Welcome to today’s graduation!  It is a special day – for the graduates, for their proud parents and grandparents, and for their teachers.  Today is one of those great occasions when we get to celebrate our young people – their achievements, their perseverance, and their successes as they grow.  Graduation is seen as an official way to recognize what one has accomplished and when one is ready for the next phase of their life, and eighth grade you are ready.

 

As we look back on your journey – a journey that started out with hesitant, tentative steps, we see just how far you have progressed.  Each year as you learned and grew you became a little more independent.  You have striven to work to your potential, you set goals, and have achieved much.

 

You face a future that holds the unknown and change is inevitable as you stand on the brink of moving into life beyond Sacred Heart School.  It is inevitable and gratifying to see that you, the Class of 2018, are ready to tackle and further your life-long education.  It is inevitable that structures and processes and relationships will change in your day-to-day lives.  It is inevitable that you will face new challenges and it is inevitable that things may seem a little different in the year ahead but with the foundation you have built here at Sacred Heart School, with the love of your family and friends, and with your faith, you will meet whatever life has in store for you.

 

So my friends, as you face and tackle the inevitable changes, hold true to yourself. Continue boldly stepping forward. Do the right thing, even if no one is looking, study hard, check your work, and remember that you are investing in yourself with every test you take and every book you read.

 

I pray that you will wake each morning

and search for God throughout your day.

That you will meet the challenges life

tosses your way with prayer and confidence.

That the toys and noise of this world

will not reflect in your eyes.

That life will be an adventure with Christ;

not too predictable or overly planned.

That you will make time to be available to Him.

 

I pray that when you see a need

you will do your best to meet it.

When you see fear you will give comfort.

When you see anger you will respond with patience.

When you see injustice you will defend.

When you see a life without Christ

you will make an introduction.

 

I pray that when you are in need you will go

to Him and graciously accept the help He sends.

When you are afraid you will curl up in His loving arms.

When you are angry you will look at the situation

through His eyes.

When you are treated unfairly you will seek

His comfort and guidance.

 

I wish you joy with just enough discomfort

so you will appreciate the joy.

I wish you prosperity with just enough struggle

to make you responsible and generous.

I wish you peace but not enough to make you complacent.

 

Embrace the life He gives you,

always seek His face,

always hope, always dream,

work hard, pray hard

serve often, laugh often

 

And love unconditionally…as He has always loved you.

 

This is the end of one part of your journey, and the beginning of the next.  It has been an honor and a privilege being part of your journey and each and every one of you holds a special place in my heart. I ask God’s blessings on you and your companions on this journey and that God watch over you, guide you, and provide you with strength for the journey.

 

Congratulations to the parents, to the teachers and everyone who has helped our graduates reach here today.  And finally, Congratulations to the Class of 2018.  Here we go!