In the spring of a typical school year, Bishop Michael F.
Burbidge usually visits five or six parish schools and all the high schools “to
engage with students, to encourage them and to remind them in person of God’s
great love for them. A school Mass celebrated by Bishop Burbidge is the center
of these visits,” noted Joseph E. Vorbach, diocesan superintendent of Catholic
Schools.
But this isn’t a typical year. School buildings remain closed to
prevent the spread of COVID-19 while students and teachers continue their work online,
with the active involvement of parents.
Bishop Burbidge celebrated a special Mass livestreamed from the
Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington May 6 for students, families and all
those involved in diocesan schools.
“I know how much you miss being with each other and I certainly
miss being with you,” he told students. “I offer this Mass for all of you.
Jesus is in our midst.”
Bishop Burbidge applauded students’ creativity and sense of humor,
which he said he has seen demonstrated in videos and online posts. He said he was
proud of how quickly the schools, students and parents have embraced online
learning. “It’s challenging, but you’re meeting those challenges, and I know
it’s not easy,” he said.
He urged students to persevere, despite the disappointments of
missing out on in-person year-end activities and celebrations. “We must keep going even when we don’t want to,” Bishop
Burbidge said. “We can’t let it overwhelm us, or we will give up and we can’t
do that.”
He suggested that when students feel discouraged, they should “offer
it up for those suffering” even more during this time, including those who are
sick, have lost loved ones or are health care workers on the front lines, among
others. “If we remember them, I’m pretty sure we’re going to find the grace and
strength to persevere,” he said.
Bishop Burbidge acknowledged that “we know the darkness of these
days, but our Easter faith tells us that Jesus is the light that came into the
darkness and defeated the darkness. … He promises that he will let us share his
victory and bring us new life. Now more than ever, draw close to him in your
prayers, and do the things you know he’s asking of you, because he cares for
you.”
He advised students to “ask God for the grace to be humble, but
also be proud of yourself and all those helping you in your education and Catholic
formation. Pray for the grace to keep trying, even when it’s difficult. Let’s
keep praying for each other and remain strong in our faith.”
Vorbach participated in the celebration on behalf of the schools
and proclaimed one of the readings. “We are thrilled that Bishop Burbidge is
able to celebrate this Mass for our school communities and that it can be
livestreamed to them. In the absence of the ability to make these visits (in
person to the schools), this Mass presents an opportunity for our school
communities to hear directly from Bishop Burbidge and for their connection to
the diocesan church to be strengthened,” he said.
At the end of the Mass, Bishop Burbidge gave a special blessing
for eighth graders, acknowledging that the coronavirus is preventing them from
enjoying some of the special traditions usually celebrated in their
transitional year. Those may be “taken away from you, but the memories,
friendships and lessons you’ve learned will always be with you in your hearts.”
