In another ceremony to celebrate the great milestone of graduation, Oxford High School seniors and their family members attended the annual baccalaureate ceremony June 6 at the Performing Arts Center.
A baccalaureate is a religious sermon given to a graduating class.
Sponsored by the Oxford/Orion Ministers Association, the baccalaureate featured student testimonies and inspirational words spoken by students and local pastors.
Senior Caitlin Schultz spoke to a little over 50 of her classmates about how life’s challenges can be easier to deal with if you let God take the wheel.
‘God is someone who is always there. He is someone who will always listen to what we have to say,? she said. ‘We will face many more challenges throughout our lives, and I hope that you will all continue to find strength in your faith.?
OHS teacher Gina Sambuchi even spoke to the students about how one’s spirituality is their ‘moral compass.?
‘It will be tested from time to time,? she said. ‘Continue to cultivate that aspect of your life, for it will be your reserve.?
Pastor Larry Hayward, from the Oxford Community Church, delivered a sermon encouraging the graduates to be ‘world-changers.?
He also told those students not active in the church to ‘get into the church? and those who already are involved in the church to ‘get out,? meaning to reach out to unbelievers and spread the Gospel of Christ.
Hayward attributed the lack of attendance at churches to ‘boring? sermons and the hypocrisy of some churches.
‘The church is made for sick people ? for people that have needs, people who are hurt, people that have desires,? he said. ‘The church has got answers for you.?
The pastor concluded his sermon urging the students to want to change the world and to ‘live out your faith.?
‘When you live life that way you will have such a satisfying life full of meaning and purpose,? he said.
The baccalaureate concluded with Father Mike Verschaeve, from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, and the audience blessing the students for their journey ahead.