Christian Johnson embraces professor Peggy Tillman after St. Catharine College’s graduation ceremony May 14 in Springfield, Ky. (CNS photo/courtesy St. Catharine College)

Posted June 15, 2018

The transition from one phase of life to the next, especially after graduation, offers the opportunity for reflection and our package from partner Catholic News Service presents some fruitful ways to do just that.

Three tips for reflecting on life’s highlights before moving on
Father Geoffrey Brooke offers an easy way of including God in our decision-making process before entering the next phase in life. The first step is a personal examination of conscience.

Recent graduates describe service in ‘gap years’
Before starting higher education or working, the experiences of volunteering for a year can shape recent graduates’ worldviews and faith lives. Three grads tell how their lives were enriched helping others.

A prayer for graduates
The grueling exams are finished but ahead lies a whole new set of tests and challenges, surprises and gifts. Effie Caldarola writes a prayer that graduates would do well to offer to the Lord as they reach a turning point in life.

Sage advice for graduates: Read books
Noted columnist Peggy Noonan told Catholic University of America graduates that not only will reading — not just watching screens — help them think deeply and lead well, but “civilization depends on it.”