KERNERSVILLE — Bishop Michael Martin made his first visit to Holy Cross Church in Kernersville to remind 114 Bishop McGuinness High School graduates to “remain in Him” at a Baccalaureate Mass celebrated Thursday night.
The church was standing-room only with more than 600 parents, teachers, friends and graduates ready to conclude the last four years with some inspiring words from the bishop. “Leave your mark and remain in Him” was his message to the Villains.
The bishop challenged the seniors. “As much as He wants you to go, He wants you to remain. His challenge to you is to take it all out into the world without the security and the overall structure that this school presented for you and find a way to still remain in Him,” he said. “Can you do that? Can you find that way?”
Principal Claire Willis is confident the Class of 2025 is up for the task.
“I hope they will save all their memories from high school and use those memories ‘to remain in Him’ through their adulthood. They will all certainly remember this,” she said.
The homily was molded from John 15:9-11’s theme, “Abide in My Love.” Bishop Martin opened with a question, “Do you think that you have left more of a mark on Bishop McGuinness High School, or has it left more of a mark on you?”
As they pondered their responses, the bishop said the history books would answer but he hoped there was an even measure of both. He said, “I hope that you have found some relationships in this 2025 class of people that you treasure, people that will be in your wedding, people that will serve one day as godparents of your children. The question is, what are you going to do with that?”
He asked seniors to remember the relationships they formed with their friends, parents, and teachers and to reflect on how that influence will remain with them. He implored them to make the last four years a part of who they are.
“I am going to encourage you to consider that there is something greater that you’re here for, something greater that this moment is set to impress upon,” he said.
That greater something is God, he shared. Mirroring the words from the Gospel, the bishop engaged the graduates to boldly shout, “Remain in Me” several times as both a prayer and a truth.
"The future is not easy but messy. ‘Remaining in Him’ is a decision," he cautioned. “I feel confident that you can, but it doesn’t just happen. It’s something you have to choose, something you decide to do each and every day.”
The bishop encouraged students to continue to look to one another for guidance. “It is not just remaining in Him – it is remaining in Him together,” he said. “It’s a shared experience, which is the epitome of what the Church is. There is something greater in the shared experience.”
He ended by applauding the class on their high school successes. “Your accomplishments…whatever they may be, are the imprint that you left. Every person in this church right now is incredibly proud of what you have done, and you should be proud of what you have done,” the bishop said. “We can’t wait to see the gift you will bring to the rest of the world… But always remain in Him.”
The seniors participated in the Liturgy of the Word and the Offertory Procession. The Communal Hymn was sung by Bishop McGuinness student Lindsay Truong. The Mass ended with a Bishop McGuinness tradition. Each grad presented their mother with a red rose, honoring both them and the Blessed Mother.
Bishop Martin stayed afterward for fist bumps, handshakes and an occasional hug, along with some fatherly tidbits of advice.
“I thought it was awesome that he came for us, because we haven’t seen a bishop celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass since middle school,” said seniors Miller, James and Alex. “He makes everything really fun. His speeches are always really awesome.”
Principal Willis was not surprised by their excitement. “Whatever Bishop Martin says resonates so well with them, and we appreciate how he’s able to connect to them,” Willis said. “They’re going to be doing some amazing things in the future. Hopefully Bishop McGuinness has been a good launching pad for them.”
— Lisa M. Geraci
