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
Invest in Kids Tax Credit Scholarships Quadruple the Impact for CRSM
The above graphic says it all. The COVID 19 pandemic has created even greater economic challenges for CRSM and our families. Before the pandemic, the average CRSM family income was under $40,000, and we estimate over 40% of CRSM families have lost one or both incomes since March. The uncertainty of business partners’ return to work plans has increased the … 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
Cristo Rey Loses Paul Purcell, Champion of Our Mission
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, Paul Purcell. Paul was a true champion of the Cristo Rey mission, dedicated to the education and professional development of Cristo Rey students for nearly 25 years. Paul always said that, after his family, the thing he was most proud of was his work with Cristo Rey. Paul was the second … Read More
Stories from the Academics Department
A Note from Marlene Eby, Assistant Principal Hello to our CRSM Family, On Monday March 30th, Spring Break ended and CRSM students began their e-learning programs. Prior to the beginning of e-learning, Dr. Odiotti and I were in contact with all of our teachers and our various teams working and meeting via tele-conference to prepare our students academically, socially and … Read More
Girl Undaunted: An Interview with Laura Pizano
Laura (CRSM ’13, MSOE ‘21) and I first spoke while she was in the middle of her family’s move to a new residence and as she was starting her e-classes at Milwaukee School of Engineering. Like most students across the country, she is adjusting to the tectonic shifts occurring across the academic landscape. She spoke eloquently about the challenges she … 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
“Success Can Be Defined in Many Ways”: An Interview with Daniela Martinez
I first met Daniela (CRSM ’10, St. Mary’s University ‘14) at an alumni party in downtown Chicago. She agreed to speak with me about her travels from North Chicago to Honduras to Minneapolis and back again. Her casual demeanor and winning personality belies an intensely independent and ambitious person who has her own definition of success. The following conversation has … Read More