Moving Beyond the Present

St Joseph RC SEA School Mass

Sabella Morris-Olivier

While the nation prepares for the School Entrance Assessment on Thursday, April 11, 2025, Parish Priest  of St Joseph, Fr Alan Hall delivered a heartfelt message during his homily to the neighbouring Catholic schools’ SEA candidates. Mass was celebrated at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, with students, principals, teachers, parents and guardians in attendance.

Fr Alan reminded students that we must all set goals in life. Upon entering primary school, the goal was not to stay but rather to attain formation education to take them to a higher level. He explained that goals in life shift as we journey wherever God leads us. Although he addressed students, his message that “Where we are now is not where we are meant to be…” resonated because according to him, there is always something else in store for us after going through any process. Sure enough, SEA students have been preparing through a process.

It is necessary to move on in life although it may be challenging because God always has a plan and a purpose. Fr  Hall recalled the first reading from the Book of Numbers and told students that ‘numbers’ translates to ‘wilderness.’ He went on to explain that while nobody wants to be in wilderness, it is important to understand that even if the results received later are not what they may want, they must believe that God will still help them to achieve something better.

He pleaded with pupils not to get tired of God because He is always there through it all, even when we don’t get what we want.  Fr Alan reminded candidates that they made sacrifices before so now they must stay focused and remain fixed on their goals. Be grateful for the school you are in now and the preparation you and your teachers and guardians already made.

He encouraged students to look forward to secondary school while embracing the formation  received at primary school. There is a goal to achieve in another school as well, having prepared for something better. Go forward into the exam and ask God, the Blessed Mother and the saints in any difficult moments. He reminded them that St Joseph too encountered stumbling blocks because he didn’t understand how things would work out but God helped him. St Joseph humbled himself and followed God’s Word.

Before blessing the SEA candidates and their tools for success, he gave his final advice for the days leading up to the exam. Fr Hall asked students to remain grateful, to call on God’s help, to not spend too much time on any one difficult question, ask the saints to intervene for any difficulty then come back to it, check over their work and ensure that they write neatly.

Thank you, Fr Hall, for your beautiful, comforting and motivational homily offering not only spiritual guidance but also practical advice to SEA candidates.