide show above.)
Principal Karen Alestock had been preparing the students for the big occasion for the past few weeks. “Friends, how many times have I said, ‘The bishop is coming?’” she asked. “Well, he’s here today and we are so excited.”
Second-, fifth- and eighth-graders gathered in the school chapel – socially distanced and wearing face masks – for Mass. The rest of the student body watched a livestream of the liturgy in their classrooms.
“Thanks for the invitation from Mrs. Alestock, your teachers, the staff and actually, from all of you to be with you at this special Mass,” the bishop said. He congratulated the school community for winning its second Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award (2021 and 2009). “That’s quite an accomplishment that your teachers, parents, you and all who support this school can be very proud of. It means you are the best of the best and I can see that,” he added.
Bishop Malesic told the students that St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the school patroness, also would be proud of them. As a Central Pennsylvania native, he grew up not far from Emmitsburg, Maryland, where Mother Seton – a wife, mother, teacher and founder of an order of religious sisters – planted the seeds for the United States’ Catholic school system. The bishop reminded the students that Mother Seton did not begin her life as a Catholic, but converted because she believed Jesus was present in the Blessed Sacrament and at Mass.
He encouraged the children to use her faith as an example and to remain close to Jesus, “who is so close to you that he lives within you. He stays with you no matter what – in good times and in difficult times. Jesus stays with you before, during and after every test. He is with you when you are in school, when you are on the playground and when you go home. He is with you always. Love him back. Be friends with Jesus always,” he said.
The bishop said Jan. 26 was the feast of two saints, Timothy and Titus, who were early bishops and worked closely with St. Paul. In fact, they announced the news that Jesus had risen from the dead and would be with the world until the end of time. That is the basic faith of the Church – Jesus is alive. Jesus is here. And we can live with Jesus forever, but this takes faith,” he said. “That’s what this school is mean to do: to keep that faith alive.”
He reminded the children that it is a blessing for them to be attending a Catholic school, where their teachers can talk about Jesus in every class. They learn how to pray and are given every opportunity to have a relationship with Jesus, “who is alive, comes to you and loves you. You are even able to celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass in your own school. Yes, you might not always think about it, but not every student in America can openly practice what they believe. But you can,” he added.
The bishop told the students to thank their parents for sending them to a Catholic school and for their help in supporting the school.
He said he hopes the students learn all they can about math and science, English and the arts; train their bodies in athletic competitions and find beauty in the choir and any musical instrument they might play. “But first and foremost, I hope that you will work on your souls. Let Jesus work within you because at this school, according to your mission statement, spiritual development comes first. If you have faith in Jesus, believe in him, you eventually will be saints in heaven as well as masters at math and proficient in English on this earth.”
In addition, he cautioned them to listen to Jesus and to take care of their neighbors, especially those in need. The bishop urged them to care for one another, not to let anyone bully others, to stand up for those in need of support and to be generous in praying for those who need help.
“With the help of Jesus, you will be able to make the world a better place, the theme of your school for this year,” the bishop said.
After Mass, he visited students who were unable to attend the liturgy in person, stopping by classrooms to chat and pray. Students asked him questions and he queried some of them about what they were learning. The junior high science class was of particular interest, since Bishop Malesic studied biology in college before answering his call to the priesthood.
He received several gifts, including a spiritual bouquet, artwork, a key chain, coffee mug and portfolio, and posed for photos with primary grade students who created sheep for a bulletin board with the theme of the good shepherd.
Before leaving, he had lunch with a small group of students, Alestock and Bibiana Seislove, director of campus ministry.