St. Michael's Showcases Student Learning and Faith during Day with Bishop Deeley
On Wednesday, December 6, Bishop Robert Deeley traveled to Augusta, visiting 11 classrooms of students from pre-K through 8th grade at St. Michael School. Throughout the day, the bishop experienced the great commitment of teachers and administration, as well as the growth and joy displayed by students of all ages.
The bishop had met many members of the 8th grade class when he first became the bishop of Portland - when they were just preschool students - and noted their transformation.
During the morning visits with the youngest students, Bishop Deeley was greeted with enthusiasm, and he read Christmas stories to them. He was asked to top the tree in the pre-K3 classroom with a star. Students throughout the day shared their talents, including songs and special performances. They even had Christmas art projects for the bishop to make alongside them, including manger scenes and drawings of the Jesse Tree. They shared all they are learning about the important seasons of Advent and Christmas.
"Jesus becomes the light in the darkest part of the year," the bishop said as classes talked about the Christmas season.
During the afternoon sessions, students asked the bishop insightful questions and showed an eagerness to learn about his decision to enter the priesthood. He shared that his calling came at a very young age when he experienced all the good that the priests were doing at his home parish in Massachusetts. He described his studies and preparation to become a priest - about nine years.
Many students inquired about why and how he became bishop of Portland, which has a somewhat simpler answer - a phone call from the pope's representative in the United States to say he had been appointed.
"We all have a purpose, and God gives us our purpose," he told students. "God wants us to be happy."
When asked about his favorite part of being a bishop, he responded, "Doing just this, being with you and finding out about what you are doing at school and in your life."
Bishop Deeley talked to teachers and met with Principal Kevin Cullen and Father Nathan March, pastor of St. Michael Parish, to learn more about the school today - and how it is fulfilling its commitment of providing a rigorous, values-based experience that educates the whole student.
"We are so appreciative of Bishop Deeley's on-going support of the work we are doing at St. Michael's," said Principal Cullen. "We are proud of and confident in the educational experience we are offering in a faith-based environment. Our growing student population shows that there is a need for what we offer, and we are committed to ever improving."
