When Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann encouraged 458 Catholic middle school graduates to “reflect Christ’s light in the world” during a Mass held May 18 in their honor, his words resonated in a special way for one eighth-grader.

As a little girl, Sara Wohlwend would tell people she had a little flame in her heart for Jesus.

“And every time I’d hear God’s word or go to Mass that flame would grow bigger,” she explained.

Time spent in Catholic schools fueled the youngster’s faith. She enrolled at St. Rita School as a sixth-grader after moving to Fort Worth from McAllen where she also attended a Catholic school.

“I like singing to God and learning about Him. It makes me so happy,” said the 14-year-old who served as a cantor for the Mass in Immaculate Conception Church in Denton. “I definitely felt God’s light shining on me today as I was singing,”

The annual liturgy marks a milestone in the lives of the eighth-graders and gives them an opportunity to worship with peers who are also preparing for high school and new responsibilities. Participation is a key component of the celebration and delegates from each school carried representative banners into the church during the processional or served as lectors, ushers, musicians, and choir members.

Hayden Schilling from Sacred Heart School in Muenster called the diocesan assembly of eighth-graders “inspiring.”

“There are only 11 kids in my class, so it’s almost like a family,” he added. “It was a good to see people from other schools and see everybody together for a Mass.”

Immaculate Conception Pastor Father Tim Thompson and visiting clergy concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Vann. During his homily, the leader of the Catholics of North Texas noticed the sunshine streaming through the stained glass windows and said it created an appropriate setting for the day’s Gospel message: I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.

“Dark clouds and rain storms come, but they always pass and the light comes out,” he continued. “My prayer for you, as you finish this part of your education, is that you take the faith that has grown in you these past years and use it to reflect the light of God to the world in which you live.”

In everyone’s life, there are times of darkness and uncertainty.

“We all need people to come our way and show us the light of Christ and the love of God,” the bishop said. “I hope your lives reflect light for the paths and footsteps of others as well as yourself, so you can see where God is leading.”

Before the liturgy ended, diocesan Catholic Schools Superintendent Don Miller told students the Eighth Grade Mass was one of his favorite events on the school calendar. It’s a time of excitement but also hope.

“Your Catholic faith has taught you that hope is more than wishful thinking. It’s a confident belief in the loving presence of God,” he said. “That confidence has come from people who have been the light of Christ for you and given you direction, confidence, and energy.”

He advised the youngsters to take time during the busy days before graduation to thank parents, teachers, and priests for setting an example of faith.

“They have made you aware of the two great gifts God has given you. The first is life and, secondly, his love,” Miller explained. “These people have been the light of Christ and the manifestation of hope for you. Now you get to pass it on.”

The annual Mass was bittersweet for eighth grade teacher Anita Strange. After working for 40 years at St. Rita School, the educator is retiring.

“This was a nice way to end my career,” said the religion and social studies veteran whose family has supported Catholic education for generations. Her great-great-uncle, John B. Laneri, donated the all-boys Laneri High School to the diocese in 1921.

Held in May instead of April because of the late Easter holiday, this Eighth Grade Mass seemed to impact her students more than previous classes.

“They realize friendships will change and they are moving on with life, but they can take their faith with them,” she said.

Catholic schools are special, Strange affirms.

“When you go to one of our schools, you meet God and you know God is good. He’s certainly been good to me.”