05/17/2026
From the Desk of Father Gabriel
The time has come for another year of graduating seniors from both high school and college. It is a wonderful moment for those who have accomplished hard work, discipline and dedication to cross the finish line. And yet, it really is just the beginning. You see, for most of you, your brains are still physically developing and will continue doing so until you are between 21 and 25, and that is a fact. Now several of you have already qualified for your Associate’s Degree at the same time as your High School Graduation. While that is awesome it means you will move through college on a faster track than if you did not have it. My college years were the absolute best time of my entire life and I wish that you will have the same experience. I made some of my best friends and still keep in contact with them 44 years later. Enjoy your time there and allow yourself to grow and to come out of your comfort zone and experience new things. Would you believe it was in college that I tried Chinese Food for the first time? In my home town (population 6,844) there were no Chinese restaurants, although I can say we have now had one for many years. Please don’t get too comfortable with your routine and allow yourself to learn; challenge yourself to read books and not just tablet and phone screens. Consider learning a new language to keep your mind sharp. Go to lectures and plays and concerts that may be offered on campus. Consider joining a club or helping out on campus. Pick up a hobby and allow yourself to find a form of self expression. Learn to hear opposing view points and opinions and allow others to tell their stories, just as I hope you will be brave enough to share your own stories. Think what consequences may follow your actions before you make them. Call your parents and grandparents: Call them, don’t just text them. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of counseling that may be available on campus or tutoring if you are struggling.
Find a Catholic Student Center and check it out. There you will find other young people still trying to find their way to God. They are coming from a variety of religious experiences and backgrounds. Consider joining a Parish near by and perhaps helping out with CCD classes. Perhaps you may feel a little lost right after your graduation day…and why not? You have been riding a wave of celebration and happiness for a bit now. There was Senior Serve; perhaps professional photo sessions; invitations to send out; yard signs showing you off; parties to attend and getting ready for the next chapter. And then it will come to a screeching halt and it will be another day of the week and you may feel a bit odd. Now what do you do? Don’t put pressure on yourself and see what God will have in store for you. Visit with friends and thank those who sent gifts or well wishes. See where you can be of service and help out around the house; take care of your younger siblings; mow the lawn; cook meals; clean your room and be grateful for so many blessings. Look back at your year and review those moments where things did not go your way. Perhaps you were disappointed or thought things unfair; or maybe God is waiting to give you something better than what you had hoped for or expected. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says we are not called to be successful, we are called to be faithful. Please remember that. And don’t compare yourself to anyone else. God never abandons us. Never. For those of you who were in my Confirmation Classes, remember to include others when you pray and ask God to bless them too.
And above all, never cease to be grateful. Always. For what you have and for what you did not receive because it may have caused you harm.
God Bless you,
Fr. Gabriel
