Andrean High School was filled to the brim with students on Tuesday morning. It was Catholic Schools Week, and lots of activities were planned to commemorate the occasion. Tuesday was extra special as newly elected Bishop Donald Hying was welcomed into the fold.
Bishop Hying was recently appointed by Pope Francis to lead the Diocese of Gary, which encompasses Lake, Porter, La Porte, and Starke Counties. He is the successor to Bishop Dale Melczek who resigned from the position as rules dictate that when bishops reach a certain age they must resignations to the Pope.
Multiple schools throughout the area attended Mass that morning including Andrean, Nativity of Our Savior, St. Mary Catholic Community School, St. Thomas More, St. Paul Catholic School, Aquinas School at St. Andrew's, St. John the Evangelist, St. Michael School, and more. Superintendent Barbara M. O'Block, Ed.D. was there as well as Andrean President Harry J. Vande Velde, III, other administrative staff, and members of local Catholic churches. Over 1,000 people attended Mass that morning.
“Diocese across the nation are celebrating and bringing the importance of Catholic education to the forefront,” Vande Velde said. “This is a great chance for our students and other students from different schools to hear from our new Bishop and his vision of the ministry of Catholic education.”
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After Mass concluded, Bishop Hying was officially welcomed by the students, faculty, and staff who attended. Music, games, fellowship, and comradery were had that day, creating a highlighted memory that many, including Bishop Hying, will carry with them for a long time.
Following this Bishop Hying took a tour of Andrean and then stayed for lunch, learning about the school through the eyes of the students.
Other activities that the students were involved in were: spirit days, donating essential items to charities, after school activities, food drives, letter writing to soldiers, pep rallies, and more.