Tag: Oak Park IL

May 22

Student Council President Rylee Graves ’24 reflects on four years at Fenwick.

As the Class of 2024 reminisces over the past four years here at Fenwick, one quote specifically comes to mind by Robin Sharma: “Change is hardest at the beginning, messiest in the middle and best at the end.” I feel as if this quote perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our seniors sitting here today.

Even before our years here at Fenwick, we took the anxiety-ridden entrance exam. The atrium seemed bigger, the teachers peered down at us, and the classrooms themselves were menacing. Unfortunately for us, these worries manifested true.

Our first experiences here at Fenwick were not what we expected when we took our entrance exam. Instead of meeting the entire class through our classes, sports, and getting involved through the club fair, we were split up into A and B groups, assigned classrooms for our lunches/ study halls, and the addition of masks certainly did not help when making new friends. Many of us, like me, name our freshman year as our worst year of high school. However, as every day passed on, it became our new normal. Our class adapted instead of shutting down. We did in fact make friends. We joined clubs on zoom. We played and dominated all of our sports spring semester. We succeeded in the hardest beginning possible. It was because of this hard beginning that made our class determined, driven, and discarding our memories from freshman year.

And so, we used sophomore year as an opportunity to find success and to thrive. We were free from having to be split up into A and B groups, the classes below us had a club fair, and we finally had actual sports seasons!  The opportunities we missed out on the year before made us more determined than ever. We did kill it our sophomore year: football state championship, cross country state championship, ACES state championship, and Math Team state championship were all a part of our “comeback” year. This was the year we expected when we took that entrance exam. Things especially got exciting when we were approved to be maskless! Seeing everyone’s full faces and sparkling smiles as you pass them in the hallway made all of us especially excited for our next two years in this building. 

Remember the part about the “messiest”? Yeah, many of us would consider that our junior year. AP classes, practice SAT or ACTs applying for scholarships, the poverty project, the service project, and so much more all while maintaining good grades to stand out to colleges. Good luck sophomores… All of these trials and tribulations became what many of us would consider our messiest year of high school. Still, we thrived. We have national merit finalists in this room with us from those practice SATs. AP distinguished scholars sit next to each other, and all of us survived junior year. Just as we had done the year before, and the year before that. We long awaited the greatest year in history of every high school, senior year. 

We had just experienced it. 10 short months of writing out your essays on common app, or if you’re like me, writing, rewriting, and rewriting again. 10 short months of seeing our friends every day. 10 short months becoming Kairos retreatants, and then leaders.10 short months of seeing an acquaintance one last time. 10 short months of a new last every day. Our last homecoming game, friday night lights, basketball game, hangout with friends, or meeting with Ms. Dunne. We all saw our last 10 months fly by. Every one of us should cherish every moment we have for these 4 years. 

Juniors: Be excited for the future that will come, do not get caught up in the messiest year, every rejection is a redirection. Sophomores: Keep doing new things, meet new people, join new clubs, stay adventurous in your next, new grade. Freshmen: Remember this feeling right now. Remember every feeling, every moment, every new classmate, activity. Take it from us, we don’t get to experience a “new” in high school anymore. 

The seniors who start a new beginning, a whole four more years: learn your lesson from high school and don’t take these memories for granted. I’m going to take a note from our orientation, our first time sitting in this auditorium and ask you to look to your left, and look to your right. These classmates of yours around you have been through it with you the past four years. Remember these faces, remember your memories with them. Be excited for them. Know that each and every one of us will find your own successes in life. And as we go on with our lives, remember this exact building in which we all came from, Fenwick. 

So we say goodbye to this auditorium and to Fenwick, but we greet every new experience, opportunity, and face that comes our way.

So thank you Fenwick, thank you faculty, and thank you fellow classmates for the best past four years. 

We are Friars forever.

April 26

Rowan Auriemma ’24 provided the student reflection at the Votive Mass of St. Catherine of Siena on Friday, April 26.

