​‘Love, kindness, and respect’ emphasized at annual archdiocesan fifth grade Mass

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Catholic News Agency

‘Love, kindness, and respect’ emphasized at annual archdiocesan fifth grade Mass

Blessings abounded at an annual “rite of passage,” students from Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese gathered for the annual fifth grade at St. Rose of Lima Church on February 25.

The liturgy began with a special school banner procession, and Father Steven Gamez, pastor, offered welcoming comments. Father Christopher Muñoz from Blessed Sacrament Church and School preached in the homily for an absent Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, who was battling illness. About 10 pastors were present to concelebrate the Mass.

Father Muñoz reminded the youth that every school is “the best” school when students treat each other with love, kindness and respect.

Altar servers for the Mass were Jake Hernandez from Blessed Sacrament, Katie Haag from Sts. Peter and Paul in New Braunfels, Brian Hewitt from St. James the Apostle, and Ryan Cabrera from St. Mary Magdalen.

Gift bears were Nina Cortinas from Sacred Heart in Del Rio and Lexi Alcorta from Notre Dame in Kerrville.

Readers at the liturgy included Emma Leos from Blessed Sacrament; Armando Nino and Elijah Diaz from St. John Berchmans; Sophia Mireles Alejandra Garza, and Maximo Garza from St. Paul; and Joshua Flores, Lillian Hill, and Ryan Ibrom from Sacred Heart in Floresville.

Providing music and song for the service was a choir comprised of students from Blessed Sacrament, Notre Dame in Kerrville, Sacred Heart in Del Rio, Sacred Heart in Floresville, St. James the Apostle, St. John Berchmans, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Paul, Sts. Peter and Paul, and St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles. They were directed by Terry Jarzombek from Holy Name and Barbara Nine from Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

Prior to the roll call of schools, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Marti West read a message of retreat from Archbishop Gustavo that he was unable to attend this annual Mass.

“This gathering is something I very much look forward to each year; to be with you and let you know that God is calling all of you to a life of service in the church, either as a priest, Sister or deacon, and for most of you, as holy laypeople,” the archbishop wrote. “I also want to express my most sincere gratitude to all the teachers, principals, and administrators at our Catholic schools. Your ministry in Catholic education makes an untold different in countless lives and in a variety of ways.”