The mustard seed starts small but rapidly grows and spreads.

That was the theme of a homily given Friday by the Rev. Andrew Fischer from Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harrison at the close of Catholic Schools Week.

More than 300 students — from Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament and St. Joseph High School — as well as family members and friends attended the Mass.

“Think of us as mustard seeds who God planted to grow and spread the word,” Fischer told the crowd. “Do something today that affects another person positively. Reach out to people to grow in the likeness of God. You might think it is something small you are doing, but it can be big to someone else.”

He recognized several students for excelling in sports and academics and community service. He said being good at anything in life takes time, dedication and hard work.

Since it was the feast day of St. John Bosco, Fischer encouraged students to be like Bosco, who taught people to live the right way.

“The gospel tells us to plant a seed, and it is going to grow because it’s on fertile ground and will produce a plant,” Fischer said. “Let Jesus grow within us because a small thing can make a big difference.”

He pointed out the T-shirts worn by the high school students to support classmate Eli Swierczewski, who is battling Ewing’s sarcoma — “Saint Joseph High School bELIeves.”

“Someone came up with that idea, and look at how that spread.” Fischer said. “It shows we care about Eli. That is what being part of Catholic Schools Week is about. We have what we have because of Jesus Christ and the Trinity. We have the privilege and advantage to spread the gospel in Catholic schools.”

Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament eighth-grader Charlie Ross said the message is important.

“Catholic Schools Week is about my faith and my school,” he said. “The Mass is a way to celebrate Catholic schools.”

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review A choir including teachers from Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Saint Joseph High School sang at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Natrona Heights at the Mass culminating the end of Catholic Schools Week.  

Vincent Putignano, an eighth-grader at Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, said he enjoyed celebrating with his peers.

“Father’s homily had a great way of relaying the message to us, so we can all understand,” he said.

Students participated in activities throughout the week.

“It’s a week of doing fun stuff, so it’s special,” said Joseph Godinez, a senior at St. Joseph High School.”We got to watch movies and play games and go to Seven Springs.”

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review The Rev. Andrew Fischer of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Natrona Heights greets students after the Mass culminating the end of Catholic Schools Week.  

Senior Skylar Geibel recalled pajama day during this week as a time to take a little break from the daily routine. Smaller class sizes are part of the Catholic school experience, senior Jesse Walter said.

“I know everyone,” he said. “I also like being part of a faith-based community.”

Senior Maddie Williard said she’s made a lot of friends at the school.

“It is a privilege to go to a Catholic school,” she said. “Everyone is respectful.”

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