In top photo, CBA graduates and their families pray during the Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell in St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown, May 19. Commencement was held May 21. Matt Marzorati photos
Christian Brothers Academy, the all-boys Catholic high school, in Lincroft, honored its graduating class during the month of May.
The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated May 19 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown, and on May 21 graduation exercises were held in Brookdale Community College, Lincroft.
Photo Gallery: Christian Brothers Academy Baccalaureate Mass
“Graduates of Christian Brothers Academy, faculty, families, and friends – today is a day of joy, gratitude and holy purpose,” Bishop O’Connell said in his homily.
The Bishop reflected on the Readings, noting that the Gospel tells of when Jesus prayed to his father the night before he died.
“The Lord said to his father, ‘I accomplished the work you gave me to do.’ ‘I revealed your name.’ ‘I have been glorified in them.’”
“And then,” the Bishop continued, “Jesus says something remarkable: ‘I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world.’”
“Jesus is handing the mission on. He is entrusting his work to his disciples. He is saying: ‘Now it’s your turn,’” the Bishop said.
“Graduates, this is exactly what is happening today,” Bishop O’Connell continued. “Your teachers, your parents, your coaches, your brothers – they have poured themselves into you. They have taught you, challenged you, corrected you, encouraged you. They have revealed God’s name to you in the way they lived, served, and loved. And now, like Jesus with his disciples, they hand the mission to you.”
