By Fr. Justin Fulton
I remember the pride I had when I stood at the podium of my high school class’s commencement exercises in May of 1999.
Looking out at a gymnasium filled with neighbors and townspeople, family, classmates, and lifelong friends that had spent the good chunk of years together, I mustered out something somewhat coherent. And then to top it off I said something to the effect of, “On behalf of the Auburn High School Graduating Class of 1999 we hereby declare ourselves eligible for the Auburn Alumni Basketball Tournament and Festivities.” It was pretty cool to represent our 78-person graduating class as we headed our separate ways and into the real world.
I came across a photo of my sister Lindsey’s graduation reception back in 2002 recently. In the included picture with this article is a photo of Frank and Marge Engles from Auburn. Frank and Marge were strong and loyal supporters of Christ in His poor. They volunteered and supported Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska for many years.
As a matter of fact, they donated the land and seed money to start our thrift store operations, food pantry, and social services outreach in our Auburn offices. It is a blessing to know that after Frank and Marge have passed into Eternal Life they are still feeding and helping out neighbors in southern Nebraska through their generosity.
Frank and Marge were daily communicants and they truly lived the words St. John Chrysostom said: “If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.”
This year we remember, pray for, support, and encourage our graduates, young and old, as they head off into a world of opportunity. We admire them and all of the work they have done in coming to know truth. And we pray that they—and that we all—realize the pursuit of knowledge and truth is really a pursuit of He who is Truth: Jesus Christ.
As the graduate dons the cap and gown we recall where the tradition of wearing that garb came from: the Catholic Church. It was taught to whom had been given much (an education), much would be expected (sacrifice). Hence, graduates were given caps and gowns (similar to what priests don) to wear to remind themselves of the sacrificial nature of the Priesthood. An education wasn’t something to be kept for one’s self. An education was given to sacrifice for the betterment of the world and to help people get to Heaven. Education is based off of the sacrificial giving of Christ.
We thank all parents, teachers, staff, administrators and friends who have molded and formed our graduates. Their sacrifices do not go unappreciated or unnoticed. Learning occurs inside and outside of the classroom, on and off the stage, on and off the field. And perhaps the greatest teaching and learning moments come from simple examples of people in the community who, like Christ, give and sacrifice. Simple folks like Frank and Marge Engles.
God bless and keep all of our graduates!
Thank you for your prayers and support of CSS. May God bless us always!
