Preparing for the Conclave

Students at Mother Teresa Regional School began preparing for the conclave.  Joining with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, students began a novena to St. Joseph to pray for the universal church and the cardinals during this important time.  The students also were busy preparing for their own conclave.

In order to help teach the students what happens at the conclave, the school will host one at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 12.  Today, students created the doors of the Sistine Chapel, birettas for the cardinals to wear, and the Swiss guard uniform.  The 8th grade boys were chosen to represent cardinals and they each chose a different cardinal to be tomorrow.  Shane Dolan will represent Cardinal Dolan of New York.  The school has even created a smoke stack for the crowds to see the white smoke when the new Pope is chosen.

The sponsoring parishes of the school are loaning the students vestments and other articles needed for the conclave such as a chalice and paten.  “This is a wonderful teaching opportunity for our children. I was very excited the way parents, teachers, and students worked together today to prepare for this event.” explained principal Melissa Whelan Wisk. “Since I was not able to get to Rome, I will bring the conclave here and pray that the students learn as much as they can about this important tradition in the church.  I am already getting great feedback from parents about the dinner table discussions about the conclave.”

In addition to the conclave tomorrow, the school will be holding prayer services each day to pray for the cardinals.  Scheduled this week is the Rosary at 10:30 am on Wednesday, Stations of the Cross at 10:30 am on Thursday and Adoration of the Eucharist at 9:00 am on Friday.  All are welcome to join us in praying for the church during this time.

Mother Teresa Regional School located in Atlantic Highlands is a preK3 through 8th grade school serving students from the Bayshore communities.  For more information on the school visit mtregional.com.