Students from St. Matthew High School gathered at Divine Infant Parish this week for two special Masses celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Yvan Mathieu, the Ottawa Catholic School Board said.
The celebrations brought the Orléans school community together for a morning of faith, prayer and reflection, according to a post on the Ottawa Catholic School Board's website.
The board described a church filled with the energy of students arriving together, followed by a sense of calm as they settled into the celebrations. Students' attentiveness and participation helped create a welcoming and prayerful atmosphere, the board said.
For students, the day offered a chance to step away from regular school routines and celebrate the connections that tie their Catholic school community together.
A message for busy lives
Bishop Mathieu connected with students through humour and familiar examples, drawing on the many things that compete for their attention, from schoolwork and sports to packed schedules and other commitments.
His message was simple, the board said: even when life feels full, students should make room for God.
The bishop described faith as something woven into daily life rather than separate from it — part of how people treat one another, the choices they make and the relationships they build.
He also encouraged students to reach out to one another, strengthen their relationship with God and keep growing together as a community of faith.
Gratitude and music
Gratitude formed another key part of the bishop's message. He invited students to think about the people and experiences that enrich their lives, including everyday blessings that can sometimes go unnoticed.
His words, the board said, encouraged students to recognize the many reasons they have to be thankful, even amid busy days.
The St. Matthew choir, led by school chaplain Charity Corbitt, provided music for both Masses, adding to the spirit of prayer and celebration.
Across the two celebrations, every student had the opportunity to gather with classmates and staff and share in the Eucharist.
Faith beyond the classroom
The board said the Masses reflect an important part of Catholic education: alongside classroom learning, schools create opportunities for students to nurture their faith, build connections and develop a deeper appreciation for the people and blessings in their lives.
For the St. Matthew community, the celebrations left behind a message worth carrying forward — make time for God, care for one another and appreciate the blessings found in everyday life.
