Welcome Address - Closing Mass 2007

Steven Kosinski

I am honored to stand before you tonight and welcome each one of you to our celebration.

It is the word of God that brings us together on this joyous occasion and it is the word of God that will sustain and keep us together.

From Psalm 33:4

For the LORD'S word is true,

All his works are trustworthy.

Four years ago we all received that spark that began the process that ends tonight.

With anticipation we filled out registration forms and promptly found ourselves immersed in Exodus,

an appropriate beginning to our journey.

Into the wilderness we traveled, sometimes "grumbling", but always under the expert guidance of Father Paul, Sister Mary, Barbara and the unwavering assistance of Mary Denne.

To say they did an excellent job is incomplete without proper public acknowledgement so at this time, please a round of applause for Father Paul, Sister Mary, Barbara, Mary and the wonderful and inspiring job they all did.

Needless to say not everyone who began this journey was able to finish.

God had different plans for two who started and called them back home.

I offer a moment of silence for Jeanmarie and Ted,

may they be with Jesus resting in peace in heaven. (pause)

And after four years we've made it to the Promised Land and our journey is done, or so we thought.

Crossing the Jordan River means a new beginning with new challenges.

That initial spark has become a flame and the question today is what are we going to do now that our lamps are lit.

Above all thank God for the wonderful opportunity provided to learn through the scholarly and carefully guided efforts of the Catholic Biblical Studies Program.

Thank your spouse, friends, family and anyone else who offered support and encouragement during the past four years.

Stand tall and rejoice because this will surely rank as one of the great accomplishments in your life.

But that's not all.

Let's think community.

Join the alumni association.

Let's continue to learn.

Keep up the effort, subscribe to a periodical, use the internet, join or form a study group.

Let's be of service.

I've been teaching religious education classes for seven years and found something wonderful, children love the Bible.

You are in a unique position to apply your Biblical knowledge in a fantastic way.

Offer yourself to teach in the religious education program at your parish. They need you.

I've just completed my first year guiding candidates through the RCIA program.

I've found Biblical scholarship an essential important element but lacking among instructors.

RCIA programs cry out for your skills.

And finally, let's continue praying for success of the Catholic Biblical Studies Program.

Our celebration tonight is testimonial to that success.

In closing, a parable from Jesus: (Matthew 5:15-16)

Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;

it is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house.

Just so, your light must shine before others,

That they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Amen.