Franciscan Parish Honors Academic Achievement

St. John Vianney Parish, Lithia Springs, Georgia

According to Princeton University, a baccalaureate is a “farewell sermon to a graduating class.” St. John Vianney Parish in Lithia Springs, Georgia will hold its baccalaureate at the 10:30 am mass on May 17. All parishioners graduating from high school or college are invited to attend the celebration. A brunch in the Social Hall will follow.

Lithia Springs is only 16.8 miles west of Atlanta

To a Conventual Franciscan parish like St. John Vianney honoring the academic achievements of its young people is an important tradition that stretches back to the early days of the Franciscan Order. Franciscans have always cherished the pursuit of knowledge. And they have produced many historically renowned scholars including William of Ockham, John Duns Scotus, and St. Bonaventure of Bagnoregio amongst others.

The parishioners at St. John Vianney are active in many ministries

St. John Vianney pastor, Friar Carl Zdancewicz, OFM Conv. and his fellow friars at the parish are directly connected to these great scholars; they understand that an educated person is an empowered person. He or she is curious about the world and can change it for the better. Changing the world for the better is another very Franciscan thing to do.