Dialog reporter
WILMINGTON – Students at St. Mark’s High School celebrated their service to others during Mass with Bishop Malooly on Feb. 3 as the diocesan high school marked Catholic Schools Week. The national theme for the week is “Communities of faith, knowledge and service,” and those three goals have been a focus at St. Mark’s.
Service is not something that students do at St. Mark’s, a student said, “it’s who we are.”
Members of the Blue-Gold Club, Key Club, student council, Z Club and other groups told their schoolmates why they serve.
“I serve because it is right to help others without return,” one said.
“Seeing the children’s faces light up when you walk in is completely worth it,” another added.
The students’ words were music to the ears of Bishop Malooly. “It’s a real blessing to hear that.”
Later, during his homily, the bishop said when students leave the building, they should be looking to help others, This, he added, is what Pope Francis is asking of us.
He also tied a quote from the pope into St. Mark’s theme for the year, “all things possible.”
“When you have the courage to be happy, all things are possible,” the bishop said.
Bishop Malooly asked the students to remember the people who make Catholic education possible, including their parents, teachers and administrators. The success is reflected in the accomplishments of the students.
“It is not easy,” but it is worth the effort, he said.
The bishop also spoke about the Year of Mercy, which began in December. Several churches in the diocese have been designated as having holy doors. He asked the students to consider the doors at St. Mark’s to be their holy doors. Once inside, he encouraged them to be respectful, in good spirits, helpful and hospitable.
“When you walk through, there are others walking through with you,” Bishop Malooly said. “How can you help them?”
After Mass, the bishop and student ministers blessed the throats of students and faculty for the feast of St. Blaise, which also falls on Feb. 3. Bishop Malooly then blessed the school chapel, which has undergone recent renovations.
