Friends,

When Lent begins next week, we will have much on which to reflect and consider. As we enter this season of fasting and preparation, many of us already find ourselves looking for the light. In a year more difficult than any in recent memory, we have already been deprived of so much - from social contact to our everyday joys. And, on a deeper level, we have faced fear, grief, and a pressing thirst for justice in our nation and around the world.

But like Christ's forty days in the wilderness, we wander not without purpose. We have faith in the fulfillment of God's promise to us and we know that hope remains ever on the horizon. In this Lenten season, we will remember the times we struggled, yes. But more importantly, we will reflect on our shared faith and resilience. When our students finished mid-terms earlier this month, it offered a moment to assess their learning so far this year. These boys have worked incredibly hard under extraordinary circumstances, and I continue to be deeply grateful for their diligence in observing our COVID-19 protocols. I’d be remiss if I did not thank our dedicated faculty that have prepared our students for this good work.

Our community has made the most of everything this year, from the classroom, to the playing fields, to Loyola Chapel. And, recently, in a most remarkable way, we have come together to honor and support Anatoliy Berezyuk ‘21 - an incredible young man who is battling brain cancer. In the depths of life's strife, we learn who we are, and Anatoliy has certainly been a teacher to all of us. As our school and, in particular, the Class of 2021 continues to rally around him, we will continue to keep you updated on how we can support and serve the Berezyuks as one BC High family.

As we celebrate Black History month at BC High, I am reminded of a quote from Dr. King that was shared at the Martin Luther King prayer service, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Here at BC High, we as a community choose the light and love grounded in our Christian faith.

AMDG,

Grace Regan P'12

We are pleased to share with you this progress report on our commitment to becoming a more anti-racist, culturally aware, school community. This work does not happen overnight and we appreciate your patience as we focus our efforts internally within our school community. We will continue to keep you updated and engaged in this work.

Last week, I was incredibly excited to moderate the first speaking event sponsored by the Shields Center for Innovation at BC High. After an introduction from Governor Charlie Baker, our panelists Jack Shields ’79, P’06, Founder and Chairman, Shields Health Solutions, Charbel Haber P’23, SVP of Regulatory Affairs, Moderna, and John Barros ’92 Chief of Economic Development, City of Boston led a dynamic discussion addressing the unique systems and collaborations that fuel our people, our city and the new economy – in Boston and beyond.

But this is just the start for the Shields Center for Innovation. I hope you will join us next month for another exciting panel bringing together the leadership of innovation centers around the Greater Boston area to discuss how innovation is a skill that can—and must—be taught to students today. Panelists will include:

We’re happy to announce that our wonderful Jesuit Community will be hosting Livestream Mass throughout Lent! Follow us on Facebook or on Livestream or to stay tuned. We will be sharing a full calendar of Lenten activities in the days to come.

And, as Ash Wednesday lands in the middle of our February break this year, we will be distributing individual/family packets of ashes to all students and any adults in our community who would like them this week. We will be hosting a prayer service so that families might celebrate and recognize Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season at home with the ritual of wearing the ashes.