The Catholic school community, including current and former students, teachers, staff, families, alumni and supporters will gather for a special Mass with Bishop Robert Gruss on Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw. All are invited to take part in this liturgy and then join Bishop Gruss for donuts and apple cider during a reception following Mass.
- Historic photos of our schools from throughout the years will be available for viewing during the reception.
- Students across the diocese have been invited to serve the Mass in a variety of ministries.
“The Back to School Mass is an opportunity to celebrate the long-standing tradition of Catholic school education in the Diocese of Saginaw and also pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our efforts to strengthen and grow our Catholic schools,” said Bishop Robert Gruss. “I am convinced our Catholic schools remain the optimal setting for educating and forming disciples of Jesus Christ.”
The Back to School Mass also provides an opportunity to come together in thanksgiving to God for the gift of Catholic education and pray for current students, teachers and staff as they embark upon the new academic year. “It has never been a more exciting time to be in education, especially Catholic education!” said Krista Willertz, Catholic identity and curriculum coordinator. “It is great to gather together as a Diocesan family to celebrate Christ in the Eucharist, our educational family, our spiritual family and the rich history that has been part of our local Catholic school system since the late 1800s.”
Students across the diocese have been invited to serve the Mass in a variety of ministries. Members of the community are encouraged to wear school colors, team jerseys or spirit wear as we come together for an encounter with the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist.
“I cannot think of a better way for us to begin the school year,” said Superintendent of Catholic Schools Cormac Lynn. “I look forward to coming together to give glory and praise to God and thank him ahead of time for all he intends to do with Our Catholic Schools: Centered in Christ, Committed to Excellence.”
Eucharistic Revival and Catholic schools were identified by Bishop Gruss in late 2021 as his two named priorities. Diocesan staff have been working with members of our parish and school communities to develop plans that foster growth in each. The prayer of the Eucharistic Revival is to renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. The hope for the Catholic school initiative is to strengthen and grow Catholic schools, which are centered in Christ and committed to excellence.
"Whether you are in St. Brigid of Kildare Kelly green or All Saints Columbia blue, it will be quite a sight to pack our beautiful Cathedral with the people who represent the history, tradition and love that compose our Saginaw Diocese Catholic Schools,” Willertz said. “Come celebrate the Eucharist, our Faith’s Source and Summit, and see what all the excitement is about.”
Our Diocese has 12 schools, including three high schools in which we educate nearly 2,025 children. These schools are in both rural and suburban areas. Our Catholic schools have maintained an excellence in teaching since 1868. Nearly 100 percent of our students go on to graduate from college. Many of our Catholic school graduates are presently serving in vital community service positions. Our Diocesan Catholic schools foster vocations to the priesthood, religious life and to Christ-centered marriage and single life.