From the Pastor&#039;s Desk

Halfway through May, we find ourselves already in the midst of graduation season. The three main campuses of our diocese -- Michigan, Michigan State, and Hillsdale -- each saw spring graduations last weekend. And next weekend, we'll celebrate with our high school graduates at the 10:00 a.m. Mass. Even before that, we have the Lansing Catholic High School Baccalaureate on Wednesday evening. For me, the real fun will be spending time with our eighth graders -- ahead of their graduation on Thursday, June 2 -- as they enjoy three days and two nights around the Straits of Mackinac!

It's not hard to produce a parody of a graduation speech. But the reason is because, in loving concern for the young people assembled before them, speakers find themselves hitting familiar notes. Timeless notes --

Love God and neighbor. Be true to what you have learned from your parents and teachers. Tell the truth. Don't be afraid. Leave each place and situation better than it was on your arrival. Have some humility. Be aware of how much you don't know. Apologize when you should apologize. Learn from your mistakes. Grow in virtue. Carefully choose a spouse, and then remain faithful forever. Protect your children from evil. Build small communities of faith and prayer. Spend time with Godly couples whose values are sound. Go to church. Don't overdose on electronics or on politics. Pray. See God's loving handiwork in nature. Know that you someday will die. See in every man and woman, boy and girl, the image of Christ.

Actually, of course, a lot of that is not what we would hear these days in a typical commencement address. Sadly, too many schools make it their business to undo what parents have taught, and to reorient young people toward the current hyper-politicized secular culture.

As we celebrate with our young people, let's also turn our prayerful attention to the state of our schools, at all levels. The Constitution of the State of Michigan (echoing language from the Northwest Ordinance) states, "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Plainly, the people of Michigan, in enacting our 1963 constitution, intended our students to be truly educated in what matters.

Going forward, let's commit to selecting schools and educational opportunities with care. Catholic school? Home schooling? Public school? Our choices will have long-lasting effects. And, in today's world of higher education, there certainly is much more to be considered than just the U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The Lord calls us to become the best versions of ourselves, and so we are to continue to grow spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially. With all that in mind, let's carefully choose schools for ourselves and for those whom we love.

Blessings on all our graduates! And blessings on all those who will be continuing their education!

frmike