Dear Parents,
This morning our Eighth Class students wowed the school with their amazing leadership in an all-school prayer service. Some of them launched the prayer by explaining, in both word and image, what spoke to them of God in the front yard (Second Street side) of the campus. As each student stood, he or she shared insights with rich, descriptive and sophisticated vocabulary and incredible depth of thought. They were not only poised and well prepared, which would have been impressive enough for a 13- or 14-year-old, but, it seemed to me, they were wise beyond their years.
What I kept thinking was that THIS is why you send your children to the Academy – so that, in the end, they are THIS kind of human being, displaying these qualities and characteristics. You want your child to be a person who has:
- the poise and confidence to stand and speak in front of a group of people
- the interior courage and strength to share something of his or her depth
- the skill to write clearly, with rich vocabulary and sophistication in syntax and structure
- the judgment and maturity to not get lured by our toxic cultural norms
- the heart capacity to SEE with the eyes of love
- the spiritual savvy to be awake to and aware of God in the world around them
As each child’s journey brings both successes and struggles, growth in the direction of the above happens as we continue to love their BEING and invite them to BECOME what we know and believe they can become. I certainly saw the PRODUCT of years of growth in this morning’s prayer and presentation!
Immediately after returning from the prayer service, one of the Primary students ran up to his teacher and said with all sincerity, “Now I know where to find God!” Their message was heard by even the smallest hearts today.
Our Eighth Class students found God in the front yard. I found God in our Eighth Class students.
Where will you find God today?
— Maureen Glavin, rscj
