Father Romy Selection, M.S., who is Episcopal Vicar for the San Bernardino Pastoral Region of the diocese, celebrated the Mass. In his homily, Fr. Seleccion lauded teachers for the critical role they play in forming children in the Catholic faith.
“The classroom is a home where Gospel values are learned,” he said. “You are not just an educator but a messenger. You transform the children into world class Christians.”
After the Mass, Joyce Drake, Director of the Diocesan Ministry of Education Services, spoke to the school professionals about the effect of Pope Francis on the mission of Catholic education. She discussed five Catholic characteristics quoted from the book “Practice Makes Catholic” including a sense of sacredness in everyday life, a sense of community, treating every human person with dignity and respect , reverence for scripture and tradition and the hope that comes in faith. Teachers are in a unique position to model and share faith with students, Drake said during her talk.
“When you share a little bit of what faith means to you or how you practice faith it makes a difference to your students,” she said. “Faith becomes real rather than a required subject you take and then forget.”
The Opening Schools Mass also serves as the annual occasion to recognize school employees who have served in Catholic education for 25 or more years. This year St. Peter and St. Paul Principal Patty Ferrer was honored for 30 years of service at the Alta Loma parish and school while Principal Diane Arias of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Indio was honored for 25 years. Aquinas High School ethics teacher Theresa Pesta, Notre Dame High School religion teacher Nancy Sebastian, Notre Dame mathematics teacher Dr. Reeba Baskhsh, St. Edward School kindergarten teacher Sally Farano and St. Edward instructional aide Christina Alderette, and Ressurrection Academy eighth grade teacher and technology coordinator William Ooms all received their 25 year pin.
While Catholic schools always regard service as part of the mission, Patricia Vesely, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, says the theme “Go Make a Difference” has been chosen for this year because it reflects Pope Francis’ call to the Catholic faithful.
“It’s all the emphasis that the Pope has placed on being Christ in the real world,” said Vesely. “What it says about living a simpler life, doing with less, distinguishing needs from wants… I think there will be a deeper reflection about what these things mean.”