Church leaders in Albion give graduates a blessing at baccalaureate

Students urged to pursue kindness, service in their lives, careers

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Nisi Beltran Roblero receives a blessing and prayer from Father Mark Noonan, priest of the Holy Family Parish. The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, and Elder John Kubiniec of the First Presbyterian also offered a blessing to graduates during Sunday’s baccalaureate service at Holy Family Parish.

The service and blessings were optional for seniors, and 30 chose to attend the service at Holy Family which was organized by the Albion Ministerium.

Father Noonan urged the graduates to choose meekness over anger.

“The world is so much in need of people who will look out for others,” he said. “Never be afraid of the adventure of following God with your full heart.”

Julia Button lights a candle at the altar. Students were encouraged to strive to be a light in the world.

“The candle is a symbol of the light in you, of the light that God placed in you and that you carry with you into the world,” said the Rev. Marsha Rivers, who is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Albion and the Gaines Carlton Community Church.

Albion High School Select Choir members sang “Lakeside Lullaby.” In front from left include Lily Brigham, Kailee Anstey and Rosalie McCormick. In back are Adelaide Pettit, Gideon Pask, Yo’Hanel Harris and Julia Graham.

The Clarinet Choir, directed by Matthew Confer, played Variations & Fugue on the Theme by Mozart.

The Rev. Susan Thaine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, was the keynote speaker. She delivered a message, “Overcome Evil with Good.” Thaine said the students are at “one of those threshold moments in life” at an area where the land meets the water. It is a moment of possibility. She urged them to orient their life towards a relationship with God, and strive to not let the world mold their thoughts, actions and sense of value.

Social media can give a warped view of what’s right and wrong, she said.

“Turn this world upside everywhere you go with the good manifested in your life,” Thaine said.

Kaitlynn Basinait reads a scripture, Ephesians 4: 21-25.

Other students who spoke at the service, sharing scriptures or a blessing, include Nisi Beltran Roblero, Gideon Pask and Abigail Kincaid.

Sister Dolores O’Dowd leads the group in a unison prayer.

“We look forward with hope, knowing your work is not yet accomplished. Our futures are not yet written, but our paths are secure, for you are our shepherd, and you guide us into life and love.”

The Rev. Marsha Rivers prays over Lindsay Crawford during the service at Holy Family Parish.