Awarding Excellence for Christ

On May 30, 2014, the Workers of the Vineyard held their first ever, First Holy Communion Commencement Ceremony. The event took place at St. Peter Cathedral and was a joint ceremony for both St. Peter’s and St. Michael’s First Communion schools. Of the 320 students from both parishes, 60 students were chosen to receive awards in the following categories; Academic Excellence, Best Behavior, Most Improved, and Best Essay from their Final Exam.

The ceremony began at 6pm with a speech given by Fr. Michael Bazzi. He surprised the entire assembly when he called up Simon Esshaki, a current Seminarian of Mar Abba the Great, to read the answers he gave on his final exam when he took communion in 1999. It was wonderful for the students to hear one of their own teachers share what he learned from communion so many years before.

During his speech, Fr. Michael emphasized the importance of the sacraments and the ten commandments. He encouraged the children and their parents to continue growing in virtue and love for Christ. Afterward, the sisters gave out the awards. Before finishing the assembly, group photos were taken of all the children who attended as well as those who received awards. Everyone gathered was then invited to a light dinner outside the church. It was a wonderful evening for all those who attended, and especially rewarding for the sisters, seminarians and other teachers who worked so hard throughout the year to prepare their students for First Communion.