Does your parish do something to honor/congratulate/bless graduating high school seniors? On May 8, 2019, I received a call from a parish wondering what gifts other parishes give to graduating high school seniors. We discussed a few ideas of which I was aware, but thought it was a good time to touch base with parish ministers to see what was currently done. I am thankful for the Coordinators for Youth Ministry that responded to my Google Form survey. Following is a summary of that input as received May 8 – 15. 25 parishes said YES, they do something to honor/congratulate/bless graduating high school seniors, and 4 responded that they do not. 21 of the 25 stated they have a special blessing for the graduates at Mass, 13 at a specific Mass and 8 at every Mass on a specified weekend. Most indicated they also have an Universal Prayer for the graduates, some including all levels of graduates. 14 parishes have a reception, 10 offer breakfast/brunch 3 have light snacks And one offers a dinner. For these, 6 indicated the receptions were for the graduates and their families, 1 for graduates only and 5 were for the whole parish. As for that question about gifts. 10 parishes do give gifts: ► Book (Bible, "How to Stay Catholic in College," Lean Into the Wind: How to Face the Future” by Fr. McKarns, prayer book) ► Bookmark ► Prayer card ► Coffee mug with scripture quote ► Photo frame ► Money ► A cross ► A certificate ► A religious medal ► information on how to find the Newman center on their campus ► Keychain (Note that a few parishes give more than one gift) Other great ideas included: - We have teens serve as liturgical ministers for a Mass - We make a poster with pictures of all the graduates - We take a group photo of the graduate and place it on the cover of a Church bulletin Any graduating teen who missed the Mass is asked to submit a senior picture to be included on the bulletin cover. - Our parish offers three scholarships for education, materials and supplies - Considering a retreat - We make a bulletin insert celebrating the graduates - We also host the Baccalaureate ceremony sponsored by the Conneaut Area Ministerial Association. Baccalaureate is the day before graduation is open to all seniors at Conneaut High School. We do have a light reception following the ceremony. - We tell them we are proud of them St. Thomas Aquinas school added that in addition to the Baccalaureate Mass that each Catholic School does in our diocese, they invite back those celebrating their 50th reunion to join them for Mass and a reception. They also have a blessing of the seniors at the last All School Mass of the year. As you put the finishing on any graduation celebrations for your parish, I hope these insights from other parishes are helpful. Most importantly, continue to pray for these young people, especially as they go off to college, the military, vocational training, a gap year, or the work world. May they be open to the Holy Spirit at work in their lives!
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5/30/2019 03:04:57 pm
FYI: Already shares with Stark County,
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
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