Mary Queen of Peace now in its second year

By David Eck

DAYTON DEANERY — The gym at Mary Queen of Peace School’s Homewood Campus was filled on a sunny morning April 13, as Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk visited the school to celebrate Mass.

The event was originally scheduled for February, but it was cancelled because of a heavy snowstorm, a point that the archbishop made at the start of the hour-long Mass.

CT/ E.L. HUBBARD

Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk blesses a student during Mass at Mary Queen of Peace School.

The archbishop smiled broadly at the students as he processed in and out of gym.

It was his first visit to the school since it opened in the 2006-07 school year. Mary Queen of Peace is a regional school that was created after five parish schools in Dayton closed. The school has 677 students and operates two campuses.

In his homily, the archbishop spoke of God’s helpers in the church.

"It’s important for us, all of us, to realize that every member of the church is called to be God’s helper in bringing to the world the Good News of Christ," he said. "Every member of the church shares in the task of bringing others into the church. We are all called to tell and show other people what it means to live in the Lord, what it means to share the life of the Lord through the Eucharist, what it means to love one another and care for one another in the love of Jesus."

He also explained that one of the reasons Catholic schools exist is so they can educate students to be helpers of the Lord.

"Every Catholic school is supposed to teach its students about the Lord Jesus and about the church, and about the sacraments, so they in turn can show and teach others," he said. "One of the main reasons you are here in this wonderful school is to learn to be a helper."

The students assisted with the Mass, serving as lectors and ushers. A student choir provided the music.

Four priests from area parishes concelebrated the Mass. Several parish administrators and archdiocesan employees also attended.

Teachers prepared for the archbishop’s visit by explaining to the students what an archbishop is and his role in the archdiocese and the church as a whole. Everyone looked forward to his visit, said Sister of the Precious Blood Charmaine Grilliot, the school’s director.

After the February Mass was cancelled, the archbishop contacted the school and offered to reschedule.

"It’s just a unique experience," Sister Grilliot said. "He really wanted to come and be with us."

The school presented the archbishop with a plaque listing the beatitudes, a spiritual bouquet and a Mary Queen of Peace School sweater. They also congratulated him on his 25th anniversary as archbishop.

"We pray God’s blessing on you as you continue your ministry here," Sister Charmaine said. "We are really trying to become Jesus’ helpers."