Mass at center of school week

Despite those bitter conditions outside, songs were sung joyfully and responses sounded throughout the whole church, as they do each Friday morning when the church is filled with parishioners under the age of 14.

The 336 members of the St. Ambrose School student body, their teachers and parents celebrate this regular liturgy.

Students involved

"Participating in the skits is exciting," she said, "although sometimes it can be scary."

Classmate Tim Cunningham agreed, saying, "You are nervous because you want to do good, and you're excited because you want to get the message across to the kids."

The excitement can be seen throughout the entire student body as children sing loudly, clap, sway to the music and enthusiastically respond to questions posed by Rev. Francis DuBois, pastor.

Central mission

"Religion is our first responsibility," she said. "The children can get a good education anywhere. We do everything we can do to help them develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."

The principal admits that offering weekly Mass requires a commitment from faculty, pastor and parish staff. Each Tuesday, for example, music teacher Tom Green and Father Dubois meet to plan the liturgy. Parish music ministers are also involved, and classroom teachers work with the students to prepare them for each week's celebration.

Pastor's key

"Sometimes, it's a challenge," he said. "It's a priority for me. I book it into my schedule. We even plan funerals around it."

Celebrating Mass together is an essential benefit of Catholic schools, he said, noting: "If we're a Catholic school, we're supposed to teach Christ. The best way to teach about Christ is through the Eucharist. I am the main teacher, and the Eucharist is where I can do this best."

Father DuBois carries a key chain given to him by the students. Engraved on it is a quotation from Pope John Paul II: "The purpose of Catholic education is to communicate Christ to you so that your attitude toward others will be that of Christ."

Benefits

The students aren't the only ones who benefit. "I love seeing the children come alive," he said. "It gives me energy and life."

The pastor has also noted that the school is stronger because of the regular celebration of the Eucharist. "At this school, the Eucharist is the center of our lives," he said. "It has given us untold benefits. A lot of schools are struggling. We're not struggling at all. We don't have those problems. I believe the Eucharist is the key that allows all good things to happen. If you open your heart to the Lord, good things will happen." [[In-content Ad]]