Bishop Mulvey making pastoral visits to Catholic schools ‘The hope of our future is in the youth’

Bishop Michael Mulvey prays with 3rd grade students Aden Rodela, Joseph Perez and Berenice Delgado. Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

During a pastoral visit to Christ the King School on Dec. 2, Bishop Michael Mulvey offered a bit of advice for parents seeking wisdom with regard to raising Christ-centered children in today’s fast paced, technology-centered world. “Please pray with your children.”

“When the lights go out and computers are shut down, what have you got left?” Bishop Mulvey asked. “Teach your children to pray and they will have a foundation for a love of Christ that will stay with them an entire lifetime. Remember, CCD and Catholic schools can only do so much. Success depends on the roots planted at home.”

The bishop’s visit with the 86 students enrolled at Christ the King School is part of a new initiative of his to personally visit every parochial school in the diocese.

After celebrating Mass with the entire student body, Bishop Mulvey enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with the sixth-grade class and after breakfast met with each class at the school, one-by-one. During breakfast with the sixth graders, Bishop Mulvey talked about meeting a future saint, his ordination and his favorite time of the year, among other topics.

The five curious sixth graders asked a variety of questions during their breakfast with the bishop. After answering the children’s questions thoughtfully and with great detail, the bishop wrapped up the meeting by asking each student to look in their hearts for a special calling.

“I encourage each of you to at least consider a religious life. I realize it is not for everyone, but at least give it some reflection,” Bishop Mulvey said, adding that he was ordained into the priesthood by Pope Paul VI in Rome.

Stacy Alvarez, 12, said speaking with Bishop Mulvey had a positive impact on her. “I was nervous at first, but the more we talked, I realized he’s just like us, in a way. I had fun learning more about him and his travels too,” Stacey said.

Bishop Michael Mulvey visits with the K-3 students Destiny Trevino and Alexa Chollet during pastoral visit to Christ the King School. Photo by Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic

“The hope of our future is in the youth,” Bishop Mulvey said. “It’s important to show my love and appreciation for Catholic schools. Making visits to each school means a lot, not only to the students, but the faculty and administrators, as well. I want to personally thank the teachers for their service to the children of this diocese.”

After breakfast, Bishop Mulvey visited with children in all other grades, from pre-k three through fifth. Each class received a special blessing from the bishop and he interacted with the children, answering questions and inquiring about their studies.

Sister Patricia Burns, instructor for fourth, fifth and sixth grades, noted what an honor it was to have Bishop Mulvey visit the school for the morning.

“Our sixth graders especially felt blessed to spend some one-on-one time with Bishop Mulvey,” she said. “They felt a sense of pride for representing our school and knew what a privilege it was to sit down and share a meal with him.”

Sister Burns added seeing Bishop Mulvey in his pastoral role helps bring a bit of Jesus to the children, in the flesh. “He is an apostle of Christ and his visit with us today reminds us that we are all called to live as his apostles, as well,” she said.

Laura Orchard, principal at Christ the King School, said she enjoyed hosting Bishop Mulvey.

“It was a joy to listen to him talk about his time in Catholic school with our children. His personal visit gives his seal of approval on a Catholic school education, for parents and students alike,” she said.