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June 6, 2026
St. Mary’s Saints celebrate faith, look to future
REGIONAL
Story and photos by Kathleen Harrington
WESTFIELD-Wearing green caps and gowns, the graduating class of St. Mary High School processed into St. Mary Church Friday evening for the Baccalaureate Mass and 123rd Commencement exercise. The Class of 2026 featured 25 graduates and was joined by a homeschooled student to receive diplomas.
Before the Mass began, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe addressed the students, congratulating them and their families.
“Do not be afraid to fail,” McCabe told them, “for failure lies in not trying.” Wrapping up his remarks, McCabe presented Valedictorian Annabeth Lemberg and Salutatorian Gina Foint each with a certificate of recognition from the City of Westfield for their academic achievements.
In his homily, Bishop William D. Byrne told the graduates, “There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is learning a lot of stuff, wisdom is knowing how to use it.” He went on to tell the students that God is truly present everywhere in their lives.
“In loving others, it is an important way of experiencing God. As you move into the world, don’t just be smart, be wise, because truth is beauty and beauty is truth,” he said.
Valedictorian Annabeth Lemberg quoted from the prophet Jerimiah in her speech. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,'” she shared. Lemberg told her classmates that “the voice inside you telling you that you are not enough is not the voice you have to listen to.”
St. Mary High School principal Matthew Collins and Bishop Byrne presented diplomas to the graduates. One of the graduates is entering military service, two will attend school to become emergency responders, and the rest of the graduating seniors will attend two and four year colleges. One of the graduates is heading to Thomas Aquinas College in Northfield with the desire to enter the seminary upon receiving his bachelor’s degree.
Coverage of the diocese’s two high school graduations will be featured on an upcoming segment of “Real to Reel,” the weekly newsmagazine that airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS.