‘Carry with you humble, thankful hearts into the future’
The Class of 2021 of Charlotte Catholic High School, Christ the King High School and Bishop McGuinness High School gathered with Bishop Peter Jugis, their friends and family for their respective baccalaureate Masses May 25, 24 and 27. (Photos by SueAnn Howell, Amy Burger and Katie Williams)CHARLOTTE — Before graduating from what has been a year like none other, the Class of 2021 was able to enjoy a baccalaureate Mass together in person with their bishop.
Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced churches to close and state regulations made large gatherings impossible.
With restrictions eased just days before graduation season, hundreds of members of the Class of 2021 and their families were able to attend Mass with Bishop Peter Jugis near their local parishes.
Bishop Jugis celebrated special Masses last week for each of the Diocese of Charlotte’s three high schools, personally congratulating the graduating seniors.
He traveled May 24 to Christ the King High School at St. Mark Church in Huntersville, May 25 to Charlotte Catholic High School at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, and May 27 for Bishop McGuinness High School at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville.
At each baccalaureate Mass, the Class of 2021 packed into the pews, happy to celebrate together after a school year marked by mask mandates, social distancing and virtual classes.
During his homily, Bishop Jugis shared the history of the baccalaureate Mass and how it began sometime in the late Middle Ages as a way for students to come together one last time before graduation to thank God for the many blessings they received during the course of their education.
“You, the graduating Class of 2021, come to this baccalaureate Mass in that spirit of thanksgiving which denotes the baccalaureate, in order to thank God for all of the blessings that you have received and all that you have been able to accomplish with God’s help,” he said.
He noted how this class of seniors has truly achieved a lot to arrive at this milestone in their lives – not just this year but in all of their years of study.
“St. Paul tells us, be thankful. Have gratitude in your hearts to God. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” Bishop Jugis said. “Good advice that St. Paul gives us this day and to all Christians all the time.”
“A humble heart is able to be thankful,” he continued. “A humble heart knows that it is to God, first of all, that the prayer of thanks must be made.
“So many good things have been given to you, graduating seniors. And so many opportunities for growth have been offered to you by God, who is gracious and good. Be thankful to Him.”
Bishop Jugis also urged them to be thankful to their parents, family, teachers and friends for all the ways they have sacrificed and enriched their lives.
“Your faith in God… has given you an excellent, strong foundation to stand on as you build your life – a foundation of faith that will never fail you,” he said. “Be thankful to God for your faith, which is a gift He has given you.”
“Carry with you humble, thankful hearts into the future.”
The Class of 2021
Bishop McGuinness High School graduated 93 seniors, who will attend a total of 40 colleges and universities in 15 states this fall. They earned more than $5.6 million in scholarships.
Twelve graduating BMHS seniors have signed to play 11 different collegiate sports at 12 different colleges and universities.
Charlotte Catholic High School graduated 274 seniors who will attend a total of 79 colleges and universities in 24 states, plus the District of Columbia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. They have earned $20,233,419 in scholarships.
Seventeen graduating CCHS seniors have signed to play eight different collegiate sports at 16 different colleges and universities.
Christ the King High School graduated 83 seniors who will attend a total of 49 colleges and universities in 15 states. One graduate will serve in the U.S. Navy.
They have earned $8,642,286 in scholarships.
Three graduating CTKHS seniors have signed to play three different collegiate sports at three colleges and universities.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
