Diocese Celebrates Gift of Catholic Education at Catholic Schools Week Mass

The Diocese of Baton Rouge celebrated the collaborate effort of many to assure that students in its Catholic schools become worldwide leaders and disciples of Christ. During Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 25-31, it celebrated a Mass to give thanks and reflect on its mission of "evangelizing hearts, educating minds, encouraging talent and embracing the future."  

During the processional student representatives of the diocesan schools brought forth items their schools had collected for those in need.

Celebrant Bishop Michael G. Duca walked amongst the students as he spoke to them during his homily. He pointed out to the students that as they go through life, sometimes they may forget that people are teaching them and showing them the way.

As they progress, they may teach themselves how to so something, forgetting about all the work that goes into learning "every little step." 

"The same thing is true of our spiritual lives," said Bishop Duca. "You've been learning about your faith, what it means to be a good Christian, how to be Jesus for other people. We learn spiritual lessons along the way, too." 

From early on the children learn about the concept of sharing. Parents may tell them to share their things with other children who visit their home, even though they will probably be broken. There's also lessons about polite gestures, such as saying, "I'm sorry," and "thank you," etc.
Top right photo: During the processional, representatives of Catholic schools bring items their schools had collected for those in need. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
Above Photo: Bishop Michael G. Duca was joined at the altar by pastors of parishes with Catholic schools.
"These are the lessons we learn along the way. And hopefully you're learning to continue to learn as you grow older, too. Because as we get older, we learn that Jesus calls us to share."

As they mature, the bishop said, they learn about becoming more like Jesus from church leaders, such as priests, bishops, and the pope.

Bishop Duca referred to Pope Leo XIV's apostolic exhortation, "Dilexi te" (“I have loved you”), on love for the poor.

"The pope writes the letters all the time teaching me, reminding me, what it means to be a priest, a bishop, and reminding us what it means to us Catholic Christians. Like the letter he wrote more recently was a whole letter on how to remember to take care of those who are poor, those in need. This is part of our basic Christian life," he said.

Bishop Duca added, "You're doing it now, today. You're bringing all these good things for people that don't have enough. You're thinking about what you're sharing. But now it's at a bigger level. Now it's about really trying to lift up people who really are struggling."

The attendees also learned about how Jesus sacrificed for them, gave his life so they can have life to the full, forgiveness of sins, life eternal, etc.

The bishop encouraged the students to ask each day, "What can I learn today?" and "What did I learn yesterday that I did not know the day before?" Each day they should learn something new aBishop Duca and Dr. Cindy Ryals show the proclamation signed by Governor Jeff Landry declaring Jan. 25-31 Louisiana School Choice Week. bout their world and their relationship with God.

Bishop Duca urged the students to give thanks and praise each day for the blessings they received. 

"We also ask God to bless us each day, so that our schools come alive; not just because it's a great place to learn it, but because Christ is the center of our lives."

The Mass was followed by the presentation of the Distinguished Awards: Michelle DiBennetto, Most Blessed Sacrament School in Baton Rouge, distinguished educator; Michelle Gardiner, St. Jude the Apostle School in Baton Rouge, distinguished administrator; Jan Breen, St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge, Lifetime Achievement Award; and Father Cleo Milano, Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge, distinguished clergy.

Service awards were given to recognize educators celebrating milestones in the number of years they served in education. Margie Alexander and Donald Hood were recognized for 45 years of service.  Other educators were awarded for serving five-year intervals.