Bishop tells of wisdom, St. Paul at Catholic Schools Week Mass; teacher receives service award

By Tanya Connor | The Catholic Free Press

WORCESTER – Students at St. Paul Diocesan Jr./Sr. High School got a lesson from the bishop and the campus minister at Catholic Schools Week Mass Jan. 29.
Bishop McManus preached about their patron and about wisdom. Campus minister Moira Cook, who is also a theology teacher, was held up as an example as she was given the school’s Saint Paul Service Award.
The bishop told of St. Paul’s conversion and how he went on to preach the Gospel and suffer martyrdom for Christ, and reminded students, “This is your patron saint.”
He noted that there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom, and said people are not wise if they do not have the answers to three fundamental questions: Where have I come from? (Answer: God) Where am I going? (Answer: Home to God) How do I get there? (Answer: By following the example of Jesus, who alone is the way, truth and life).
“You have the gift of attending a first-rate Catholic school,” Bishop McManus told St. Paul’s students.
Father Jose F. Carvajal, head of school, introduced the St. Paul Service Award and this year’s recipient, Mrs. Cook. This highest recognition of an adult staff member whose service reflects the spirit of Saint Paul is presented during Catholic Schools Week, in connection with the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul.
“St. Paul reminds us that faith is never meant to be lived in isolation,” Father Carvajal said. “It is lived in service, in sacrifice, in generosity of time and heart, and in the quiet, faithful ‘yes’ that builds up the Body of Christ day after day.”
He said that those who nominated this year’s recipient spoke of someone who educates not only through words, but through example; someone who helps students understand what it means to live the Catholic faith and gives of her time. Her work includes service projects, retreats and liturgies, as she helps students encounter God.
Students applauded and cheered heartily when Mrs. Cook was announced as the award recipient.