Dear Verbum Dei Supporters,
Author Timothy Radcliff’s insight that human beings “do not simply grow, like cabbages effortlessly unfolding into their vegetable fullness” underpins much of what you see in this newsletter. Human development is a “peaks and valley” journey that take us through high and low moments. Through it all, the support and affection of family and friends provide the security needed to safely navigate the deep and shallow waters of human experience.
Verbum Dei’s Adopt-A-Student” program pairs concerned adults with developing adolescents, with the intention of offering our boys the care, concern, support and mentoring that sees them through their critical teenage years into college. Verbum Dei faculty, like John Stradley, play prominent roles in offering students a Jesuit “education that is rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the example of Jesus to promote the full, integral development of students…so that they embrace challenges, are intellectually motivated, religious loving, and committed to justice” (Core Values).
The theological axiom, “grace builds on nature; it does not replace it” reveals Adopting Parents as channels of God’s gracious presence through the natural challenges and opportunities faced by Verbum Dei students. For this we say, “thanks be to God” and all of you for the generous and loving role you play in “preparing young men of color to graduate from college as men-with-and-for-others who serve their communities and pursue a more just and humane world for all” (Vision Statement).
Sincerely,