Catherine was able to do remarkable works because of her faith, and God was able to turn her suffering into opportunity. Catherine was born in Siena, Italy, in 1347, the 24th child of her parents. She started having visions and mystical experiences from a young age, which she later described as her spiritual marriage to Christ. Catherine was deeply committed to her faith, and she spent most of her life working tirelessly for the church, even to the point of advocating for the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon, France, where he had been residing for years.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Catherine’s life was her ability to persevere through difficult times. She experienced a great deal of opposition and criticism throughout her life, as she sought to bring about reforms within the Catholic Church. Many people did not understand her spiritual experiences, and some even accused her of heresy. Despite these challenges, Catherine remained steadfast in her faith and her commitment to the church. She wrote many letters to political and religious leaders, urging them to take action to address the corruption and abuses within the church.

Catherine’s perseverance and endurance were also evident in her personal life. She endured many physical hardships, including severe fasting, self-flagellation, and illness. However, she did not let these challenges deter her from her mission. Instead, she saw them as opportunities to grow closer to God and to better understand the suffering of Christ.

For Fenwick students, Catherine’s life can serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, even in the face of adversity. Whether it is striving to achieve academic excellence, pursuing a career, or overcoming personal challenges, there will always be obstacles along the way. However, with perseverance and endurance, these challenges can be overcome. Like Catherine, students can draw strength from their faith and their commitment to their goals. Students can learn from her example of service by seeking out opportunities to serve others in their communities like the sophomore service days or the junior service project. Catherine serves as a role model for Fenwick students for her great faith and works.

As we reach the end of the year and get ready for the summer, and for some of us, the next chapter in our lives, it is important to remember the role models that the saints serve as in our lives. Freshman, you’ve got the rest of your Fenwick career to learn about service to others and devotion to God, take every opportunity that is given to you and make the most out of them. Sophomores, you will be starting your Junior service projects soon, use this time as a moment to find God through service to others and learn about those around you. Juniors, as the rising leaders of the school, take everything that you have learned and be examples to the underclassmen, and make the most out of your senior year. And finally, fellow seniors, as we head into this next phase, it’s important for us to never forget these memories and experiences we have had at Fenwick. The service opportunities, the community, the teachings, and everything in between have shaped us all, use them to make the future warm and bright. Go Friars.

March 22

Dominic Tortorello ’25 provided the student reflection before Mass on Friday, March 22, 2024.

Good morning, my name is Dominic Tortorello of the class of 2025. And today, I am truly thrilled to welcome you all to this celebration of God during the fifth Friday of Lent.

In today’s readings, there’s a common message about putting one’s trust in God, especially in dire situations. From the Israelites asking for God’s strength in war, to God hearing our pleas for help in our distress, to Jesus trying to persuade those who doubted him by witnessing God’s works through him. In each respected case, we can view God as not only a safety net, but someone to rely upon and trust. He’s the only one who truly understands every single one of us, and his unconditional love can go great lengths to help us. God will always answer our calls for help, yet they will not always be answered in the way we expect. But we have to realize that God will give us the best possible solution.

There’s been a few special instances in my own life where God has heard my distress, and answered. Coming to Fenwick was a tough transition for me. I barely knew anyone, so I stayed close to the few kids I knew coming in. The time I spent with these friends was great, and I was happy. Sophomore year came around, and we started hanging out less frequently. I’d make an effort to talk to them during school or at least hang out with them once a week, but I could tell they just weren’t enjoying their time at Fenwick. Then halfway through the year, I had the bomb dropped on me. Two of my closest friends, who were part of the reason why I was at Fenwick, transferred. I felt like I failed them as a friend, and over this period of time, I was confused. I lost my sense of belonging at this school, and began asking questions such as “where do I fit in?”, “do my classmates even like me?” and “why am I here?” I was considering transferring also, but there was one factor that kept here, and that was God.

Now, I truly believe that he put all of us here for a reason: to succeed in life and in our relationship with Him. At this time, I started attending Sunday Mass more frequently, and it gave me clarity. God works in mysterious ways. For me, that was getting myself involved in new activities. I was no longer concerned about other people’s perceptions about me, and decided to pursue activities that actually appealed to me, not to the person I was trying to be. In the absence of peer pressure, I tried out for volleyball, a sport that I thought would never be my thing, and I loved it. I’d be downplaying it to say it genuinely hasn’t changed my perspective on Fenwick.

