More than 1,000 people enjoyed a classic Thanksgiving feast at Helias Catholic High School's sixth annual Grandparents' Day on Thursday.
During the mid-morning Mass, Helias President the Rev. Stephen Jones had a little fun sharing the essay of an anonymous 8-year-old girl who tried to answer the question: "What is a grandparent?"
He drew a chuckle from the crowd when he said: "A grandparent is someone who has no children of their own, so they like other people's boys and girls."
He continued: "Grandparents don't have anything to do except be there. If they take us for walks, they slow down past pretty leaves and caterpillars. They never say "Hurry up.' Usually they are fat, but not too fat to tie shoes. They wear glasses, and sometimes take their teeth out. Everybody should try to have a grandparent."
Taking a more serious tone, Jones' homily - which centered on First Corinthians, Chapter 13 - emphasized the message humans "are called, indeed commanded, to love one another, and to love as Jesus loves us."
"So what does that look like?" he asked rhetorically. "Well, St. Paul tells us ... love is patient. Love is kind. Love is selfless. It seeks the good of the other. In other words, love is sacrificial. It is giving, even sometimes to the point of discomfort. And it is modeled in that image which is foundational to our faith: the image of the cross and Christ crucified. That is what love is."
Jones noted the role of a grandparent in the life of a grandchild is primarily one of love. He said the audience gathered in Rackers Fieldhouse had devoted their lives to raising families.
"You have worked hard, so that others might have. You have loved, so that others might learn to love. You have given, so that others might have new opportunities. And for that, we thank you," he said.
He added listeners, in their generosity, have provided a "firm foundation" upon which the school has been able to survive.
He noted several "exciting things" are in the works at Helias. He pointed out the school is in the last phases of the search for a new principal and leaders have recently completed a new strategic plan.
And he said the school hopes to break ground on a new science center and chapel wing this spring.
"Without you - without your prayers, your financial support, the presence of your grandchildren in our midst - we would not be able to do what we do," he said. "It takes a village to raise a child. And it also takes a community to support a school."
He concluded his remarks by encouraging students to listen to their elders' wisdom, knowledge, experience and faith.
"They are eager to pass all of that on to you," he said.
And he exhorted the older generation to continue to "keep loving and keep sacrificing."
"If the students do their job, and you all do your job, it will all turn out okay in the end," he said.
After the Mass concluded, the crowd - 1,010 in size - adjourned to lunch.
Makenna Morgan, a junior at the school, greeted both of her grandmothers, Mary Beth Lachner of Jefferson City and Sharon Morgan of Russellville. Both women had attended all six events, first with Makenna's brother and now with her.
"We wouldn't miss it," said Lachner. "We really look forward to it."
Makenna said all of the students really enjoy the event - and not only because it's a break from the routine of classwork.
"It's great to spend time with our grandparents," she added.
And Lachner said she loves seeing all the adults at the event, supporting their grandchildren. She complimented the event on its quality.
"It's very nice, very elegant. And we appreciate it. I just hope they keep doing it. It's not easy" to organize, she said.