Bishop Malooly recieves gifts from Woodmont students. Father Steven Reilly, L.C. and Brother Ugo Piasentin, L.C. help to present the gift.

COOKSVILLE, MD, MAY 14, 2007. Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore the Most Reverend Monsignor W. Francis Malooly made his first visit to Woodmont Academy’s campus and celebrated Mass for the students on Thursday, March 22. Students honored the Bishop by raising $1,000 to donate to of one his favorite causes, the Our Daily Bread soup kitchen in Baltimore.

The Bishop greeted students, teachers, and parents, recalling many by name whom he had met while administering the sacrament of confirmation at local parishes. During Mass, he interacted with the assembly and delivered a homily about the importance of service, spiritual growth, and sharing our faith with others. Following Mass, Woodmont preschoolers presented the Bishop with a “spiritual bouquet”; dozens of colorful, handmade paper flowers on which were written prayers to be offered up for him. Eighth grader Kristen Steranka then presented Bishop Malooly with the donation. Students raised over $2,000 during their annual Enterprising and Charitable Kids Day event by selling homemade goods, crafts and setting up pay-to-play games. Half of their proceeds went to Our Daily Bread and the other $1,000 was donated to Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in honor of Kelli Carter, a Woodmont student who died of cancer last year.

For the Bishop’s departure, over 300 students lined the sidewalk and driveway with signs of thanks and well wishes. Mrs. Rossiter’s kindergarteners held individual letters which spelled out “G-O-D  B-L-E-S-S  B-I-S-H-O-P  M-A-L-O-O-L-Y”. Despite his busy schedule, the Bishop took the time to stop and shake hands with each student and

	Bishop Malooly greets students accompanied by Brother Ugo Piasentin, L.C., Brother John Pietrapaoli, L.C., Father Steven Reilly, L.C., and Executive Director of Woodmont Academy, Scott Brown.

to warmly acknowledge them before leaving for his next commitment. “It is inspiring that he takes such a personalized approach to delivering Christ’s message of love,” noted Woodmont parent Kathy Gorman, adding that “it mirrors the same philosophy that Woodmont teachers apply every day.” Principal, John Farrell enthused, “The presence of the bishop at Woodmont Academy is a wonderful event. To meet him and witness his kindness and authenticity is truly a great opportunity for our students.”