And I know what you’re thinking, is this kid really saying volleyball is why he’s still here? And to put it briefly, yes. I made great friendships, became confident, and finally found my sense of belonging here. It became a place where I felt valued, and it helped me manage still coming here. While Fenwick is a large community of faith, we sometimes encounter God’s love the most in the smaller groups or activities we do. God had a plan for me, not in the way I expected, but in the best way possible. And since then, it’s been mostly uphill. I still manage to reach out to my old friends, and although it’s more of a rare occasion, the time I do spend with them is phenomenal. Through the experience of me trying out volleyball, God answered my prayers and showed me that he has a plan for me.

God has a plan for all of us. We all are bound to go through tough times, but there’s one person we can always count on: Him. For me, the knowledge of His love gave me the courage to take risks, and it worked out. To take something away from my story, it’s to know that God will always be there to hear out your problems, and help you solve them. It may not make sense to you then, but in retrospect, you’ll be glad you followed through.  Although this phrase I’m about to say may seem extremely corny, I believe it perfectly represents today’s message, and that message is: “Trust God, Bro.”

March 1

Olivia Nybo ’25 provided the Student Reflection at the 2nd Friday of Lent Mass Mass on Friday, March 1, 2024.

Good morning, my name is Olivia Nybo, and I am a member of the class of 2025. 

During the season of Lent, we are called to spend our time reflecting on who Jesus was, and the example He set for us to follow. 

In today’s Gospel, it is said:

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes.” 

The cornerstone is symbolic of many things in Christianity. It can be seen as a symbol for Christ, a symbol of our faith, and most importantly a symbol for how we should live our lives. 

A cornerstone may often be seen as insignificant, but in truth, it is the most important stone in a structure. When constructing a building, builders must choose a cornerstone, and only the best stones are selected. Its job then becomes to connect the two walls and be the foundation for the structure. Essentially, a cornerstone is something that in the beginning seems small and insignificant but grows to become an important part of the whole. 

This idea of something “insignificant” transforming to be significant can be seen in our daily lives. Many of us here, including myself, have once viewed their faith to be insignificant. Growing up, I attended a Catholic grade school, where we would have morning prayer every day, along with religion class and Mass every friday. Growing up, I tended to view these events as something that could be brushed off. I didn’t view my relationship with God as something worth giving up my time for. However, as I grew older, my faith began to become an essential part of my life. My faith has become a cornerstone in my life because it is the foundation on which I stand on, especially during hard times. God has changed in my eyes from someone who I didn’t really desire to have a relationship to someone who I depend on and can’t live without. 

We are all called to make Faith the cornerstone of our lives, which is saying that our faith should be an essential part of us. There is a big difference between being a stone vs. a cornerstone. A stone is someone who has good intentions, who has a kind heart, and who tries to care about others. Whereas a cornerstone is someone who takes faith and acts upon the characteristics of faith.  A cornerstone does good in the world, treats others with respect, and puts others before themselves. 

Being a cornerstone rather than just a stone, however, is not an easy job. One of the most significant parts of the quote I previously read is that the builders had first rejected the stone. 

Jesus is the cornerstone of all cornerstones. He showed mercy to everyone and what it means to sacrifice for the good of others. Because of this, he was persecuted and crucified, before being raised again.

Similarly, we can choose to follow these often under-appreciated characteristics on Earth. Through things like service, choosing kindness, and putting others before ourselves. 

When I was 12 years old, I attended an overnight summer camp. At this camp, we had to pass a swim test to be able to use the boats on the lake. Luckily for me, I passed the swim test along with every other girl in our cabin but one. The first day we were able to go to the lake, the girls in my cabin decided to go on the boats together. However, this meant that the one girl who didn’t pass had to stay behind. A cabin counselor asked if one of us would be willing to stay behind with her, and I hesitantly agreed. It was a hard decision at the time and made me unpopular, but it led me down the path of creating a strong bond with a cabin mate. Because of this decision, I missed out on the opportunity to be a part of the group of girls on the boats, but I gained a friendship. A friendship I may not have made if I had not decided to stay behind. In this instance, I accepted the possibility of rejection from others in my cabin in making the unpopular decision, but I gained something even more valuable — a close friend who I still hold dear today. I learned that my long, meaningful friendship was worth more than being accepted by the group of girls in my cabin. 

As I finish my reflection today, I urge all of you, especially in the season of Lent where we try to follow Jesus’ example, to not just be an ordinary stone but to follow Christ and be a cornerstone, even if the task is strenuous, it will be rewarding in the long run as we seek to dwell with God in heaven. 

