Catholic school students offer advice to Cardinal Tobin

Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin poses on Aug. 13 with Ryan Rutherford after the dedication Mass of the new church of St. Mary Parish in Greensburg. Ryan is a third-grade student at the parish’s school, and recently offered advice to now-Cardinal Tobin as he prepares to leave the Hoosier state to lead the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J. (Submitted photo)

Criterion staff report

Catholics across central and southern Indiana are grateful for the pastoral leadership of Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin over the past four years, and give him their best wishes as he goes on to lead the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., and have a larger role in the universal Church as a member of the College of Cardinals.

Students in Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Indianapolis send with him their advice to be the best shepherd that he can be.

Here are some examples:
 

“Continue to follow in God’s footsteps. If God tells you to go back to Indiana, don’t even think twice. I believe you will do great in New Jersey!”
—Isabel Kuntz, fourth grade, Holy Name of Jesus School in Beech Grove
 

“Try to help the sick and the poor at all times. Love the people in your new job as you loved us—and run for pope!”
—Ryan Rutherford, third grade, St. Mary School in Greensburg
 

“My advice to you is to not be scared to do something new. Always pray before you go somewhere or when you are scared so you know that Jesus is always with you.”
—Te’Rah Cooley, fourth grade, St. Patrick School in Terre Haute
 

“Always have Indiana in your heart. You are a huge role model to children.”
—Connor Bishop, fifth grade, St. Patrick School in Terre Haute
 

“Help kids who are not as fortunate to get a good education.”
—Emily Shea, fifth grade, Holy Spirit School in Indianapolis
 

“Teach kids about prayer.”
—Nichole Mayo, fifth grade, Holy Spirit School in Indianapolis
 

“Keep calm and always do God’s will.”
—Samuel Tuchmann, fourth grade, St. Mary School in Greensburg
 

“Maybe make a fun little speech that everyone will remember so they can always remember their favorite cardinal.”
—Ava Johnson, fourth grade, Holy Name of Jesus School in Beech Grove
 

“Give someone a friendly smile and cheer up someone’s day. Just be joyful, happy and kind to everyone and then your life will be the greatest of all.”
—Tabitha Travis, sixth grade, St. Joseph School in Corydon
 

“Enjoy your job, do your job and God will reward you. I mean, who knows, you may become pope one day.”
—Zane Schreck, sixth grade, St. Joseph School in Corydon
 

“You could pray a novena with the people in your archdiocese. Another thing is you should host a meet and greet.”
—Rose Taylor, second grade, St. Patrick School in Terre Haute
 

“If I were you I would just do what God tells you to do. It would help because God just does what is best!”
—Andrew Curry, fourth grade, Holy Name of Jesus School, Beech Grove
 

“Remember that New Jersey is not like Indiana. It probably will be different. It might have some of the same places like Indiana. You were an awesome archbishop, you can be an awesome cardinal too.”
—Emma Wilson, fourth grade, Holy Name of Jesus School, Beech Grove
 

“Don’t be bossy to the priests.”
—McKenzie Land, fourth grade, Holy Spirit School in Indianapolis