Friday, March 4th
Dear St. Edmond’s Families,

Bishop Koenig visited St. Ed’s yesterday, meeting with the students in three groups in the Rollins Center for lively question and answer sessions. The students were respectful and curious as they asked a variety of questions. Several Lancers gave Bishop Koenig and Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Mr. Louis De Angelo, a tour of our campus afterwards. The Bishop ended each session with a favorite prayer of Pope Francis, emphasizing the need for us to pray for those we love, those we look up to, and to those in need; lastly, to pray for guidance and love of self. It was special to have him here on campus.

Author Sir Salman Rushdie joined the 6th grade ELA class Wednesday via Zoom to discuss his novel Haroun and the Sea of Stories. Sir Rushdie told the boys he wrote the book for his son, whose middle name is Haroun. The 6th grade Lancers were excellent in their questions and Sir Rushhdie was engaging, kind, and funny. The hour-long conversation (here) covered a host of topics, including the craft of writing, truth-telling in fiction, and the issue of censorship. Much thanks to Mrs. Hartman and Mr. Corcoran for making this special event happen.

For planning purposes, our 2022-2023 calendar dates are accessible here.

A big congratulations to our SEA basketball teams as they finished up their season this past week. This Monday we will have a free Spirit Wear Tag Day to celebrate our bball successes. This season, 98 boys participated in basketball; our 7th/8th-grade team won the CYM Championship, and the 5th/6th-grade team finished in second place. Our 3/4th- grade team was undefeated. We are proud of our student-athletes and their accomplishments on and off the field.

Baseball, lacrosse, and track will begin this coming week. Rugby will get started after spring break. Registration and specific dates can be found here.

Our first of three finalists for the Head of School position was on campus today. Much thanks to Mr. Jim Prendergast ‘73, who is chairing the search committee, for his devotion to such an important task. Two more candidates will visit with us next week. As I said in a February parent letter, the thorough and vetted process will be fruitful: we have three very strong candidates from whom to choose. Thank you to all the Board members, faculty, staff, students, and parents who have been a part of this crucial undertaking.

Wednesday was Ash Wednesday and Father Jasper celebrated Mass with the entire school in the Rollins Center. As we begin Lent, our critical task is to be “ambassadors for Christ,” to speak and act and live as one, knowing God’s spirit dwells in all of us. Father ended his Ash Wednesday message to the boys with an appeal to be “open to grace” and a challenge to all of us to wear our cross on our hearts, where Jesus lives. 

Bless your families, this weekend and throughout the Lenten journey. 

In faith,
John