By Christina Leslie | Staff Writer

The joy of a faith-filled Catholic education was evident on the faces of the students filling the pews in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, during the annual Diocese of Trenton Catholic Schools Mass Oct. 7. More than 800 students, teachers and parents representing 36 elementary and eight high schools in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties witnessed Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., declare, “Our schools are different and we are different because of our faith.”

To see photo gallery, click here.

To read Bishop O'Connell's homily, click here.

To see videos of the entire Mass, the flag procession and Bishop O'Connell's homily, click here.

Students of the Diocese led the opening procession, proudly bearing flags and banners emblazoned with the names and logos of their academic homes, and more than 30 priests served as concelebrants with their Bishop in the celebration of Catholic school education.

Held on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, the annual Mass reflected the Marian devotion from the Recitation of the Rosary before the Mass to Bishop O’Connell’s final remarks.  Catholic students carried a large wooden Rosary procured from Ecuador. Smaller-sized Rosary beads blessed by Bishop O’Connell were distributed to all students, and worship aids explaining the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries sought to lead the youngsters to a greater understanding of the ancient prayer of the Church to her Virgin Mother.

Bishop O’Connell, who had joined the students in reciting a decade of the Rosary before the Mass, later beseeched them, “Use these rosaries not as a decoration, not as a necklace, but something to pray. Do it for your family, your friends, your teachers, your enemies. Say at least a decade a day.”

In his homily, Bishop O’Connell posed the question to the students: “Did Jesus ever go to school?” He acknowledged that this is really not known, but that the education of youth was likely very different in the time of Jesus. Despite the lack of formal education, Jesus seemed well-educated and the curiosity and wisdom he exhibited astonished people, including his parents.

Referring back to the modern experience of education, Bishop O’Connell said, “Believing in God, knowing Jesus, praying and going to Mass… that’s what makes us different, that’s what helps us see the world differently, through Jesus’ eyes.” He added, “That’s what makes us treat one another differently as Jesus asks us to do. And that’s why we are here today in this Cathedral… we are one, holy Catholic and apostolic Church together from pre-K to 12th grade.”

Bishop O’Connell declared, “I believe that one day, people will be amazed at you, too. And, if you really work at growing in wisdom and in your faith now, you will be able to say later with joy and pride, ‘I learned all these things in Catholic school.’”

The gathering of students from all four counties of the Diocese involved an “all hands on deck” effort, noted Joseph Bianchi, diocesan director of the Department of Administrative Services. Transportation needs for the students were fulfilled by 22 buses, and a team of volunteers from multiple departments of the Chancery assured students, staff and teachers in the schools experienced the reverence and joy of the annual Mass.

Catholic school students, faculty and staff alike proclaimed their pride in faith-based education and its incorporation of God into the curriculum.

Father Vincent T. Euk, pastor of St. Veronica Parish, was all too eager to share the Howell school’s strengths. He walked Cathedral grounds before Mass clad in clerics and a grey t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase ‘I (heart) St. Veronica School: Ask Me Why!’

“It’s because we are good in academics, good in sports, and we have a great spirit in the school,” Father Euk enumerated.

Caroline Burns, a senior in St. Rose High School, Belmar, carried the school banner into the Cathedral at the start of Mass. “I have a sense of pride in my faith and in my school,” she said. Her pride was echoed in the words of two students in Holy Cross Academy, Delran. Sophomores Elizabeth Gurba and Nathan Zito both voiced the “really strong faith” in their homes, with Zito noting he was the second child in his family to attend the school.

Sarah Maguire snapped photos of her school’s students as they entered the Cathedral. Maguire, who handles publicity and development for St. Raphael School, Hamilton, remarked, “I’m here because of the unity this brings to all the Catholic schools in the Diocese.”

Maureen Tuohy, a third year teacher in Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton, stood beside a pew filled with student council members and class representatives. Tuohy, a product of New York Catholic schools, said, “Catholic schooling is a way of life for me. If I can share with the kids my love of the Church and love of God, it would be such a great experience for them.”

William Cardone, principal of St. James School, Red Bank, surveyed the pews filled with students and said, “It’s important to bond with the other Catholic school students. The spirit here is unbelievable, and it gives credence to what we do in our school.”

In his closing remarks, Bishop O’Connell exhorted the students to rejoice in their faith and their personal differences and remain assured of God’s providential hand.

“Be proud of your Catholic faith, be willing to show it and share it with everyone. Hold it high like a light to guide your way,” he urged.

“God loves you, each and every one of you, just as you are. No one can ever take that away from you.”