American Province Ministry Connections
November 2021

Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep 
 
Preston Kendall, President
Lights, Camera, Action: Drama Club Takes to CRSM’s New Stage

Photograph of Elizabeth Partenach, English and theater teacher on the right and her daughter Gloria

It was a tough year in education for everyone. Little in-class time and so many Zoom rooms. But try running a drama club on Chrome books!
The good news: The CRSM Thespians are back, 65 students strong — bigger and better than ever. Two afternoons a week, they’re busy rehearsing, directing, building stage sets, designing costumes, and creating a publicity plan for the upcoming March 3rd to 6th performance of Dracula, their sixth drama and first on CRSM’s new stage.

Elizabeth Partenach, English and theater teacher, had a front-row seat to the highs and lows of the extraordinary year of schooling in a pandemic. Though these challenges took a toll on many educators, Partenach kept her students motivated. With her tenacity, charm, and commitment to what could be, in fact, what would be, she kept hope alive in the hearts of her students. As a result, students remained emotionally connected and engaged in learning.  

“There are some students who were very shy and scared when they were freshman, but the drama club welcomed them into the fold,” she says. “Here they find camaraderie, and great support creating something together. You can physically feel the energy of them growing and discovering their own unique talents and gifts.”
Dracula promises surprises big time. “We said, let’s dream big,” says Partenach, "There will be flying bats, trap doors, and Dracula in a coffin. Mark your calendars now!"
Cristo Rey New York High School    
 
Dan Dougherty, President
“Community” Reunited at
Cristo Rey New York

Returning to Cristo Rey New York this fall has allowed our students and faculty to reconnect with a fundamental Cristo Rey experience. “Community” has been at the forefront of many of our activities as we welcomed all of our students, including 87 freshmen, back into our building. His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit to ask God’s blessing on our community. In October, our freshmen traveled with their teachers to Mariandale Retreat Center for their first Cristo Rey retreat.

This year’s theme was “Community Is Covenant.” Freshmen embraced their roles as new 9th graders, confident in the knowledge that each student is an essential part of the Cristo Rey family. They learned that community is more than just togetherness. Our students know that serving others strengthens their community, building a better world for themselves and others.

After a day of prayer, group activities, bonding, and spiritual growth, each student received a stone and verse from 1 Peter 2:5, "Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house." By communicating to each of our students their importance in our community, they take pride in this chapter of their lives. We are eager for our students to grow in their faith and become young men and women who use their gifts to serve others.
Sponsored Ministries of the Society of Holy Child Jesus 
Casa Cornelia Law Center * Providence Center

Co-Sponsored Ministries of the Society of Holy Child Jesus
South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project (LAMP) * 
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep * Hope Partnership for Education * 
Cristo Rey New York High School * Washington School for Girls
 
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Ministry Connections is a monthly publication highlighting ministries sponsored or co-sponsored
by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.