As faithful around the world observe the Jubilee Year of Hope, teachers and students in South Jersey Catholic schools are following suit.
From incorporating the theme – “Pilgrims of Hope” – into daily prayer, to encouraging students to make a pilgrimage of their own to Mass, activities large and small are unfolding throughout the Diocese of Camden.
“So much of what the South Jersey Catholic school principals and teachers already do connects to hope. This jubilee allows us to reframe and reimagine that great work through the lens of the theological virtue of hope,” said Dr. Lee DelleMonache, diocesan director of religious education. “In this way, we can examine hope as much more than optimism or wishful thinking, and focus more on hope in a matter that reminds us to trust in God’s presence and God’s promise of heaven.”
The Diocese has shared four pillars to guide faithful in marking the Jubilee Year, which was established by the decree of Pope Francis, “Spes Non Confundit” (“Hope does not disappoint”). Those pillars include prayer and pilgrimage (expressions of the Christian journey, both deeply intertwined with the virtue of hope); the Sacraments (gifts of hope); service (acts of hope); and witness of the Catholic faith (powerful expressions of hope).
Dr. DelleMonache invited principals from schools across South Jersey to meet and reflect on each of the four pillars, and to consider what their schools are already doing to bring hope to others, what they can do through those efforts to strengthen the message of hope, and what new efforts they might try during the Jubilee Year.
“Our principals are creative and so very committed to the Catholic identity of their schools,” she said. “There was no hesitation in their identifying what is already in place at their schools that can be enhanced and what new things they might try in order to shine a light on the beautiful virtue of hope for their school communities.”
For example, Sister Michele DiGregorio, FMIJ, principal of Saint Margaret Regional School, Woodbury Heights, has encouraged her students to turn their walk to church for first Friday Mass into a pilgrimage.
“The teachers have been asked to speak to the students about the purpose of pilgrimage, that it is a journey to a holy place for an encounter with the holy – Jesus Christ,” she said. “The students are guided and encouraged to use this time walking to the Church as an opportunity to focus on the reason they are going, to anticipate the encounter with Christ in His Word and in the Eucharist, as well as the greater community of students and parishioners.”
Sister Michele said students will also be encouraged to make small pilgrimages to the shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus located next to the church.
The school is incorporating hope into other aspects of its daily activities, as well – including in morning prayers that are shared among teachers as they gather before classes begin each day. Reflections on aspects of hope from “Spes Non Confundit” will also be included in school newsletters throughout the year.
Another way the school is marking the year is by spreading hope through service to others.
“Our students and teachers are involved in many service projects throughout the school year – food, toys and personal care items collections, sandwiches for Joseph’s House [Camden], and collecting funds for various needs around our country and our world,” she said. “I would like us to help the children to realize how much hope these generous donations give to their brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Sister Michele said that the Jubilee Year can also serve as a powerful reminder for all Catholics.
“In our hectic daily lives, we can get bogged down with all we have to accomplish,” she said, “forgetting that every moment is a gift that opens us to hope, which in turn should help us to rejoice and be glad for the experiences, good or not so good, that bring us in closer relationship with Jesus Christ.”
In her discussions with principals, Dr. DelleMonache said that other schools are working on a range of activities to observe the Year of Hope, to include establishing family prayer partners; offering more chances for students to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation; creating opportunities for students and faculty to share stories about their own faith journeys; reflecting on the corporal works of mercy, and more.
“During the Holy Year, the faithful are called to be tangible signs of hope for others,” Dr. DelleMonache said. “Every time we take part in a Jubilee of Hope experience, we shine a spotlight on the virtue of hope and offer inspiration and invitation to others to know, love and serve Jesus better.”
To learn more about the Jubilee Year and the four pillars that will mark the year in the Diocese of Camden, visit camdendiocese.org/jubilee2025 and tinyurl.com/8383unkr.
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