Even though it is astronomically already autumn, up until just a few days ago it still felt a whole lot like summer and, with COVID driving people outdoors, it’s been a very lively September. That certainly holds true for Cristo Rey St. Martin. For the last seven weeks, students are coming back to class once a week under our hybrid … Read More
August President’s Pen: What is Bringing You Hope?
“What is bringing you hope in these challenging times?” Fr. John Foley, SJ was talking by Zoom with a newly hired employee of the Cristo Rey Network office – to introduce himself and talk about the Cristo Rey Mission and its history – when she unexpectedly posed this question to him. What a way to take the conversation to a … Read More
July President’s Pen: Today is the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola
Today is the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola. Among his many inspired writings, including The Spiritual Exercises, he is purported to have said, “Pray as if God will take care of all; act as if all is up to you.” Another saying attributed to him is, “Love is shown more in deeds than in words.” We love our students and we … Read More
June President’s Pen: If not us, who? If not now, when?
IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN? Variations of these words are attributed to numerous people over time going back all the way to Hillel the Elder. Hillel is a significant figure in Judaism and one of the most famous sages of the Talmud. Rabbinical scholars believe that Jesus of Nazareth was likely familiar with some of his teachings. … Read More
May President’s Pen: How are things going with Cristo Rey St. Martin?
“How are things going with Cristo Rey St. Martin?” In these pandemic times that seemingly simple question is really quite complex. A whole lot is going on right now, some of it heartbreaking, but much of it inspiring and hopeful. Let’s start with our families. About 1/3 of our parents lost their jobs in the first couple weeks of lockdown. … Read More
April President’s Pen: We all have an invisible string that connects us, even when we’re far apart.
“Consult not your fears, but your hopes and dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” The words of Pope John XXIII ring truer today than ever before. We have hope; we have a future. For now, … Read More
March President’s Pen: Our vulnerability is asking us, “What is truly important?”
A short video note from Preston “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.” Our Campus Minister and I were debating who said it – the quote is attributed to both St. Augustine and St. Ignatius. Of course, that’s not the point. The point is that we find ourselves in a unique, unprecedented, extraordinary … Read More
February President’s Pen: Remembering What is Really Important
Our students and Campus Ministry department put on a wonderful Ash Wednesday service here at CRSM. Based on the Taizé format, it was a prayerful hour of scripture, music and silence. I really marvel at our students’ deep sense of faith and reverence so apparent during events like these and at our masses. How gratifying to be among young people … Read More
January President’s Pen:
We are building more than a building together. That statement is now our theme for our upcoming Founders’ Dinner on April 18, 2020 but it is more than one event’s byline – it cuts to the heart of our mission at CRSM. We are on a journey with our students to create real and lasting change in our world. Several … Read More
December President’s Pen: Advent, the variant stem of advenīre “to arrive”
“If it is not scary and surprising and an adventure all at the same time, it is not the call of the Gospel of Jesus.” -Helen Prejean, CSJ Advent is the season of arrival, the season of experiencing things as they arise and looking for God in those moments. Advent is a holy adventure challenging us to find grace at … Read More