Photos and story by Fran Ruchalski

During Catholic Schools Week, which runs from Jan. 30 through Feb. 5, Catholic schools focus on Catholic education’s value to students and contributions to our church, communities, and nation.

Bishop Felipe Estévez spent Monday (Feb. 1) visiting Bishop John J. Snyder High School in Jacksonville to begin this special week.

His visit began with a Mass for the junior and senior classes, and it was also livestreamed throughout the school.

The bishop began his homily by reminding the students of Jesus’ words, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Bishop Estévez focused on the word “turn,” for “when we turn to something, we start in a new direction.” He said Jesus invites us to turn to a new way of looking at the world. “He teaches us to trust as a child trusts, that God will take care of us.”

After the Mass, the bishop met privately with Deacon David Yazdiya, the principal, to talk about the school’s progress in its 29-year history and what is planned.

Deacon David walked around campus with Bishop Estévez to show him some projects in development. The first is a new garden where the students will be growing flowers and vegetables. In addition to providing food for the school’s cafeteria, the bishop believes it will instill important environmental principles in future generations of students.

The second addition was new beach volleyball courts as the school adds that to the sports student-athletes can participate in on campus.

Next, the bishop met with upper-level students studying the pillars of Catholic social teaching concerning human dignity, solidarity and the common good in society in their religion class.

When he asked how many were against capital punishment, the bishop was pleased with the positive student response. “Now that is a sign of hope,” he exclaimed.

He then answered faith-based questions the students submitted to him.

After this, the bishop spent time with students involved in the Respect Life Club, Student Government, and the Campus Ministry Class to discuss the good works they’re envisioning.

The topics ranged from opposing capital punishment to kids motivating other young people to live better lives to possible programs for youth to become involved with the church at an early age to how they can use the technology they’ve grown up with to further the work of the church. Some of these teens are in the process of transforming these ideas into reality.

One student stated their generation wants to determine their mission for the church’s future. They want to be excited about their faith.

Bishop Estévez ended his visit by emphasizing the positive role of synodality in the church championed by Pope Francis. He told the students that listening to the experiences and thoughts of other church members like they did on this day will bring about a turn in direction for a better church for all in the future.