My graduation from high school was most memorable. For those who read my last column on my first Communion, my graduation was nothing like it. In January of 1973, my senior year, I was drafted for the war in Vietnam. Two weeks later, my mother died very suddenly.
Some regard confirmation as a sort of spiritual graduation. Confirmation comes at the end of the successful completion of a course of study and a set of requirements that typically include a retreat and community service, and a high school or college graduation comes at the end of the successful completion of a set of academic requirements.
To honor graduating high school seniors in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, The Catholic Spirit asked three Catholic high schools — Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis and Providence Academy in Plymouth — to nominate students for the following profiles.
Catholic high school graduates face uncertainty in the next stage of their lives as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact schools, parishes and businesses across the country.
Emily Wilder is disappointed she is missing out on longstanding traditions that make a senior year of high school so special.
She knows them well, having attended every graduation ceremony at Bethlehem Academy in Faribault since 2013. Three older siblings, including one brother, graduated from her school, and her younger sister is on track to do so in 2025.
As a high school senior, Hannah Wolney knew she needed a break. Attending Chesterton Academy in Edina, she was recovering from multiple concussions on the soccer field and had other mental health concerns. While she loved learning, Wolney realized she needed time after graduation to heal and rejuvenate.
The Catholic Spirit asked leaders from each Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to share their best life advice with this year’s graduating seniors.
Life is a long series of hellos and goodbyes, so don't be afraid to let go of the past; remember old friends, but keep moving and be open to the new, Pope Francis told students as the school year was coming to an end.
To honor graduating high school seniors in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, The Catholic Spirit invited representatives of our Catholic high schools and parishes to share important lessons, formative experiences and hopes for the future.
