Catholic Central gathered Friday, Aug. 21, for the first all-school Mass of the 2026-2027 school year, celebrating the Mass of the Holy Spirit, with Fr. John Huber, CSB, newly elected Superior General of the Congregation of St. Basil, as the celebrant and homilist.

In his homily, Fr. Huber reflected on the Gospel's account of Jesus being asked which commandment is the greatest. Rather than focusing on rules, he encouraged students to center their lives on Jesus' call to love God completely and to love their neighbors as themselves.

“One of the perceptions that people have on the outside of the Catholic school, and in particular the Catholic school for young men, is that there are a lot of rules,” Fr. Huber said. “But do these rules define who you are and what you do all day long?”

Fr. Huber reminded students that the expectations and rules at Catholic Central are not meant to define the school community. Instead, they are part of a larger mission to help students grow into the men God created them to be.

“I would suggest that Jesus' answer today to the Pharisees is also the answer for all of us,” he said. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Fr. Huber also discussed the growing presence of artificial intelligence in education and everyday life. While AI can assist with certain tasks, he reminded students that technology cannot replace the uniquely human qualities they bring to their work, relationships, and vocation.

“Each one of you, without exception, is a unique individual with your own personality, your own background, your own hopes and aspirations,” he said. “And your educators here at CC know very well that you are not a robot to be programmed, but a young man with a mind, a heart, and a soul.”

As Catholic Central begins a new school year, Fr. Huber reminded students that the school's educators, priests and staff are there to help them grow not only intellectually, but as whole persons.

“We are not here to program you, but to help you grow in your love of God who loves you,” he said. “To not only educate your mind, but also prepare your heart and your soul - the whole person.”