“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
Campus Ministry’s “New Normal”
Having a positive impact on the community and in the world is the mission that Campus Ministry shares with its students, faculty, staff and, for that matter, the world. The “new normal” of the Covid-19 pandemic has made being a person for others, committed to faith and justice even more important, if not more challenging. Thanks to Steans Family Foundation … 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
Campus Ministry Bids a Bittersweet Farewell to Ms. Morales
CRSM is saying goodbye to its Assistant Director of Campus Ministry, Daisy Morales. Ms. Morales is a graduate of Cristo Rey St. Martin. She recently received her Masters in Counseling and will be working as a therapist in an alternative school. She will be working with children, including many that are processing trauma. During her fellowship, she will also be … 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
Social Justice & the CRSM Community: Working for Others
CRSM, along with Most Blessed Trinity Academy, continues to distribute Breakfasts and Lunches on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Big Shoulders’ cooperative meal program with La Fondita (the Jimenez family), Taqueria Campeña (the Cambray family), Antojitos Guerrero (the Otero & Retana families) and Potestas (the Gonzalez/Alonso family) was a major success, putting hundreds of amazing meals on family tables. In a … 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
Campus Ministry Gathers and Celebrates the Seniors
The CRSM graduating class of 2020 met for a Zoom retreat on May 15. Rather than gathering at the Viatorian Province Center for a final spring retreat as they typically have done, seniors and staff logged on to a video conferencing platform and reflected on the last four years together. After a chance to reconnect and some Zoom games, students … Read More
Ministry: Our Students and Our Community
Campus Ministry is Standing Next to Students and Their Families The Virtual Sophomore Retreat Broadview prayer vigils for immigrants in detention A Virtual Easter Season Taize Prayer Manning the Lunch Meal Distribution Program Organizing the Big Shoulders’ Local Restaurant Funding Program Pitching in to distribute Home Run Inn frozen pizzas (Donated by the Big Shoulders Fund) The Virtual Sophomore Retreat … 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