KERNERSVILLE — Months of planning came to fruition during a “day of faith” for seniors Sept. 6 at Bishop McGuinness High School, named a Catholic Relief Services’ Platinum Level Global High School.
Catholic Relief Services worked out a mini-retreat day to help the senior level students take on the decision-making process propelling their lives forward. Before the students started their college applications they had the opportunity to think about the way God is calling them. They were given the opportunity to think about their gifts and talents and how they would use them to “build the Kingdom.”
Atlanta-based CRS representative Kathy Montag offered advocacy training in the social studies class, where students explored their own place in the world and the need for their service and advocacy on behalf of causes that are important to them and the school. She also walked them through the process of contacting their federal representatives to advocate for legislation.
Montag “made us realize how really privileged we are and how there are more underprivileged people than we previously thought,” said student Zak Loncar. “Catholic Charities is important because it helps provide for these people.”
“Catholic Relief Services recognizes the vital role Catholic secondary schools play in the Church’s mission of evangelization and catechesis in the United States,” noted Augusto Michael Trujillo, a regional manager with CRS. “Motivated by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the CRS Global High School Program provides opportunities for Catholic secondary schools to join with CRS to educate about Catholic social teaching and advocate for solidarity with the global poor.”
On the same day, senior theology students also explored the discernment process and the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, in a talk with Father Peter Leonard, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point. Father Leonard was particularly well suited for this presentation because he just left a 30-year career teaching and counseling students at DeSales University in Center Valley, Pa. His advice was a helpful tool that put the overwhelmed seniors at ease. Student Joseph Abriola said, “We listened because Father just spent the last 30 years as a college professor and we knew his advice would be instrumental to our future success.”
Senior English teacher, Connie Rafferty, used a carefully chosen short story to punctuate the three-pronged specialized day of faith. The story, a conversation between a mother and daughter, was meant to challenge students to think about the way their own parents have been trying to guide them to develop Christian values and a sense of morality in order to prepare them for their places in the world.
Principal Tracy Shaw ends each school day by telling students, “Now go out and serve the world which is in need of peace, love and justice.” Bishop McGuinness High School hopes to continue offering this special day for seniors so they will be empowered to do just as she instructs them.
— Dr. Danita Ostasiewski