RALEIGH – Eighth grade students from the Diocese of Raleigh’s Catholic schools met at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral April 29 for Mass and an outdoor lunch organized in their honor.
They arrived from towns and cities, including Greenville, Southern Pines and Fayetteville, throughout the diocese. The students were joined by teachers, administrators, chaperones and parish priests.
In his homily, Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama shared that the disciples were people who were doing their best.
“What does that mean to you?” he asked, challenging them to consider their gifts and talents in subjects such as math or foreign languages. “When someone doesn’t ‘get it’ how do you help?”
He encouraged the students to think about how they use their gifts and talents in service of others. He also reminded them to be open to receive the help of others.
Bishop Luis talked about the value of repetition and habit as it applies to practice in sports, study in class and rehearsal in the arts.
“When you play a good game, you understand why you had to practice,” he smiled. “That is life. It is the practice to be the best. Don’t be scared of life.”
He encouraged them to seek help when they feel alone. Sharing a story of his own struggles as a student, he said he had trouble with handwriting, which created problems communicating what he knew on tests. The bishop asked educators to apply what Pope Francis taught and listen intently to students before responding.
The 8th graders participated in Mass through prayer, singing, offering readings, altar serving, presenting the gifts and sharing prayer intentions.
The faithful prayed for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and others who have died. They prayed for comfort, strength and faith for Church leaders, those who are ill, 8th graders, clergy, teachers, administrators, parents and guardians.
Photos
Photos by Greg Mintel
