A Prayer for God’s Continued Grace
Dear Friends,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all in our school community for your outstanding efforts during these times of challenge and uncertainty associated with COVID-19. The collective efforts of our students, teachers, administrators, parents and alumni have been awe-inspiring and for that I say "thank you." Each of you have played critical roles to ensure that the mission of this special school was met.
It has been gratifying for me to observe the love and kindness of our school community as demonstrated through your daily efforts. During this time of physical distancing our school family has been far from distant. I have been blessed to witness countless acts of kindness - both big and small - making a difference in the life of the recipient. Through our collective efforts we have made a seemingly impossible situation one that we could meet; in fact, one that empowered us to grow even more united. It was with that spirit that we were able to bring a successful conclusion to our school year and to send off our beautiful Class of 2020.
And while I believe we would all like to begin our summer on that positive note, recent events in our country provide a stark reminder that there is considerable work yet to be done in the area of Social Justice and Civil Rights. George Floyd’s death is not a singular event but is part of a pattern of injustice and aggression committed against people of color throughout our country’s long history.
There is power in acknowledging the work that we need to do as a society; furthermore, there is power in acknowledging that we as a school can play a critical role in change. The best way for us to make a difference is by starting at “home.” In essence, each of us must examine our attitudes and behaviors. At a school assembly back in February I asked each person in attendance if we were living in accordance with our faith? Do we treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ; in effect, do we deliberately bring the face of Christ to those with whom we are blessed to interact? Are our words and actions consistent with our claim to be Catholics/Christians? When we can answer these questions in the affirmative then we can act as authentic agents of change.
I would ask that everyone please take the time to listen to the attached message of Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Racism; in addition, please read the statement from Bishop Brennan from our Columbus Diocese on the death of George Floyd.
In closing, please join me as we pray for God’s continued grace on our community as we work to serve as a light of hope in our world. May we stand in solidarity and add our voices to those who are experiencing pain and suffering caused by years of injustice.
Peace and God’s Blessings,
Dan Garrick ’79
Principal