They came in peace.
Students at St. Joseph Catholic School celebrated the International Day of Peace on Friday. Dr. Howard Ferguson, principal, noted the school's peace pole is now in its second year.
"It's a time to think about peace in the world, what it means and how wonderful it would be to accomplish that," Ferguson said.
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Times Observer photo by Colin Kyler
Peace Day
Fr. Jim Gutting talks with the students at St. Joseph School during Peace Day.
Tom Trocchio, seminarian, shared a Bible reading from Isaiah. It described a time when equipment used in battle will instead be burned as fuel for fire.
Fifth grade students shared what peace meant to them. Fr. Jim Gutting of Holy Redeemer said peace begins with the individual.
"You have to be at peace before you can bring peace," Gutting said. "We make mistakes, but we have to forgive ourselves as God forgives us."
Everybody can do a lot of things as they have talents and gifts. However, Gutting said nobody can do everything.
For those who are 4 feet tall, Gutting pointed out they probably can't dunk a basketball. With the notable exception of Spud Webb, that shouldn't be expected from them.
God said peacemakers are blessed. Peacemaking should start in the home, Gutting said, with parents, brothers and sisters and also in the school and community.
"That will overflow and touch the whole world," Gutting said.
At the end of the service, students sang a song about peace.