“The love of God and our love of God meet here and generate something so powerful that these walls can’t contain it,” Bishop Edward Malesic told the community of Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Wadsworth. Students, faculty, staff and parents attended a Mass celebrating the 75th anniversary of the school on Oct. 21.
Concelebrating the liturgy with the bishop were Father Joe Labak, Sacred Heart of Jesus pastor, and Father Joe Robinson, parochial vicar. Deacon Jon Hawkins assisted.
The celebration was a homecoming of sorts for the transitional deacon, who is a parishioner and an alumnus of Sacred Heart School. He is in formation at Saint Mary Seminary and is expected to be ordained to the priesthood in May 2025.
“I am so excited to be here. I love the young Church,” the bishop said. “I see you all want to be here and to pray.” He reminded them that the best anti-bullying program is the Gospel.
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“This is an authentically Catholic School and it is academically excellent. Never get tired of learning. Form your bodies and your minds, as well as your souls. Be smart Christians,” he told the students.
The bishop said he wants to ensure their school and other Catholic schools in the diocese are available to anyone who wants to attend them. But sometimes that requires sacrifice. He asked the children to go home and thank their parents for sending them to Sacred Heart School and for the sacrifices that entails.
He also told them that God has a plan for each of them. “Ask him why he made you, what he wants you to do. Eventually, he will tell you,” he said, referring to their vocations. “God wants you to be his saints,” he added, saying this is the goal for everyone.
“Have faith in Jesus. He is your best friend. Talk to him often. This world will try to take your faith away, but don’t let it happen,” the bishop cautioned.
He encouraged the students to say the following prayer: “Jesus, I believe in you. Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I will follow you. Jesus, I want to be a saint for you.”
Bishop Malesic also told the students not to wait to be a saint. “Be God’s saint today. And don’t ever forget who you are. You are God’s handiwork. He loves you and takes great joy in you. Become rich in what matters to God, which is what you are learning at this school. I am proud of you and so is God,” he added.
After Mass, Principal John Czaplicki introduced members of the Student Council who presented the bishop with a special picture created from fingerprints of all students at Sacred Heart School.
He greeted students, teachers and parents as they left the church.
Student Council members also hosted the bishop for refreshments and conversation before he visited several classrooms.
Sacred Heart of Jesus School has 230 students in grades Pre-K to eight. Click here for more information.