American Province Ministry Connections
June 2022
As is our custom, this June edition will be the last one until the Fall. I hope you continue to enjoy the contributions our colleagues share each month. I am ever in awe at the depth of their commitment to the Society’s mission, especially during the ongoing challenges of Covid, and all else that plagues our country and world. These women and men in our Sponsored and Co-sponsored ministries, along with their colleagues, are a living testament to the "courageous hope and joy” we seek to envision for our future, for us and for our nation and global Society. I know you join me in thanking all who labor so lovingly in our name, and thus my appreciation is with you as well. Words of gratitude are never complete without more than well-merited acknowledgment of Donna Fisher and Colleen Carroll, without whom this monthly newsletter would not be possible! May the summer offer a time of rich personal renewal and well-merited rest. May blessings abound! Cynthia, shcj
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep 
 
Preston Kendall, President
“In this room, I see so much hope,” Emily S. Valedictorian CRSM Class of ‘22
Gratitude was the overriding theme Saturday, May 28, when CRSM celebrated many achievements. Of special note, the entire senior class has been accepted into four-years bachelor’s programs for the third year in a row.

The day was a joy-filled one with family, friends, teachers, staff, and board members present to applaud the accomplishments of the graduates. Corporate Work Study partners and 30 alumni joined the school community, filling the new gym to capacity, to cheer for and bless the 101 graduates during the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony.

“It has been an honor to walk the journey with these seniors the last four years,” said Principal Mike Odiotti. “The hard work from the students of the Class of 2022 has paid off and this phenomenal class will leave a mark and example for many classes to come.” He cited the numerous challenges facing this class during the pandemic, including a junior year of remote and hybrid learning. Still, he was able to share notable list of achievements:

  • College acceptances are nationwide;
  • 3.6 is the average G.P.A.;
  • 101 seniors comprise the largest graduating class in CRSM’s history; and
  • This class will be remembered for establishing the Black Student Union.

The words of Valedictorian Emily S., who is headed to Washington University in St. Louis, captured the sentiment of the day “We did pretty good for a class who spent their junior year on ZOOM calls. But on the bright side, we never gave up. This is a minority success story as well because we faced many obstacles. The world said this could not happen for us. But now, that world is full of possibilities that await all of us. Let’s make it happen.”
Cristo Rey New York High School    
 
Dan Dougherty, President
Cristo Rey New York High School Celebrates the Class of 2022
at Annual Baccalaureate Mass Ceremony

As the end of the school year approaches, we have been filled with pride, witnessing our seniors reach the end of their high school careers. On Thursday, June 2nd, we held our annual Baccalaureate Mass to celebrate the graduating Class of 2022.
Here we prayed for their guidance as they enter a new chapter in life, reminding them of their hard work and tenacity which has allowed them to reach the penultimate celebration of this graduation season. Fr. Steven Gonzalez, Class of 2010, led our service with words of courage, reflection and encouragement, reminding our soon-to-be alumni-ae of the time he spent in those very seats. He read a passage from the gospel of Matthew 5:14-16:

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Our seniors are shining stars who, upon their entry to their new communities, will be trailblazers. Each is on his/her way to various outstanding colleges, universities, and institutions where his/her skills and talents will be well-honed. Our graduates have dreams of becoming professionals in scientific, artistic, and technological fields, just to name but a few, and through their hard work, have been provided the key to the doors of their fortuitous futures.

Congratulations to the teachers, families, and students of the Class of 2022!
Sponsored Ministries of the Society of Holy Child Jesus 
Casa Cornelia Law Center * Providence Center

Co-Sponsored Ministries of the Society of Holy Child Jesus
South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project (LAMP) * 
Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep * Hope Partnership for Education * 
Cristo Rey New York High School * Washington School for Girls
 
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Ministry Connections is a monthly publication highlighting ministries sponsored or co-sponsored
by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.