Last Saturday we celebrated the graduation of our eighth-grade students from St. Simon Parish School. It was a wonderful occasion for all of us. They chose the scripture passage for their Graduation Mass about Christ being the light for the world and how we are called to be the light of the world.
I reminded the boys and girls how at the Easter vigil each year we start the service in complete darkness outside in the courtyard. As we stood outside right where the Easter fire is, it was particularly apt. I shared with them that there is a big fire from which we light the Paschal candle. The candle is held up for the whole world to see and we say, “The light of Christ.” We hold up that light as we sing the light of Christ and everyone holds a candle of their own and they come towards that light, to light that candle.
What was complete darkness now becomes a church filled with the light of individual candles as we walk in procession into the church singing the light of Christ. Then we sing a song called Exsultet (also known as the Easter Proclamation of Easter), which talks about how important the light of Christ is to the whole world. We then listen to seven readings, telling the story of God in seven different ways. Sacred scripture, a reminder of how God never abandons his people.
I reminded the young boys and girls that they are the light of the world, and we need their light to shine. I gave them a way to remember how to be the light in the world by using the acronym of LIGHT:
“L” for love. I told them to love their life. Love themselves and love others. Love their parents. Love their siblings. Love their school. Love their life. I reminded them to let themselves be loved. Let their parents love them. Let them hug them. Let them kiss them. I promised them that these years are precious, and they should just absorb all the love they can for now. One day it will slow down not because their parents stop loving them but because life changes so soak up as much love as they can now. That way there will be enough love to last them a lifetime.
The “I” is for Interested. Be interested in other people’s stories. Be interested in learning. Be interested in life. Just be interested, be curious. Always ask questions. Never let anyone tell you that your questions are silly, every question is welcome. Be interested in life, in learning, and in particular in faith.
“G” is for grateful. Be grateful for the gifts that they have. Be grateful for how much they have already been given thus far. The fact that their parents sacrificed so much for them to be at this school and now sacrificing to be at other schools. Be grateful for the teachers who have been equally as resilient and equally as persistent in giving them everything that they have. Be grateful for the gift of life. Be grateful to their parents and keep saying it. “Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad. Thank you for what you give me. Thank you for who you are in my life.” Be grateful.
“H” is to be holy. Try to be as holy as they can be. Do the right thing for the right reason, for always seeking to be as holy and as good as they possibly can. There are going to be a million other reasons why they ought not to be. But try to be as holy as they can be. Do what they have learned from here at St. Simon. There have been many lessons, especially on Wednesdays at the school Masses.
“T” is for truth. Try to be true, seek truth and be truthful. Also, be true to yourself. Be true to their family. And be true to God. Seek truth at all costs. Do not ever get caught up in lies. And if found in a lie, then admit it and turn around and say, “Nope, that is not true.” Seek the truth at all times about themselves, about life and about others. And be persistent in seeking the truth.
I pleaded with the boys and girls to be the light of Christ in the world. I emphasized that we really need their light and I want them to continue to shine. To shine that bright light in all the different schools that they go to.
As Christian disciples, we are all called to be a light in the world, not just the graduating 8th grade class of 2024. We need to reflect these values in our daily lives. Our children, especially, are the future of our faith community, and it is vital that we carry these principles forward.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also bid farewell to two beloved members of our community, Sister Mary-Han and Father Thuc.
Sister Mary-Han has been with us for seven years, and her impact on our Children’s Faith Formation (CFF) and her presence in the community have been invaluable. We are deeply grateful for her dedication and the love she has shared with us. Her work has laid a strong foundation for the spiritual growth of our children.
Father Thuc has been a cherished part of our community for five years. His presence in the school, CFF, and the parish has been a true gift. His humor, warmth, and support have touched the lives of all. His authenticity and genuine belief in Jesus Christ has led all of us to believe in the Light of Christ and strive to be the light of the world today.
Personally, I am profoundly grateful for his willingness to support me in all our parish projects and for always being there when needed. Living with him has been a joy, and I will personally miss him dearly. His humor and loving presence in the rectory house have been a joy for Fr. Chris and me. We will miss him dearly, but we wish him well. I hope he knows that he is always welcome here at our table at the rectory and at the table of the Lord at Eucharist. I know all parishioners share my love for him and we will all miss him.
As we move forward, let us carry the lessons of LIGHT with us and honor the legacies of Sister Mary-Han and Father Thuc and all the 8th graders by continuing to build a community grounded in love, interest, gratitude, holiness, and truth. May we all be the Light of Christ for the world to see.
God bless,
Fr. Brendan