Thank you.

February 14

Patrick Gilboy ’25 provided the student reflection at Ash Wednesday Mass on February 14, 2024.

Hello Friars, My name is Patrick Gilboy of the class of 2025. As you may know, today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season. Along with not having meat in the cafeteria on Fridays, we all have to give up chocolate right? Maybe not. As I have found myself falling victim to in the past, I would give up something that was slightly inconvenient at best. However, we are given the opportunity to grow in our faith here at Fenwick, that means that we can also advance our knowledge of Lent.

As I mentioned, in years past, I would give up something that did not have much value to me. Without value, it was pretty easy to give up. Eventually, I started to consider what it would be like to give up something that was dragging me down. It was hard to imagine a world without something which was of such importance in my life. Forty days without my phone seemed impossible. I considered 40 days without Starbucks or Celsius, and maybe even 40 days without the snooze button. As I started to learn more about Lent, I discovered that most churches have the stations of the cross every Friday, along with confession. I also learned that Lent is not only to prepare us for the Death and Resurrection of our Lord, but to enter into a piece of the suffering that our Lord endured for the 40 days and 40 nights in the desert. Therefore this year, I invite all of you to join me in giving up something that holds value to you. Whether that is giving up the Instagram Reels that you use to procrastinate, or the warm showers that you happen to spend 45 minutes in, allow yourself to give something up; Something that would be a true sacrifice, for the glory of God. That’s the next part, for the glory of God. A true sacrifice is pointless if it’s replaced with another useless activity.

Allow the time or the pleasure which you save from this sacrifice to be beneficial. For example, instead of the extra 15 minutes of laying in bed after your alarm, get up, get ready, and enjoy a conversation with a family member. Instead of the extra 30 minutes that you spend just standing in the hot shower, use that time to start your homework or get to bed earlier. Best of all, instead of scrolling through your phone for hours on end, take that time to talk to God, tell Him about your day, or even visit Him in Adoration.

After learning about all of the sacrifices I could make, a different kind of Lent was introduced to me. A Lent where love and mercy are the motivations for my actions. Of course, there is some sacrifice to bring ourselves closer to Jesus, but just as important, actions full of love. I learned that a Lenten promise could be fulfilled by not giving something up, but by doing something that would grow my relationship with God. Some ways to grow your relationship with God could include going to daily Mass, here at Fenwick, at 7:30, to experience the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord and Savior. Or you could call your grandparents everyday for 15 minutes, even something as simple as starting your homework right when you get home will Glorify God. Whatever it is, act with love and mercy in your heart.

Finally, when we get to the end of Lent. Challenge yourself to continue with your new habit. Continue going to Mass or calling your grandparents; don’t just revert back to your old habits, allow yourself to be better. Lent is a very powerful time to grow closer to God (pause)  if you allow it to be. Thank you. 

February 2

Julia Schumm ‘25 provided the student reflection at Mass during Catholic Schools Week on Friday, February 2. Read her entire reflection below.

Good morning Friars. My name is Julia Schumm and I am a member of the class of 2025. Today we not only celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, but we are finishing up the celebration of Catholic Schools week. In today’s Gospel reading, in accordance with Jewish tradition, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. This was to fulfill the law of Moses, which required firstborn sons to be dedicated to God. At the Temple, they encounter two pious individuals, Simeon and Anna. Both recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, marking a significant event in the New Testament.

I find this extremely similar to how my parents presented me to my faith. Much like many Catholic children, I was baptized as an infant, and yearned to find a way to continue my faith. My parents then exposed me to youth catechesis where not only did they desire me to grow my faith, but they were my teachers themselves. While the other children felt as though it was a chore to show up every Sunday morning, I was eager to attend and learn more about how to grow in my faith each weekend. By utilizing my parents as his agent, God has brought me to experience some of the most incredible places and communities.

Three years ago my parents led me to a new opportunity to develop my faith, one like I had never experienced before. My decision to go to Fenwick led me to experience many “firsts.” First time having a substantial commute to school, first time wearing a uniform and taking a daily theology class, and first time experiencing an academic environment rooted in Catholic values.

My Fenwick peers and I live out these values in our hallways, classrooms, athletic venues, clubs, and throughout our daily lives. We are taught to live out the four Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and preaching, not only while we walk the Fenwick halls, but every single day. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we are Friars.

