The Journey Towards New Beginnings

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Bishop O’Dowd High School students shared powerful, personal stories of reconciliation at the March 6 Ash Wednesday Liturgy, celebrated by campus chaplain Fr. Jim Sullivan.

Members of Solidarity in Action and EcoLeaders joined together in the opening procession, presenting the palm ashes used to make the sign of the cross on foreheads as well as student reconciliation ashes.

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Recently, students in religion classes took time to write about their desire for reconciliation. Their reflections were collected and the papers burned. Those ashes were also carried in the procession as a way to honor the students’ desire for reconciliation and healing in their relationships.

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Senior Campus Ministry Team (CMT) members talked about their individual struggles with family relationships, friendships and faith, and ways they hope to reconcile with others or themselves.

“Hopefully these stories have brought to mind our need for reconciliation in our own lives,” Fr. Jim said.

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