At a Catholic Schools Week Mass for Charles County Catholic schools, Washington Cardinal Wilton Gregory told students about a famous saint’s homework assignment.
“St. Thomas Aquinas had a very special homework assignment, and he fulfilled it beautifully,” Cardinal Gregory said during his homily at the Mass on Jan. 28 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Waldorf, Maryland. “When Pope Urban IV gave him the assignment to write about the Eucharist, he wrote so magnificently that the church has preserved and celebrated his work for over 800 years.”
Students, educators and families from the three Catholic schools in Charles County gathered at St. Peter’s Church to celebrate the beginning of Catholic Schools Week with a special Mass. The liturgy was celebrated by Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the apostolic administrator of Washington.
Catholic Schools Week, held annually beginning the last Sunday of January, celebrates Catholic education’s focus on faith, academic excellence and service. The week includes special Masses, community events, and activities highlighting the contributions of Catholic schools to their communities and the Church. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.” The theme underscores Catholic schools’ role in fostering spiritual growth, building strong communities, and preparing students for lifelong success.
Students from St. Mary’s School in Bryantown, Archbishop Neale School in La Plata, and St. Peter’s School in Waldorf came together for the Mass. Father Keith Woods, pastor of St. Peter’s Parish, and Father Scott Woods, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in La Plata and the administrator of Archbishop Neale School, concelebrated the Mass. Seminarian Aidan McIntosh assisted during the liturgy.
The Mass was held on the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of students and teachers. In his homily, Cardinal Gregory reflected on St. Thomas’ example as both a student and teacher, encouraging the congregation to follow his dedication to faith and learning. “We sing his words during Benediction and Mass because he wrote about the wonders of the Eucharist and the incredible gift that God gives us through the Bread of Life,” Cardinal Gregory said.
The choir, made up of students from all three schools, provided music for the liturgy. Students also assumed key roles in the celebration. Emma Gilbert, an eighth grader from St. Mary’s School, read the first reading, and Max Reisinger, an eighth grader from Archbishop Neale, read the Responsorial Psalm and Amber Battle from St. Peter's, led the Prayers of the Faithful.
The offertory gifts were presented by students Sophie Magphanty of Archbishop Neale, Ellie Moore of St. Mary’s School, and Martin Stokes of St. Peter’s School.
Students from St. Peter’s School served as altar servers. Fifth graders Joseph Shlagel and Duke Costello assisted during the liturgy, while eighth grader Orlando Rodriguez carried the crucifix and Andrew Gallardo held the bishop’s mitre for Cardinal Gregory.
After the Mass, students eagerly shared their favorite homework assignments and what they enjoy most about attending a Catholic school.
Natasha Dusterwald, a fifth grader at Archbishop Neale School, reflected on a memorable fourth-grade social studies project. “I created an interactive display about a Native American tribe using a cereal box,” she said with a smile. “It was so fun to make and learn about.”
Lucy Nolan, also a fifth grader at Archbishop Neale, beamed as she described her current project. “We’re working on a wax museum about notable African Americans,” she shared. Her chosen subject is Mary Bowser, a Civil War-era spy. “I’ve loved learning about her bravery.”
When asked what they value most about their Catholic education, students highlighted faith and community as central to their experience.
“It’s really great to be able to share your faith and be united with your classmates,” said Dominic White, a fifth grader at Archbishop Neale.
Charlie Moore, a fifth grader at St. Mary’s School, added, “We get to learn about Jesus and God in our school,” she said. “You don’t get to do that in public schools.”
In his concluding remarks, Cardinal Gregory encouraged students to approach their assignments with the dedication exemplified by St. Thomas Aquinas. “I hope that when you approach your homework – the assignments given to you – you give it your best effort,” Cardinal Gregory said. “It may not endure for 800 years, but like St. Thomas, may you focus on what truly matters: your friendships, your love for the Lord, your care for one another, and your reverence for the Eucharist.”
