JOPLIN, MO – Students at St. Peter Middle School and McAuley Catholic High School will participate in a mock conclave to experience the papal voting process.
The initial vote will happen on Wednesday, April 30 in the various middle school and high school religion classes. Students have a list of 14 cardinal candidates, considered to be top candidates for the next pope, to pick from during the initial vote. A final vote will happen on Thursday, May 1 at 2 p.m. with the release of smoke at 2:30 p.m. on that day.
“This is a unique opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Steve Gilbreth. “Our middle school and high school students ranged from not yet born to being 8 years old when Pope Francis was elected. This allows them to experience the process as close to firsthand as possible.”
Prior to the initial vote, they will spend the week exploring the conclave process, learning more about the top papal contenders, and reflecting on the global and social concerns in today’s world as well as the impact of the Catholic church on the world. They will also evaluate things like age, country of origin, years as a Cardinal and roles of committees they serve on within the church.
“While the actual conclave doesn’t begin until May 7, it will be great if our students aligned with cardinals thinking when the white smoke signal appears in Rome,” said Dr. G.
Students will pray together before casting their vote on Wednesday and on Thursday. The schools will follow the conclave’s criteria of a two-thirds vote to win the title of the next pope.
About Joplin Area Catholic Schools: Founded in 1885 by the Sisters of Mercy of St. Catherine McAuley, the Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) serves the greater Joplin community to educate Catholic and non-Catholic children from Early Learners (2-year-olds) through grade 12 at St. Mary Preschool and Elementary School; St. Peter’s Middle School, and McAuley Catholic High School. Joplin Area Catholic Schools provide an outstanding academic and Christ-centered educational