At clap-out Mass, Bishop exhorts RBC seniors: ‘Be who God made you to be’
June 2, 2025 at 5:31 p.m.
Addressing the graduating class of Red Bank Catholic High School for a special Mass May 20, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., urged the seniors: “Be courageous. Be faithful. Be who God made you to be.”
“You’re stepping into a world that needs young people of faith, young people who will carry and spread Christ’s peace wherever they go,” the Bishop said at the traditional Senior Clap-Out Mass, the class’s final Mass on campus before graduation. The Bishop visited the school for the annual Mass at the invitation of Msgr. Joseph Rosie, pastor of St. James Parish, Red Bank, and director of RBC.
PHOTO GALLERY: RBC Senior Clap Out Mass
During his homily, Bishop O’Connell spoke to the seniors about their time at RBC and the sacrifices their families made to send them there, then shared some advice.
“Seniors, you’re standing at a major crossroads, the end of high school and the beginning of something entirely new,” he said. Whether the seniors were “excited, anxious or somewhere in between,” the Bishop encouraged them to embrace Jesus’ words cited in the day’s Gospel: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Bishop O’Connell acknowledged that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by decisions about college, jobs, relationships and the future, especially since “the world tells you success is about titles, money or prestige.
“But Christ reminds us that true success is rooted in faith and trust in him,” he said.
The Bishop offered three suggestions for the seniors to keep in mind as they pursue future endeavors.
First, “Seek God’s plan” and remember that “Success isn’t just about money or status; it’s about being who God created you to be,” Bishop O’Connell said.
Second, “Stay rooted in faith.”
“College and adult life will challenge your beliefs. Keep prayer and the Sacraments close. Don’t give up on Mass,” the Bishop said.
Third, “Lift each other up,” Bishop O’Connell said. “Your classmates aren’t just classmates; they’re brothers and sisters in Christ. Be a source of encouragement and love.”
“The Lord Jesus offers something far greater than worldly success, he offers lasting peace. Not a peace based on temporary happiness, but a peace that stays even in difficulty,” Bishop O’Connell said. “As you prepare to leave high school, hold on to this truth: God walks with you, no matter what comes next.”
Msgr. Rosie and the St. James parochial vicars, Father Al Gamalo and Father Wynne Kerridge, joined the Bishop as Mass concelebrants.
After Mass, the underclassmen lined the school parking lot and celebrated their counterparts with a clap-out ceremony. The freshmen, sophomores and juniors, all holding decorations and colorful signs with congratulatory messages, cheered as the seniors walked from the Eck Center, where the Mass was celebrated, to another building for breakfast and photos with the Bishop.
Bishop O'Connell and Father Jean Felicien, the Bishop's priest secretary, left, pose for a photo with the priests who serve St. James Parish, Red Bank, parochial vicars, Father Al Gamalo and Father Wynne Kerridge, and Msgr. Joseph Rosie, pastor, at right. Staff photo
Before the Mass with Bishop O'Connell began, a May crowning ceremony was held during which a student placed a floral crown on a statue of the Blessed Mother. John Batkowski photo
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Addressing the graduating class of Red Bank Catholic High School for a special Mass May 20, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., urged the seniors: “Be courageous. Be faithful. Be who God made you to be.”
“You’re stepping into a world that needs young people of faith, young people who will carry and spread Christ’s peace wherever they go,” the Bishop said at the traditional Senior Clap-Out Mass, the class’s final Mass on campus before graduation. The Bishop visited the school for the annual Mass at the invitation of Msgr. Joseph Rosie, pastor of St. James Parish, Red Bank, and director of RBC.
PHOTO GALLERY: RBC Senior Clap Out Mass
During his homily, Bishop O’Connell spoke to the seniors about their time at RBC and the sacrifices their families made to send them there, then shared some advice.
“Seniors, you’re standing at a major crossroads, the end of high school and the beginning of something entirely new,” he said. Whether the seniors were “excited, anxious or somewhere in between,” the Bishop encouraged them to embrace Jesus’ words cited in the day’s Gospel: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Bishop O’Connell acknowledged that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by decisions about college, jobs, relationships and the future, especially since “the world tells you success is about titles, money or prestige.
“But Christ reminds us that true success is rooted in faith and trust in him,” he said.
The Bishop offered three suggestions for the seniors to keep in mind as they pursue future endeavors.
First, “Seek God’s plan” and remember that “Success isn’t just about money or status; it’s about being who God created you to be,” Bishop O’Connell said.
Second, “Stay rooted in faith.”
“College and adult life will challenge your beliefs. Keep prayer and the Sacraments close. Don’t give up on Mass,” the Bishop said.
Third, “Lift each other up,” Bishop O’Connell said. “Your classmates aren’t just classmates; they’re brothers and sisters in Christ. Be a source of encouragement and love.”
“The Lord Jesus offers something far greater than worldly success, he offers lasting peace. Not a peace based on temporary happiness, but a peace that stays even in difficulty,” Bishop O’Connell said. “As you prepare to leave high school, hold on to this truth: God walks with you, no matter what comes next.”
Msgr. Rosie and the St. James parochial vicars, Father Al Gamalo and Father Wynne Kerridge, joined the Bishop as Mass concelebrants.
After Mass, the underclassmen lined the school parking lot and celebrated their counterparts with a clap-out ceremony. The freshmen, sophomores and juniors, all holding decorations and colorful signs with congratulatory messages, cheered as the seniors walked from the Eck Center, where the Mass was celebrated, to another building for breakfast and photos with the Bishop.
Bishop O'Connell and Father Jean Felicien, the Bishop's priest secretary, left, pose for a photo with the priests who serve St. James Parish, Red Bank, parochial vicars, Father Al Gamalo and Father Wynne Kerridge, and Msgr. Joseph Rosie, pastor, at right. Staff photo
Before the Mass with Bishop O'Connell began, a May crowning ceremony was held during which a student placed a floral crown on a statue of the Blessed Mother. John Batkowski photo