Bishop Robert Deeley spent the morning of March 15 visiting classrooms and participating in activities with many of the students at Saint Dominic Academy’s Auburn campus.

The bishop was greeted by Sister Christianna Hamman and St. Dom’s assistant chaplains, who serve as the ministerial student leaders at the academy, and had breakfast with the students, according to a news release from Dave Guthro, communications director, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

During classroom visits, the bishop participated in a geometry review session and a discussion on the sacrament of baptism.

“In sixth grade with Mrs. Swinton, the bishop and students shared their love of reading by discussing the plots of the most recent books they have read and whether they would recommend them to a friend,” said Alanna Stevenson, principal of the academy. “The sixth graders are supporting Heifer International by reading books and earning pledges from friends and family to sponsor a heifer.”

From there, Deeley headed into high school and joined a mock debate in senior theology class regarding capital punishment, where students cited the teachings of Pope Francis and the Bible to support their thoughts.

“Bishop Deeley also spent time with ninth graders in Mrs. Cullen’s biology class learning about meiosis using hands on models and a science lab,” said Stevenson.

Students in French class reviewed the French heritage in New England, discussing cities and towns across the New England states with a high percentage of French population.

“This cultural review also follows the Catholic heritage closely, as well as studies New England industry such as logging and steel working,” said Stevenson.

Before departing, the bishop joined art teacher Adam Corriveau and juniors and sophomores in ceramics, trying his hand at the pottery wheel.

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