In his new school year address to Saint Joseph High School in Hammonton, Bishop Dennis Sullivan told the young church to forget American Outfitters, Old Navy and Forever 21.
“Put on Christ, and dress yourself in him, in faith, hope and righteousness, strong in power against the devil,” he urged.
“Jesus is the best fashion you will ever find, to guard your body for battle against the darkness,” and wrong people and places, and social media’s pernicious attractions and distractions, Bishop added in his remarks during the Mass of the Holy Spirit.
In the following days the bishop celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit at other Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese of Camden.
After the Mass in Hammonton, Bishop Sullivan had breakfast with students, including seniors Keith Clayton and Alyssa Amos.
“He put things in a different perspective,” said Clayton, executive president, noting that Bishop Sullivan’s words “taught us the right way to live. It’s a huge honor and great privilege to have him here.”
For Amos, his words “resonated with me. You have to carry Jesus with you.”
Father Allain Caparas, principal, was grateful for Bishop’s visit, which demonstrated that he “cares about Catholic education, and its students.”
“His message was appropriate, challenging them to think and live out the values of the Gospel,” he continued.
“Our youth need to hear that more often,” he added.