Print Issue: June 20, 2002

Masses Signals End Of School Year For Archdiocesan Schools

Wearing white vests with red and yellow flames representing the gifts and blessings of the Holy Spirit, Anna O'Donnell and Elizabeth Elliott, members of the second-grade first Communion class, attend the Pentecost Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, May 21. (Photos by Michael Alexander)

By Erika Anderson

ATLANTA - Throughout the archdiocese students ended their year on a spiritual note.

On Tuesday, May 21, Archbishop John F. Donoghue celebrated an end of the year Mass for Christ the King School.

In his homily, the archbishop expressed his joy in celebrating with the students.

"It is a real treat to be here with you today, because it always makes me very happy to visit any of our schools and see the beautiful and energetic Christian life that is happening here among you," he said. "It is also a treat, because I know that you know this is the last school Mass of the year, and very soon now, summer vacation will begin, and you will have a wonderful, and long period of time to rest and play, to think about what you have accomplished in this past year and to think about what you will be doing next year."

He encouraged the students and adults in attendance to focus their summer on Christ.

"Dear boys and girls, and teachers and parents, and all our friends, let us never forget, either this summer, or for all the coming years, just how much God has loved us, and has given us," he said. "And let us never forget that if we want to be happy, and we want never to feel that we are alone or without help, then all we have to do is come to God, and ask Him to take us in. For remember, He has already done His part - He has already chosen us - now, we just have to remember to choose Him in return."

At the end of the Mass, school awards were given to deserving students.

Peggy Warner, principal of CKS, said that the Mass was an important close of the school year.

"It puts everything in perspective," she said. "It's like re-wrapping a gift that we got at the beginning of the year and setting the tone for next year," she said. "It's something to carry us through summer."

Joan Tiernan, principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School, said that the closing Mass at the school is "extremely important."

At their Mass, OLA students from each grade were awarded the St. John Christian award - given to a student who exemplifies outstanding Christian behavior. It's an award, Tiernan said, that places the emphasis on faith, rather than on academics - and it's a much sought after recognition.

Margeaux Maloney, a fourth-grader at Christ the King School, plays "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire" on her violin during Communion. Anne Boshinski accompanied Maloney on the piano.

"We do the honor roll, but (the St. John Christian award) is the single biggest award we give," she said. "It's a coveted prize."

Queen Grady, principal of St. Peter Claver School in Decatur, also believes that it was important to send the students out with a faith-filled finale, such as a final school Mass.

"As we reflect back on our Catholic identity and being in a Catholic setting, Mass is such a moving experience for the staff and students as well as for the parents," she said. "Being involved in a Catholic school allows us to teach, nurture, bless and embrace the children with the love of the Lord. It's very rewarding to be able to come together as a school family, to be able to reflect on the Lord, his word and his blessings."

And that reflection is especially essential to carry the students through their summer break, Grady said.

"It is important for the students to be able to go out and bless others in a Christian way," she said.

St. Peter Claver's last day of school was June 12. The last day of school for the majority of archdiocesan schools was May 31 or June 6 or 7.

Phyllis Warner, left, longtime school librarian, stands with Peggy Warner (no relation), Christ the King School principal, as she holds up a framed print of the Magnificat, a gift from the school on the occasion of her 70th birthday.