Convocation Mass breaks in the Catholic school year

Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, kicked off the Catholic school year celebrating the Convocation Mass Aug. 3 at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica. Classes begin Aug. 10.

During his homily, Bishop Guillory praised the faculty in attendance for being good examples for their students.

“The Catholic schools teach virtue — Christian values such as wisdom, justice, courage and integrity. I think that is so important,” he said. “Not just to know those Christian values and virtues, but to internalize it. You have been the good example to young people to internalize these life-giving values.”

The motivational speaker following the Mass was Deacon Chris Penning from St. Charles Borromeo, Nederland, whose two children went to Catholic schools from pre-kindergarten through high school. Deacon Penning spoke about how being a Catholic school teacher is a calling.

“It is a vocation to be a Catholic school teacher,” said Deacon Penning. “So today is about working on our own spirituality because it’s one of the reasons you teach — to be able to share your spirituality with your students. That’s one of your callings that public schools can’t do as freely.”