With hundreds of family members, friends and loved ones gathered to support them, the Red Bank Catholic High School graduating class assembled for their Baccalaureate Mass, a final celebration just hours before they would formally graduate.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who was joined by Msgr. Philip Lowery, pastor, St. James Parish, Red Bank, as well as Father Christopher Piccolo, Father Ariel Robles and Father Daison Areepparampil, parochial vicars at the parish, which is located on the same campus as the high school.

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During the Mass, the young graduates were charged by Bishop O’Connell, with taking responsibility for continuing lives of faith and value as they transition into adulthood.

“You leave behind today the child as you begin to (advance) out on your own as young adults,” he said during his homily. “In all the excitement that surrounds this day, the Lord has put so much before your minds and hearts.”

He said that the graduates, as high school students, were often told what to do and even how to go about doing it. But with their transition to college or professional life, he said, those decisions must be made individually, without as much guidance.

“Now, you must take on those most important responsibilities and make them your own,” he said. “Now, it is up to you.”

The graduates, adorned in green and gold gowns, silently processed into the activities center at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, to the tunes of a bell choir.

Red Bank Catholic campus minister Charlie Gates opened the celebration by leading the lighting of the Paschal Candle, a special tradition. He also offered words of remembrance for retired Bishop John C. Reiss – also an RBC alumnus – who passed away on March 4.

“We are proud to acknowledge (him) as a fellow Casey,” Gates said to the crowd of graduates and families.

Bishop O’Connell reminded the graduates of a promise their parents made on their behalf at the moment of their Baptism, that is, to raise them as Catholics and instill in them Catholic values. It was also at that moment, he said, that the graduates were first welcomed into the greater Catholic community of faith.

For Dawn Keane – who was there to support her son, Joseph, who graduated – the bishop’s words rang true. “All of my kids have gone to Catholic school,” she said. “We wanted to keep (Joseph’s) values … at the top,” adding that RBC was successful in molding him into a young man of whom she is very proud.

Bishop O’Connell also reminded the graduates of the many people they can be thankful for in their lives, whether connected to RBC or in their own family circles.

“Do not lose sight of all of the things that brought you to this
moment,” he said, highlighting in particular the dedication of their teachers and the guidance and support of their parents. “The Lord has been with you through them, and He will continue to be with you because of them.”

He also acknowledged the many challenges faced by men and women of faith in today’s society. “Your faith will make you strong in this world, and (you will be) able to handle anything that comes your way,” he said.

Tom Russo, whose niece, Rachel Bonanno, graduated, said that he is proud of the person she has become. He said their entire family – 18 people in all – meets to attend Mass together every Sunday. He wished Bonanno and the rest of her class health and happiness as they move to the next step in their lives. 

    Commencement exercises, which were held later in the day at the center, began appropriately with a procession led by a bagpiper.  A RBC Chamber Choir rendition of ‘The Irish Blessing,’ brought tears to the eyes of many.

Diocesan superintendant of Catholic schools, Joanne Tier, conferred diplomas with the assistance of Msgr. Lowery.  With the following presentation of awards, Abatemarco noted that 66 percent of graduates received scholarships to 110 colleges and universities.

 Salutatorian Kristen Gelenitis, who will attend Bucknell University, began her address by referencing her father’s wisdom. “My father was right,” she offered sadly. “I opened my eyes, and in a blink, our time together was over. It almost seems unreal that we are saying our final farewell tonight.”

Gelenitis, however, had no doubts about the academic and athletic achievements of the class or about the friendships made over the course of four years. “I’m so incredibly proud to be a member of the Class of 2012. We have a great education behind us and have so much potential. Chase your dreams,” she advised.

Valedictorian Angelica Gangemi, who will attend Cornell University, compared the time in September 2008 when the graduates first met as freshmen to the tight-knit ‘Casey’ community ready to venture into the world. “We arrived at RBC with backpacks and school I.D. cards, not knowing what to expect. Now we are here today, ready to step into adulthood,” Gangemi offered, encouraging fellow classmates to “go at your dreams full speed and set your eyes on what you want. Always remember to keep God in your hearts.”

Abatemarco echoed the speakers ‘sentiments on the passing of time, noting that a transformation was not limited to the students. “You changed us. As you changed, we changed, moment after moment, and we loved watching. Your diploma means you have a passport without bounds and will have the opportunity to change others,” he mused.