Dear Brothers,
Summer Stories of God in Our Midst
This week’s reflection is submitted by Michele Sweetmon, Campus Minister at Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School in Omaha, Nebraska. Michelle responded to the question, “When have you seen God in your midst with your students during this time of pandemic?”
This time apart has been difficult for everyone. As social creatures, we have an intellectual and emotional need for the stimulation and community that others provide.
Mother Teresa instructed us that “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” Students at Gross Catholic are finding that one rainbow in the storm of COVID-19 is time with family. High school students are often so busy or distracted that family-time is pushed to the side. One student said, “The best part of my quarantine was getting to spend some more time with my youngest brother. I am always going so I don’t get to spend much time with him. It doesn’t matter what we are doing. It is great just to be able to spend time with him.”
Other students have noted that simplicity has been the gift of this time apart.
- “My moment of joy during quarantine is taking walks and really breathing in the fresh air.”
- “I have never really taken the time to notice the colors of spring. I am grateful that I have taken the time to slow down to pay attention.”
It is impossible to journey through life by ourselves. We rely on others for strength and support. We share our hopes and fears. We work together to accomplish our goals, we affirm the diverse gifts we see in others, and we help others in need.
Through adaptation and change, we are learning how to live and love apart, but always together. As we remind Gross Catholic students each year at our House Sorting Ceremony: The way is long; let us go there together. The way is difficult; let us help one another. The way is Christ; Christ is THE WAY.
Check this Out
Check out this educational safety video created for the students who will return to campus at Saint Louis School once the current lock-down is over in a couple of weeks. The video is a parody of a song recorded by school president, Glenn Medeiros, in 1990 on MCA Records. Many of the faculty, staff and administration took part in the video in an effort to make the students excited about coming back to school. The title of this version of the video is “The Risk Ain’t Worth It”. What a beautiful way to convey an important message in a fun and joyful video.
