Bishop Wester celebrates Mass with St. Joseph High School

Intermountain Catholic

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By Rachael Sutherland

Special to the Intermountain Catholic

OGDEN —The Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, celebrated the Feast of St. Mark with Saint Joseph Catholic High School on April 26. Concelebrating the Mass were Father Patrick Elliot of Holy Family Parish, Father Ken Vialpando of Saint Joseph Parish, Father Eric Richtsteig of Saint James Parish and Father Gustavo Vidal of Saint Mary Parish.

The sunny day provided a beautiful backdrop for the Mass, while Bishop Wester spoke of his studies on the Gospel of Mark. He told the story of a seminary teacher who taught that the Gospel of Mark has a second, hidden title: "How I Fell in Love with Jesus Christ."

"Religion contains rules and doctrines, but at the heart of it is to love Jesus Christ," Bishop Wester said. "Everything else is to nurture, to cultivate and to develop that love."

He asked the students what were the loves of their lives, and emphasized that they should do what they love in service, but also out of love for Christ.

"Whatever you love you will proclaim," Bishop Wester said. "Out of all of the loves of our life, Jesus Christ should be the central love, and this will lead to happiness."

Bishop Wester will not be able to preside over St. Joseph High’s graduation Mass this year due to a meeting in Rome, but he blessed the seniors and wished them luck in whatever path they choose.

Catholic schools are very important "because they give a foundation of faith for students, especially in our increasingly secular society," Bishop Wester said. "They also complement what parents are doing, give gospel values and deepen students’ relationships with Christ."

Rachael Sutherland is a junior at St. Joseph Catholic High School.