Students across South Jersey returned to their Catholic school classrooms the week of Sept. 3, where they were greeted with hugs, smiles, prayer services, and in some instances, special guests.
“There are three very important reasons for going to school,” Bishop Dennis Sullivan told students at Saint Peter School, Merchantville. “To learn, to build lasting friendships and to have fun!”
Students, faculty and staff gathered in the gymnasium Sept. 5, a choir greeting the Bishop and his priest-secretary, Father Joshua Nevitt, along with Dr. Bill Watson, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, and Father Tim Byerley, pastor at Saint Peter Parish. Principal Kathy O’Callaghan looked proudly on as the choir sang.
After the morning prayer service, Bishop Sullivan addressed the school and thanked all for having him visit during such an exciting week. He also asked the youngsters how they spent their summer vacations, and was pleasantly surprised by the various states and countries they visited. “I want to go on vacation with you next summer. Can I come?” Bishop Sullivan said with a smile to one young student.
The Bishop’s light-hearted nature had an impact on the students, especially eighth-grader Marie Basso. “He was really nice. He even cracked some jokes!”
Fellow eighth-grader Bianca Deiwert reflected on the Bishop’s words during the prayer service. “I thought he was really genuine and helped me understand a lot more about the Catholic faith.”
Emily Marinchak, a first-year kindergarten teacher at the school, expressed her hopes for her class this year. “I want my kids to understand fully God’s love. I want them to feel safe and secure in the school environment. I want them to learn as much as they possibly can.”
After the prayer service, Bishop Sullivan and the special guests walked across the parking lot with students to their new library for refreshments. Visiting with middle school students in the library, conversations ranged from the students’ high school plans to their favorite places to eat.
Less than 24 hours later, Bishop Sullivan, Father Nevitt and Dr. Watson made their way to Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School, Mays Landing, where the Bishop also celebrated a prayer service. They were greeted by principal Linda Pirolli, and Father John March, parish pastor.
Bishop Sullivan asked everyone in attendance to pray for the teachers, principal and parents. While addressing the students, Bishop Sullivan asked all eighth-graders to stand up. “You are the leaders of the school,” Bishop Sullivan told them. “Be good examples to the younger students.”
EvaMarie Quattrochi, who teaches eighth grade, was excited to see Bishop Sullivan focus on her class, especially given the importance of this particular year. “I really look forward to interacting with them in a different way as they get older … and helping prepare them for high school.”
Pirolli said she hoped the Bishop’s presence helps as the school continues to strengthen their Catholic identity. “Our theme this year is, ‘Be a light to others.’ Bishop’s visit today supported our theme. We really want to build our students’ faith formation over the course of the school year.”
Michael Bress is communications and marketing manager for the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools.
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