About 600 students from Catholic elementary and high schools throughout the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland traveled to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Feb. 3 for the annual Catholic Schools Week.
Bishop Edward Malesic and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost were the principal celebrants for the liturgy, which celebrated the gift of Catholic education. The bishop noted diocesan schools educate about 40,000 students.
“Welcome to your cathedral, your spiritual home,” he said. The Mass was the first time many of the students had an opportunity to visit the cathedral and the bishop encouraged them to explore it and to return.
(See photo gallery above.)
The Mass, originally scheduled for Jan. 28, was postponed by snow and severe cold weather that closed most schools for several days last week. The delay meant some schools were unable to attend the Mass in person, so some watched a livestream of the liturgy.
Frank O’Linn, superintendent of diocesan schools, offered welcoming remarks before Mass. Music was provided by Elyria Catholic High School Music Ministry. Readers were from SS. Joseph and John School in Strongsville. Gift bearers were from Lake Catholic High School and altar servers were from Lake Catholic High School.
A general blessing of the throats was offered during the Mass, which took place on the feast of St. Blase.
In his homily, the bishop told the students they are not the future Church. “You’re the Church right now.” He also noted that at home, they may eat at a table in the dining room or the kitchen. At Mass, the altar serves as the table for the celebration of the Eucharist.
He also reflected on families, noting we are all part of God’s family and Catholic schools should be “the best example of the family of God.” Families are not perfect, he said, “but we learn to live better together in kindness, mercy and love … If you love your school, build it up. Never tear it or others down. There is something different about Catholic schools – a good difference … Learn to present yourselves with a good outward appearance to reflect your good inward appearance.”
God didn’t create us and then abandon us, Bishop Malesic said. “He is always with us.” The bishop also encouraged the students to listen for God’s call. “God sees you always. He knows you. He loves you. You are here for a reason, like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle … Never give up your faith.”
The bishop thanked the students for participating in the liturgy and for attending a Catholic school. He also expressed gratitude to their parents, teachers, volunteers and all who help them grow into the unique individuals they were meant to be.
Bishop Malesic and Bishop Woost posed for photos with the various school groups after Mass and attendees received a special candy bar with a wrapper featuring an image of newly canonized St. Carlo Acutis.
Click here to watch an archived recording of the Mass.