Bishop Kevin Farrell

The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas

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Congratulations to the graduates of 2016

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Congratulations to the graduates of 2016

Once again we are approaching the time of beginnings and endings that marks the end of the academic year. Doors close on times of joy and sometimes frustration that mark our various journeys from pre-school through the university. Doors close, but memories remain forever – recollections of adventures, ball games, classmates, teachers and … of course, exams.

Farewells are the sad part along with the knowledge that after graduation these people, whose lives have been so intertwined, will probably never be all together again. On the other hand, there is the promise and challenge of a new beginning … a new school, a new career, and a new blank slate upon which to make your mark. It is a time to look forward to new experiences and new friends in your journey to God.

And of course, that is our journey; that is our goal. We know not what the future will hold for us and do not know who will join us on the road ahead. Each of us is shaped by so many with whom we share the journey for a short time; parents, family, teachers, friends, children. The journey is ours alone, but we will never be alone. There will always be those who help us carry our load and those whose load we share. It is frightening, yet, it is exhilarating.

I congratulate all of our graduates and bid them to go with God. I ask His blessing upon all graduates and those who have journeyed with them thus far, and those who will join them on the road ahead. I particularly thank the parents who are called to let their children go. I thank them for their love and their preparation of their children for the journey.

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Image credit: Bairn Hanif on Unsplash

Graduation: a step into the future

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Graduation: a step into the future

“Life stands before me like an eternal spring with new and brilliant clothes.” These words of German philosopher and mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss seem so much to embody the spirit of hope and adventure of graduation and of graduates.

This is one of the most joyful times of the year in which we can share in the excitement and expectations of the graduates moving on to something new and challenging. It is a time when these young people face the future full of confidence. It is also a time of sadness because moving on means leaving behind friends and experiences that will now be consigned to the treasury of memories.

I recall a student who once observed, “I wasn’t just learning English and math. I was learning about life.” And, isn’t that what education is really about – preparing us for life. From the first steps we take as a toddler to the ones we take when we cross the stage to accept our diploma, we are leaving behind as well as looking ahead in our life’s journey.

Our journey is to God, upon which we will have many companions; parents, teachers, family, friends and children. Our journey will be filled with opportunities to serve and to learn because learning about life never ends. I have heard many speak of how in adulthood they found that they learned from their children. We are never too old to learn.

So let us rejoice with our graduates as they step into their future, and pray that they will never stop learning and never lose sight of the ultimate goal of their life journeys. Congratulations to all of our graduates and their parents. May God bless you all!

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Image credit: Caro Wallis on Flickr

For the graduate, the future is a tabula rasa

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Graduation

Graduation is one of those milestones of life that is remembered forever. It is a rite of passage along with obtaining a driver’s license, getting married and the arrival of your first child. Like all rites of passage graduation marks a new beginning, which is why it is marked with a commencement ceremony instead of a conclusion rite.

For the graduate the future is a tabula rasa, a blank slate, a promise to be fulfilled. Congratulations are definitely in order, for the graduate has mastered a demanding course of studies fashioned to prepare him or her for adulthood and responsible citizenship.

Our Catholic institutions and Catholic campus ministers have provided for growth in faith and spirituality to ensure that the future reflects the values of the Catholic tradition and assures a faithful witness. This element of preparation is particularly important in a society that is becoming increasingly hostile to religion and the Gospel.

Finally, I offer a word of congratulation to the parents. Their love and support have made this significant occasion possible. For them, the years have passed too quickly. Graduation is also a rite of passage for them as their parental role changes as their child reaches adulthood and independence.

Please join me in asking God’s blessing on all graduates and their parents and those teachers who have mentored them through the years. I pray you will all continue to be blessed with knowledge, success and happiness!

Image credit: Will Folsom on Flickr

Commencement

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Commencement is the term I prefer for all the graduation ceremonies that are occurring this month and next. I say that because I believe it best describes the transition that occurs when a student graduates.  Some may think of graduation as the end, the conclusion.  But, I think it is always more of a beginning than an end. That is what commencement means…a beginning.

Think of it as the beginning of putting into use the skills and knowledge that are accrued during a course of studies. This is true whether the graduate is awarded a professional or terminal degree and begins to practice a profession, or if it is a transition to higher studies.

Commencement is a time of promise, a time of challenge and opportunity. For many it is also a time of trepidation that always accompanies leaving the familiar and comfortable behind and stepping into the unknown.  Life should not be a plateau but a climb up a mountain, pausing only to rest briefly.

In a commencement speech, Adlai Stevenson told graduates “When you leave here, don’t forget why you came.” Graduates have reached a milestone, not the finish line. You have expended much time and energy to reach this level. Your parents have provided love and support to get you here, so begin to apply what you have acquired.  You have acquired information, but it becomes knowledge only when it is applied.

Finally, remember that all knowledge is at its base, knowledge of God the source of all knowledge and wisdom. To separate knowledge from God is to betray both.