I think it is important to recognize that the time we get to spend at Fenwick isn’t as long as we think it is. Throughout my past two and a half years, I have learned that it is never too late to get involved in something new. This year I finally became active in the Respect Life Club, and had the opportunity to attend the March for Life in Washington DC, an opportunity that as an underclassmen I would’ve never taken advantage of. 
I urge each and every one of you to make the most out of the opportunities that the Fenwick community can provide for you.

Seniors, although you only have one semester left, there is no better time than the present to make a new friend, try something new, and make a difference.

Juniors, it is almost time for us to step up. It is now our chance to learn from the past to cultivate an even brighter future.

Sophomores, take advantage of every opportunity Fenwick gives you. Try out for the sport, join the club. Every opportunity, big or small, will turn into something amazing.

And finally, Freshmen. I know by now you are all tired of sitting in the balcony getting “four more years” chanted at you, but I can assure you, don’t take it for granted. You have four more years. Enough time to make new friendships, learn how to walk on the right side of the hallway, learn to ask for help, and live in the moment. Much like how Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, we have been presented to Fenwick and it is up to us to embrace every moment we have here.

January 19

Mia Menendez ‘25 provided the student reflection at Mass on Friday, January 19, 2024.

Good Morning Friars. My name is Mia Menendez, and I am a member of the Class of 2025. I am pleased to welcome you to the first Fenwick all-school Mass of 2024, celebrating the Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time.

I would like to begin by asking all of you: When was the last time that you felt you answered God’s call? It could be something as small as giving a couple dollars to a homeless person, donating a coat to a coat drive, or even buying coffee for the person behind you in line. Maybe you have answered God’s call on a larger scale, such as making the decision to attend Fenwick, starting your own charity, or going on a mission trip. There are endless ways to answer God’s call. Mother Teresa once said: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Whether it be big or small, we all respond to God’s call in our own, unique ways.

The Gospel in this Mass celebrates when Jesus called the twelve apostles, a pivotal moment in Salvation History. In preparation for calling the twelve apostles, Jesus spent much time praying on a mountain, entrusting God, the Father, to look over Him. Jesus then called the apostles by name and told them to go out into the world, preach His word, and cast out demons. Jesus believed in them and saw the goodness in their potential. The Lord does the same with all of us.

We are called to imitate the apostles and help Jesus carry out his ministry in the world. All of our calls from God are different, and it was not until I joined the youth catechism program at my parish that I truly discovered my call from God. This was when I began to study the Bible, pray on a regular basis, and serve others. After I went through the program myself, I was given the opportunity to be an aid in one of the classrooms. I felt as though this opportunity was the perfect way to continue to answer my call from God. Now, for my junior service project, I have continued my commitment to my parish, and I help out at family gatherings on Sunday mornings.

While we all have different answers to God’s call, we do share a commonality in our faith journeys. All of us in this auditorium made the commitment to be Fenwick Friars. Students, we have all answered God’s call by attending Fenwick and accepting the responsibilities that come along with it being a Catholic high school. Many of us contemplated and debated coming to Fenwick for some time, similar to how Jesus prayed to God for a long time before embarking on calling his twelve closest followers.

There are an infinite number of ways to answer God’s call. I challenge all of you to be more cognizant of doing small acts in your daily lives to respond to your call from God. Your answer can be something as simple as greeting someone that you normally don’t talk to. Just as the Lord saw talent in the apostles, He sees it in all of us as well. With the Lord by our sides, there is nothing stopping us from continuing to incorporate acts of love and kindness in our lives. Thank you.

December 8

Luis Avalos ’24 provided the Student Reflection at the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass on Friday, December 8, 2023.

Hello, my name is Luis Avalos from the class of 2024 and I’d like to welcome you for today’s Mass celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Today is designated to celebrate Mary’s conception without sin, including the original sin present in all humans since their birth. Her conception free from sin was in preparation for her becoming the mother of God, Jesus Christ, who is a pretty important character in our faith, if I do say so myself.

