There’s one major difference between Catholic schools and public schools. And it’s not a difference in what, but a difference in who – “Jesus Christ.”

That was the bottom line message that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., brought to students of Burlington County when he celebrated a Mass for the start of Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31 in Holy Cross High School, Delran. The day marked a couple of “firsts” for the bishop in that it was the first time he presided at a Catholic Schools Week celebration as a diocesan bishop, and it was also his first official visit to Burlington County’s only Catholic high school.

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“Catholic schools, like public schools, try to provide a very good education – the best education – but Catholic schools have one big difference – Jesus Christ – Jesus Christ and his gospel; Jesus Christ and his Church,” Bishop O’Connell said in his homily to the student body of Holy Cross, as well as to the contingent of grammar school students from area parish schools who were also invited to join in the day.

Bishop O’Connell unexpectedly grabbed his audience’s attention by asking how many tuned into the television program “American Idol.” After noting the showing of hands, he offered a comparison between the popular reality show and how it challenges the musical talents of the young contestants to that of a Catholic education and what it has to offer students in terms of faith and prayer.

“Like ‘American Idol,’ Catholic education is a reality show. It involves real people doing real things in real time with a real community. Just like ‘American Idol,’ Catholic education tries to bring out our very best,” Bishop O’Connell said. But the main difference between “American Idol” and Catholic education is that in a Catholic school, “nobody loses.”

“Catholic schools educate us so well in math, science, language, literature, history, music, art and computer science, but they also educate us in faith. That’s what makes them different. That’s what makes them special. That’s what makes them unique in our society,” said Bishop O’Connell.

Bishop O’Connell spoke of how fitting it was to have Catholic Schools Week begin on the day when the universal Church observes the feast of St. John Bosco, who, as an adult, had become a priest and made it his ministry tending to young people who didn’t have the opportunity to attend school.

St. John Bosco went on to become a saint in the Church because of the work he did, said Bishop O’Connell.

The bishop also shared with the students two priorities he had established when he was named diocesan bishop – promoting Catholic education and promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

While most students will go on to marry and raise families, “God’s voice is calling some of you to follow him in a special way” as priests, sisters and as brothers. Bishop O’Connell said. “Leave your ears open to God’s call,” he said.

Bishop O’Connell implored his young audience to grant him a very special favor.

“Hold on to your faith,” he said, adding that even though they live in a world that wants to push faith out of the way completely.

“Catholic schools enable us to learn and understand our faith,” said Bishop O’Connell. “We are so lucky to have Catholic schools and we are so blessed to receive a Catholic education.

“Hold on to your faith,” said Bishop O’Connell, “and don’t let go of it.”

For the community at Holy Cross as well as the other grammar schools that were present, including Pope John Paul II Regional, Willingboro; St. Mary, Bordentown; and parishioners from Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, it was a special treat to start off Catholic Schools Week 2011 with a Mass celebrated by the new diocesan bishop.

“It was an honor to meet Bishop O’Connell,” said Alexandra Smith, a junior at Holy Cross. “He’s a great guy.”

Smith, who is also president of the school’s pro-life club, Lancers for Life, then cited some of the Catholic Schools Week highlights that are planned at Holy Cross, such as the famous dodge-ball tournament, and added how much she appreciates an opportunity to receive a Catholic education.

“It’s important to learn about our Catholic faith and Holy Cross does a good job in teaching students about the faith” all the way around whether it’s through the celebration of Masses, in the classroom or other school activities and events.

Dr. Frank McAneny, principal of St. Mary School, accompanied nine students in grades six through eight to Holy Cross, including Adrianna Aladich, president of the student council and Meghan Murtha, president of the school’s Builders’ Club.

“We were all excited to be at this Mass with the bishop, since this is his first Catholic Schools Week with the Diocese of Trenton. We were anxious to be part of this history. We are all aware of his commitment to and support for Catholic schools in our diocese,” McAneny said.

For the St. Mary students, the chance to meet Bishop O’Connell and have their picture taken with him generated much discussion on the return trip to Bordentown.

“This interaction had such a strong, positive impression on them as young Catholic adults. These were the individuals the bishop was speaking to in his comments when he encouraged all of the young adults to stay with their faith to assist them through future distractions,” said Dr. McAneny. “The student conversation was so focused on how much they enjoyed the experience and how they connected with our very personal bishop. I am certain this is one trip they will long remember.”