For the graduates at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, the mission they were called to live during their years at the institution is far from being completed.

At a Baccalaureate Mass held hours before commencement exercises, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., addressed the graduating class, and called them to take full advantage of the gifts they received at GCU as they transition into lives of their own.

“For the past four years, you have experienced a most extraordinary experience,” he said. “As you leave, He asks you to remain.”

His call fell in line with the Gospel’s challenge to the young faces: “Love one another.”

For the 385 undergraduate and 237 graduate students, the occasion marked a mixture of both excitement and anxiety, as they leave the familiar setting of their campus community for a career or further study elsewhere.

This challenge, among others, can provide great guidance to the graduates, university president Mercy Sister Rosemary Jeffries, ’72, said.

“Sometimes challenges provide you with opportunities to find light,” she proclaimed after the special Mass, hosted in the same venue as the undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey, the University is located in the heart of Lakewood on a 156-acre estate. Open to students of all faiths, the institution provides a liberal arts education in the Catholic tradition with a special focus on women.

The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated by Bishop O’Connell along with Msgr. Casimir Ladzinski, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, and Father Anthony DiPalma, chaplain of the campus ministry program.

During his homily, Bishop O’Connell said that the graduates have been awarded many gifts, thanks to their families as well as the many dedicated faculty and staff at GCU.

“So many young people wander aimlessly through the world,” he said. “They do not have a purpose to what they do, or even more tragically, they do not have a purpose to who they are.”

He said the Georgian Court graduates have that purpose that is so essential to a full life, and that their faith will serve them well as they go forward.

“You have to have a faith,” he said.

He called the grads to always have a purpose to what they do, and who they are, and to each day strive to grow in grace, wisdom, love and mercy.

“That good does not end with your graduation,” he said. “You must be the great dreamer with the great dream. That is what your education at this Mercy institution has been about.”

Many of the graduates attended the Mass with family members and friends, sharing one last celebration before donning their graduation gowns and turning their tassels later in the day.

For Robin Moceri, a substitute teacher and member of the technology team at Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, seeing her daughter, Stephanie, experience the four years at GCU was rewarding, to say the least.

“She is our first, so it is nice,” she said. “The four years just flew by.”

Parishioners at St. Raphael-Holy Angel Parish, Hamilton, the family is deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and tradition, and education is an integral part of that involvement.

“We feel strongly about Catholic education,” said Robin.

Stephanie, who graduated with a degree in math, was celebrating the completion of 17 straight years of Catholic education, including elementary school and four years at Notre Dame.

While she is relieved to have earned her undergraduate degree, Stephanie said the GCU community was a strong source of support and guidance.

“They want to bring the best out (in you),” she said. She will be pursuing a career in finance.

When asked about her decision to pursue her degree at a Catholic institution after a history of religious education, her answer was simple.