Notre Dame returned to the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, DC, from October 22nd to 24th. Linking faith and justice, this weekend of prayer, keynote addresses, break-out sessions, and advocacy training is the largest annual Catholic social justice gathering in the United States. The conference originated as a way to honor the Jesuits and their companions who were martyred in El Salvador in 1989. This year's theme was "Rooted and Renewing." Notre Dame's contingent of 14 students and 2 faculty members had the chance to hear from speakers on topics such as sustainability, migration, nonviolent protest, gender oppression, mental health, disability rights, restorative justice, radical love, and integral ecology, among other topics.  On November 9th, student participants, with the help of theology teacher and group leader Kevin McDonald will share what they learned from the IFTJ break-out sessions in an assembly for the entire school community.

Participant Gabriella AvicolIi '25 reports, "I absolutely loved IFTJ, which allowed me to recognize and work to reform social justice issues with other intelligent students across the country! My topic for my presentation will be on human trafficking." Noted classmate and attendee Sophia Javier '25, "The IFTJ was an incredible experience. What particularly stood out were the personal accounts of two survivors, one a Nicaraguan migrant and the other a lady who survived teenage sex trafficking. Their experiences varied, opening my mind to many social justice issues. Sharing the breakout rooms with students from around the country was unbelievable. They were as interested and as grateful as I was to be there. "

We can't wait to hear and learn from all our student IFTJ representatives on November 9th!

In a beautiful ceremony in the Dolan Center, preceded by a catered reception in the Commons, 39 seniors were inducted into the Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society. Moderator Ioana Donose made sure all was perfect for this momentous occasion. Sr. Virginia O'Brien, SU welcomed attendees, reflecting that many families had not had much opportunity to come to the school in person because of the pandemic and that it was especially poignant to be able to gather in person, honor the inductees, and express gratitude for the resilience and perseverance of the ND community. Sr. Mary Dolan, SU offered the benediction. NHS President Kaley McDevitt '23 expressed pride in the new members of the Aquinas Chapter and asked her peers, "How will you serve the world? How will you use your gifts?" Inductees were reminded of the qualities required for their selection--the four pillars of Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service. Principal Karina Vargas and Assistant Principal Colleen McGrath bestowed the medals and cords, along with their congratulations. Sophia Fleisher '23 recounted the group's accomplishments and announced the sweet gift of chocolate bouquets for all inductees. The evening concluded with a singing of the school's alma mater, accompanied by Maya Perez '23 on the piano.

Students in rehearsal for "What Is Black?"

Everyone is welcome to "What Is Black?" a celebration of Black American History through artistic performance, directed by ND Arts Chair Nicole Wakabayashi: Thursday, November 17th, 6 pm in the Dolan Center, Tickets are $10 for adults and $3 for students. You won't want to miss it!