Volume II | March 2019
A message from Carroll President Francis E. Fox '77
Dear Carroll Community,

A top priority during my first few years at Carroll was to assist a committee to complete the “Welcoming Jesus” statue and bring the magnificent art work by renowned artist Lawrence Nowlan ‘83 to its permanent home on Matsonford road.  The dedication with over 1,200 people attending took place on May 21, 2015.   ( click here for “Welcoming Jesus” dedication video )

On that day, the driving force and dedicated Carroll alum and parent behind the commission and raising of funds for the statue was quoted to say, “The Welcoming Jesus statue boldly proclaims our Catholic Identity!”  That was Marita Coffey Finley ’86. I have never forgotten her words which inspire us all to do more everyday.  

With that background, it is with a great sense of accomplishment and excitement we announce the completion of the  Dominic L. Coyle Memorial Garden and Stations of the Cross , located past the Carroll “C” on the main driveway.  
This special project has been in the works for several years and we could not be more pleased with the final product. Each of the fourteen towers are over six feet tall and weigh in excess of 600 pounds.  Like Carroll, their foundations are solid and will continue to “boldly proclaim our Catholic Identity” for generations to come.  

We especially would like to thank those special donors who generously funded the project.  

A dedication ceremony is scheduled for March 6, 2019, Ash Wednesday and all are welcome to attend.  More details will be forthcoming. 

Warm regards,
Francis E. Fox '77
President
Kairos Retreat brings students closer to God
By Mr. Ronald Cummings, Adult Leader
 
Tuesday March 12, 2019, will be the start of Archbishop John Carroll’s  Kairos 98 , a four day retreat for the students in the senior class. Fifty-seven students have volunteered to take the journey to the Malvern Retreat House along with nine student and nine adult leaders. At the completion of K98 on Friday, March 12, approximately 90 percent of the class of 2019 will have attended Kairos, an astonishing accomplishment that should not go unnoticed.

The Kairos retreat is a time for the students to become more aware of their relationships with themselves, others, and God.

At the start of the retreat, each student is placed in a small group of approximately seven to nine people, where they will spend most of their time listening to talks and witnesses, with the ability to offer feedback and ask questions during small group discussion sessions. It can be truly amazing to witness the transformations that the students make when they become aware that people are willing to listen to them without prior judgments and are willing to accept them for who they really are.

Throughout the four days the presence of God is seen through the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist and times of prayer both group and individual. Many students say that they truly feel close to God for the first time in their lives after attending their Kairos retreat.
March Service Calendar of Events
Fridays during Lent after school, we will have Stations of the Cross.
Please meet in the chapel!

Friday. March 1 - Visit to St. Charles Seminary at 8p.m., for a special Genesis. Meet for Froyo before at 7 p.m., Yapple Yogurt in the Wynnewood Shopping Center. 50 East Rd., right down the street from the seminary; dessert will be on the ministry budget!

Mr. Kirsch & Pro-Life Club meetings:

Friday. March 1 and 15, Room 200; Friday, March 8 and 22, in the Carroll Chapel for a prayer service.

Tuesday, March 5 & 19 in Room 110 during 6th period (lunch included) - Catholic Athletes for Christ meetings

Tuesday, March 5 - Student Ambassadors Meeting in Room 200 led by Ms. Crawford (preparing for 7th grade visitation day on March 20 & Open House on March 24)

Wednesday, March 6 - Ash Wednesday Prayer Service & Blessing of the New Outdoor Stations of the Cross at 9:15 a.m., for entire school community
 
Thursday, March 7 – CSC (Community Service Corps) general meeting after school in Room 200.

Tuesday, March 12 - Friday, March 15 - Kairos 98 at Malvern Retreat House
 
Wednesday, March 13 – Best Buddies general meeting after school in Room 200. 

Wednesday March 13 or 27 - Diversity Club in Ms. Ginn's classroom, Room 308 (students should listen to announcements to find out which date it is)

Monday, March 25 - Installation of Bishop-elect Joseph Coffey '78, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
 
Tuesday, March 26 – Genesis (Eucharistic Adoration prayer group) in the Carroll Chapel at 6:45 p.m; tentatively teaming up with Cardinal O'Hara ministry team.

Wednesdays in March; we will head to Martha's Market from 4:15-6:30 p.m., in Norristown to help feed the poor at St. Paul's Church. Meet in ministry office at 3:45 p.m.!
Student Witness: Living Our Faith
Carroll marches in support of life


By Paige Mastripolito ‘19 

45 years ago, the United States Supreme Court legalized abortion in the case of Roe v. Wade. Ever since that day, thousands of people have come together all over the world to peacefully march in hopes of overturning this decision. 

This year, on January 18, 2019, 52 students and teachers from Archbishop Carroll attended the March for Life in Washington D.C. The Pro-Life Club has always been a place of acceptance and friendship, which is why going on trips together is always so easy. We left Carroll around 4:50 a.m., and headed towards George Mason University in Fairfax County, Va. 
At George Mason, the Archdiocese of Arlington hosted the “Life is VERY Good” rally and Mass. During the rally, we listened to a speech from Sister Bethany Madonna who is a member of the Sisters for Life order. During her address, Sister Bethany kept everything very relatable and discussed the ideas that all life, no matter what stage, is precious and sacred. She emphasized that every generation must show love to others in order to convey to them that they are important, and they have purpose. After her speech, we had a wonderful Mass full of worship and the message of life. 

Finally, it was time to march!

When we arrived at the march it was clear that this was the biggest it has ever been. There were students and adults of all ages gathered in one space to march for this cause. 

Being a pro-life teen in today’s society can sometimes be difficult. People often judge you and express the idea that you have no idea what you’re talking about. It is a truly uplifting and reassuring experience to go somewhere there are other teenagers who are also pro-life. Seeing all these people unified to protect the unborn gives you hope for this world. 

All estimated 300,000 people in attendance at the march this year walked in unity towards the Capitol building as one pro-life population. The Pro-Life March is nothing but hope for change and the power to make others hear the voice of the unborn. Pro-Life should not end once the march is over or when the cheers subside. Pro-Life is how we treat others who are different than us and how we care for the sick and the elderly. Being Pro-Life is respecting yourself and loving those who disagree with you. One day, all unborn children will be protected by this country but until then we must continue to be a generation of change. The Pro-Life generation. 
Opportunities to Support Our Mission

We received a $250 donation towards the Best Buddies program and an additional $250 towards the Campus Ministry fund. We thank our anonymous donors for their generous support of Carroll's Campus Ministry program! We are grateful for their continued support and for the difference they are making for our school and students.

Pro-Life March bus and student support          
$3,000   

Best Buddies Monthly Activity                          
$250      

Best Buddies Prom                                               
$2,000   

Steubenville Support sponsor a student                    
$250 per student

Kentucky Service Project                                   
$5,000
   
Kairos Retreat Sponsor                                                     
$300 per student

Holy Thursday Dinner Event                             
$300  
    
Genesis Dinner Sponsor
$200 per event (twice per month)

Service Project                                                     
$5,000 
  
Kairos Retreat Sponsor                                                     
$300 per student

Genesis Dinner Sponsor                                     
$200 per event (twice per month)

Click here to make a tax-free donation. Thank you!
The Carroll Padre Post is a publication of
Archbishop John Carroll High School's
Office of Campus Ministry