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Graduating students gather for Elementary and Middle School Baccalaureate Mass
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April 29, 2024As Catholic school students bring their elementary and/or middle school years to a close, they gathered at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw to celebrate the Elementary and Middle School Baccalaureate Mass with Bishop Robert Gruss on April 26.
“The Elementary and Middle School Baccalaureate Mass is a wonderful opportunity for students from our schools across the Diocese to gather in worship and celebration. This celebration demonstrates to our students that our Catholic community stretches beyond our individual schools and parishes,” said Dr. Cormac Lynn, superintendent of Catholic Schools. “We are grateful for Bishop Gruss celebrating this special Mass and spending time with students.”
A majority of the students will be graduating from eighth grade, while some are completing the highest elementary or middle school grade their Catholic school offered.
“As we gather today, we want you to know that we are all very proud of your accomplishments and congratulate you on your hard work,” Bishop Gruss told them students. “God has a great plan for your lives – greater than you can possibly imagine. And if you remain close to him, he will gradually reveal it to you.”
In his homily, Bishop Gruss reminded students of their own unique purpose in life.
“The kingdom of God is like a giant jigsaw puzzle, and each of us is a piece of the puzzle,” he said. “The puzzle would be incomplete without all the pieces in their proper place. … Each of you has your own unique place in God’s kingdom, that has been given to no one else.”
Bishop Gruss also encouraged the youth to look to the example of other young saints, such as St. José Luis Sánchez del Rí, St. Maria Goretti and Bl. Carlo Acutis.
“Always remember that Jesus continues to pray for you and with you. He continues to encourage you. And when we turn away, He never stops seeking our friendship. His love is everlasting!” Bishop Gruss concluded.
Following Mass, students and teachers gathered in the Cathedral’s lower level for a luncheon and question-and-answer session with Bishop Gruss. Students submitted questions ranging from “How did you become a bishop?” to “What do you think God looks like?”
“As superintendent of the schools, my favorite part of the Mass and luncheon was watching Bishop Gruss engage with our students. It was clear that both the students and Bishop Gruss enjoyed that interaction,” Dr. Lynn said. “Seeing our students celebrating the Mass and enjoying some informal conversation with Bishop Gruss was a great reminder of the Catholic school difference.”