Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

On behalf of the Office of Schools, I extend congratulations to our 2023 Graduates!

Students from both eighth grade and high school are ready to move forward to embrace the next new chapter in their lives, and after many years of spiritual and academic formation, we send them forth with God’s blessings to an exciting future ahead.

Our graduates have worked very hard and accomplished much, as can be seen in the many awards and scholar- ships that they have received. In addition, our students have had many opportunities to participate in service to others; to see beyond themselves to the great needs of brothers and sisters throughout the world. They have responded well as Disciples of Christ, reaching out to be the hands of Christ to help those in need. We encourage our graduates to continue to spread love to all corners of the earth as they encounter new people and situations in their lives.

Graduation marks a time of great joy and pride. Students leaving the Diocese of Metuchen Catholic Schools are intellectually well prepared and have learned to overcome adversity, particularly with the challenges of the past few years. We can say with confidence that our graduates are ready to make a difference in the world! Our students have been formed in the Catholic faith and learned that LOVE is at the root of Jesus Christ’s message. Therefore, they are well-prepared to continue their journey as leaders and to make decisions based upon the moral compass of their Catholic faith. As St. John Paul II stated at World Youth Day: “The future is in your hands. God is entrusting to you the task of working with Him in the building of the civilization of love.”

We are indebted to parents and guardians for entrusting their children to us for their education and care. It is a privilege to work together in this partnership and we thank you for the many sacrifices you have made through the years to provide a Catholic education for your children. It has been a blessing to collaborate with families to educate children in the Catholic faith and to help strengthen them in their identity as sons and daughters of God.

We must continue to pray for our graduates as they move forward to meet new challenges ahead. We pray that they will stay close to Jesus and to remember that they are never alone; they will always have the support of their parents/ guardians, their teachers and pastors. Bishop Checchio states: “As our graduates are faced with new relationships and situations, Jesus will always remain close to them and lead them in the right direction.”

We bless our graduates as they continue to grow and evolve as people of integrity. May they learn from leaders and mentors who will help shape them to use their talents to the fullest. May God bless them and keep them and may they be a gift to the world!