At the third annual Back to School Mass at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption on Sept. 29, Catholic school alumni, students, families and supporters thanked God for the gift of Catholic education.

Father Adam Maher, rector of the Cathedral, celebrated the Mass with Father Stephen Blaxton (St. Brigid, Midland), Father Andy Booms (Sacred Heart Academy, Mount Pleasant) and Father José María Cabrera (All Saints Catholic, Bay City) concelebrating. Deacon Gary Patelski, chairman of the diocesan Catholic School Council, served as well. Students from St. Brigid Catholic School, Midland, and St. Elizabeth Area Catholic School, Reese, ministered during the Mass, and Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary kindergarten teacher Rebecca Miller served as cantor.

Following Mass, attendees enjoyed a reception with cider and donuts provided by Leaman's Green Apple Barn and Bob Looby, St. Mary Cathedral High School, Class of 1968.

"It is always great to celebrate the Mass," said Dr. Cormac Lynn, superintendent of Catholic schools. "This Mass was special knowing that it was being offered for all of our Catholic school families, staff and faculty. Our families sacrifice to make a Catholic education possible, and our educators give so much of themselves to provide a great experience. I am thankful for the opportunity to pray for them in a very intentional way during Mass. Having our students and staff to support the Mass ministries further enriched the experience for me personally."