Grandparents honored during special Mass at Saint Dominic Academy
On Tuesday, November 21, Bishop Robert Deeley celebrated Mass at Saint Dominic Academy in Auburn for students and their grandparents, as well as other family members and alumni. The gymnasium was at capacity as the bishop shared a message of gratitude and thanksgiving.
"It's a way of life to be grateful," Bishop Deeley said in his homily, as he encouraged students to recognize the help and support that families give to them, particularly grandparents.
Students participated in the Mass as altar servers, readers, presenters of the gifts, and collectors of donations. The choirs from both the Auburn and Lewiston campuses led the hymns. At the conclusion, students performed the school's fight song to much applause.
Monsignor Marc Caron, moderator of the curia and vicar general for the Diocese of Portland, served as the master of ceremonies, and Father Daniel Greenleaf, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Lewiston, was the concelebrant.
During a special presentation, representatives from the Catholic Grandparents Association shared information about World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, which was established by Pope Francis in 2021 to be celebrated each July.
Brian and Ethna Wilson, Catholic Grandparents Association ministry leaders at the Prince of Peace Parish, presented Bishop Deeley with a medallion crafted in the Vatican to thank him for support of the association's mission.