Cardinal McCarrick High School student ambassadors Christopher Mierzwiak (l), Kristina Albrecht and Kevin Wiater (r) meet with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. SOUTHAMBOY— Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington, D.C., and the first bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, was on hand Sept. 9 to celebrate the opening of the new academic year and the close of the 125th anniversary year of Cardinal McCarrick/St. Mary’s High School.
Students welcomed Cardinal McCarrick to the school with a brunch reception during which he addressed them personally and encouraged them to better the world around them by setting an example of the values that they received through their Catholic education. He delivered advice to the students in both English and Spanish.
“Learn as much as you can … make a difference,” he told them, adding “… When you reach 80 years old, ask yourself, did I make a difference?”
The students presented Cardinal McCarrick with a messenger bag emblazoned with the school’s logo, which he can use in his current work at the Library of Congress.
Following the brunch, the cardinal was escorted around the school, where he dropped in to visit classes and interact with students. The culmination of the visit was the celebration of Mass to open the school year and give thanks for the 125 years of Catholic education provided by Cardinal McCarrick/St. Mary’s High School.
Cardinal McCarrick served as the main celebrant of the liturgy and was joined by the Rev. John Gordon, the school’s chaplain, and several area pastors whose parishioners attend the school. Students played special roles in the liturgy, including serving at the altar, leading music, proclaiming the Scriptures and presenting the offertory gifts. In his homily, Cardinal McCarrick spoke of the life of St. Peter Claver, whose feast was celebrated that day, and encouraged the students to imitate his example of reaching out to the poor and marginalized of society.