Eighth graders prepare for changes as they look toward high school

“The only constant in life is change,” said Heraclitus. Benjamin Franklin said, “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” The words of the Greek philosopher and American founding father still ring true. Bishop Michael W. Fisher observed that even though people change, “We still stay the same.”

On April 19, an eighth grade retreat was held to help students as they make some changes transitioning into high school. Students from nine area Catholic elementary schools met with their future high school mates and learned how to deal with some of the adjustments that come with entering a new school. A series of icebreakers and talks, along with Mass, filled out the day at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School in Orchard Park.

Laurie Wojtaszczyk, special projects coordinator for Catholic Schools and one of the organizers, said the day was for eighth graders to “get a little unity between them, a little faith between them, and hopefully make some friends so when they move into high school they’ll have a familiar face when they show up.”

A team of principals worked with Denise York, family faith formation coordinator at Immaculate Conception Parish in East Aurora, and Wojtaszczyk to structure the day. Activities focused on the Past, Present and Future.

“This morning before Mass was just reflecting on doing different fun activities, mostly icebreakers so they can get to know the other young people. But, also to reflect on their memories – the happy thing that they’ve experienced in their time in their Catholic school years,” said York.

Bishop Fisher noted at the opening of Mass that with all the changes happening in their lives, the Lord wants them to recognize and use the gifts He has given them.

“It’s a time to ask the Lord what we need and to look at those gifts that he has offered us,” he said.

He doesn’t usually use props in his homilies, but the bishop showed a picture of “two little hoodlums” who turned out to be himself and his brother Patrick taken more than 60 years ago. He asked the congregation if they think he has changed much. “We all change don’t we?” he said, noting he wanted to be a cowboy, an astronaut and an FBI agent before hearing the call to priesthood. “At the same time, we still remain who we are. We keep certain traits about ourselves, our personalities. But we mature and we grow. Change is a part of life isn’t it?” he said.

He acknowledged the students will begin a new life in high school next fall, and will make new friends and develop new interests.

“Change is very much an important part of our lives. Sometimes we’re asked to make even more radical changes in our life. The Lord is always asking us, every day when we get up to make changes in our life. We call that conversion.”

Conversion means to turn to the Lord and away from sin.

“Our lives are about change, aren’t they? They’re about conversion, and they’re about letting that presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives to help guide us, to bring us wisdom, to bring us knowledge, courage, counsel, all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are the ways the Lord helps us with His presence.”

After Mass, some projects examined the foundations they made during their Catholic school years. As a look to the future, students from St. Francis High School in Athol Springs shared about their transitions to high school.

As a piece of concluding advice, York shared something she learned attending a big public high school coming from a class of 18 at St. John the Baptist in Alden. It’s not about who the popular kids are or what clique they belong to, it’s who they are on the inside. By looking someone in the eye and ignoring their clothes or personal style, you see the real person.

“If you remember nothing else from today, look people in the eye. When you go to that first day of school, look them in the eyes. You may be surprised. Don’t dismiss people because of who they hang out with, or what they do or what they’re wearing. Jesus in each of us,” she said.

This is the second annual retreat held for the eighth graders.

“This is an awesome opportunity for young people to experience Christ together, experience God’s love, and just experience each other. A lot of these kids are going to go to high school together next year. So, this is a fabulous way for the diocese to bring our young eighth grade people – girls and boys – together to meet each other,” said Marc Bendelian, principal for SS. Peter & Paul School in Williamsville.

Listen here to Michael Mroziak reporting: