In the four years of our parish’s existence, high school students have consistently been an integral part of the Blessed John XXIII community.

Fr. Herb Weber

The first Mass of the parish took place about a week before school started in 2005. Along with upperclassmen, a large group of high school freshmen started participating in our Sunday evening sessions, going on retreats, coming to social gatherings and doing work projects. Throughout their high school years, many of these students have also ministered at Sunday liturgy as readers, ushers, greeters, singers and ministers of the Eucharist.

Those freshmen of fall 2005 are the graduates of spring 2009. They, along with other students who have joined them as our parish has grown, have become a significant part of our parish life. Today, I want to thank them as I also ask God’s blessings on their future endeavors.

I know that many other pastors throughout the diocese are feeling the same way about their graduates, so I include all graduates as I write these words.

Graduates, thank you for the commitment you have shown to your church. These past four years have been a time of growth and challenge. Often you have had to ask hard questions about your faith and your church participation. Many times your parents or other adults had to direct you and guide your decisions.

Perhaps the most important message that you have learned is that you are important to the church. As a child of God, you are loved by the source of all love. As a member of our parish, your very presence has enriched us.

Many times people say that youth are the future of our church. This statement is a bit troublesome in that it implies that we will value you only in some future time. Instead, our youth are already a significant part of the church. Yes, you will assume positions of Christian leadership in the years ahead. But even now what you are doing matters. As high school students you have influenced our parish. Your faith has invigorated ours.

Probably every parent has the same hope, namely, that you will make as your own all those good things that they and other significant adults (teachers, coaches, and church leaders) have led you to. Some of you have told me that each time you leave the house your parents remind you to “make good decisions.” The biggest good decision you can make is to claim our faith for yourself!

A mother of one of this year’s graduates told me she wants this school year to slow down. As she savors all her daughter’s school activities, she also is trying to ready herself for that young woman to leave the house. The family unit she has known for many years will be changed. As happy as parents are to see their children’s accomplishments, they also will struggle to adjust to sons or daughters moving out of the house.

Some of you may not be leaving home right away while others will be going to college or the military. And some will express their independence by moving away to find work while establishing themselves as adults. All of these steps can be exciting; all of these new ventures can have pitfalls.

For that reason, be sure to maintain several life-lines. First, stay connected with those who love you. This may be most necessary when there has been tension at home while you have been in high school. Talk with mature adults about your decisions and don’t simply listen to those who will say what you want them to say.

A second life-line is to remain part of the church. Most universities and colleges have good Catholic campus ministry programs. Check these out. They are there to help you grow spiritually during the next few years. As a former campus minister I can tell you that your personal faith growth is one of the most important things that can happen while in college.

Finally, keep a focus on who you are called to be. Sometimes when living away from parents who oversaw your activities and behaviors, it is easy to drift. Keep a focus on that man or woman that God is calling you to become. And don’t compromise on your values as you confront people with completely different priorities.

Again, new graduates, thank you for what you have contributed to our parishes. We pastors want you to know that you always have a church home to visit. We look forward to seeing you often.

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Father Herb Weber is pastor of Perrysburg Blessed John XXIII.