I am not going to stand here and lie to you all.Truthfully, I have never had that struggle in my faith where I thought, “Oh, God can not be real because of what I’ve just gone through,” or “God would never let something like this happen.” But, in a life where I’ve experienced many difficult things (evictions from my home, the sudden deaths of relatives and well, let’s just say “relationship issues” in the past), God has been the only constant in my life. Unfortunately, we don’t get to choose the lives we’re born into, nor do we get to control the roller coaster that life is. One thing we can all control, no matter what, is our faith and how that will impact our lives. We can choose to allow God to walk alongside us, and trust that he will help us through difficult times.  We can choose to trust that He has a plan for us, just like He did for Mary.  We can choose to believe that despite the difficulties we might face in life, God can do miraculous things- things like healing a relative, giving us the courage to leave a difficult situation or relationship, or even allow for the conception of a person without original sin, and then allow that woman to conceive a child through the help of the Holy Spirit.

As Fenwick students, we’re oftentimes scared and worried about things we can’t control: “Will my teacher give me a test this day? Will I get into this college, or will I get into this summer program?” At the end of the day, we don’t make that decision; somebody else does, but we can prepare ourselves as best as we can, and trust that God will help us with the rest. When we face our doubts and uncertainties, let us turn to the witness of Mary.  We can recall that God had faith in Mary to conceive His only Son. From the moment of her conception she was spared from sin — she was “immaculate.” Mary could not have known in the moment of her “yes” all that she was saying yes to, but she knew that God had a plan. With the grace of her immaculate birth and through the faith built through her relationship with God, she could trust in Him and accept her role as Mary, Queen of Heaven, Mother of our Lord.

I invite us — you and me — to embrace the uncertainty in our lives, and to embrace our relationships with God just like Mary did.  God has given us graces to help us say “yes”’ just like Mary to His plan. In the words of a famous poet, “Life is such a roller coaster—then it drops, but what should I scream for? This is my theme park.” It is in these “drops” where the only certain thing you may have in your life is your faith, so remember to embrace it, just as the immaculate conception of Mary prepared her to embrace her role as the Mother of God. Thank you.

November 17

Rozlyn Plazas ’24 provided the Student Reflection at Mass on Friday, November 17, 2023.

Good Morning Friars. My name is Rozlyn Plazas, from the class of 2024, and it is an honor to welcome you all to today’s school-wide mass. As we gather, the profound words of our reading resonate with the remarkable life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, an inspiration who devoted herself to establishing hospices for the impoverished and ailing.

Born into royal privilege, St. Elizabeth felt a divine calling to use her status for the betterment of the less fortunate. Rather than turning a blind eye to the struggles around her, she actively sought ways to assist those in need, ultimately renouncing her royal ties to wholeheartedly dedicate herself to helping the impoverished. St. Elizabeth’s unwavering devotion to love and care for the less fortunate established her as a substantial symbol of Christian Charity. 

Today’s reading from the book of Wisdom has a striking quote: “For they indeed have gone astray perhaps, though they seek God and wish to find Him.” This line illustrates St. Elizabeth’s unwavering faith. Surrounded by her environment, she had the opportunity to fall back on her status, yet she devoted herself to the service of others. This notion intersects with a pivotal moment in my own life. At the beginning of high school, my great grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, a painful journey witnessing her decline alongside the effects of old age. In moments of deterring faith, especially when caring for her during her illness, I discovered strength within, sensing the love and presence of God. Despite grappling with doubts about the morality of her suffering, my great grandmother’s commitment to her faith became my guiding light. Every Sunday, I would spend precious moments with her, providing the care she needed. This connection prompted me to care for her until her passing. I cherished the shared memories and felt grateful for the time I could support her. Today I am grateful to God for allowing me to imitate St. Elizabeth in being a source of comfort for my great grandmother until the end of her life. 

As we gather here today, I encourage each one of you to reflect upon the enduring legacy of St. Elizabeth. In the face of personal or others’ adversities, we can draw strength from our faith, trusting that with God’s love, we can overcome. We can support loved ones confronting challenges, embodying St. Elizabeth’s message of genuine Christian charity. Let her be an example to inspire us to reach out and assist others, a fundamental tenet of Christianity. May we continue to act in accordance with extending our hands to support those in need, whether they be a friend, a loved one, or even the person seated next to you today. I encourage you to emulate St. Elizabeth, becoming genuine role models of Christian charity within our community. 

November 1

Matthew Brown ’24 provided the Student Reflection at Mass on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. 

Good morning everyone. My name is Matthew Brown from the Class of 2024 and I would like to welcome you to today’s Mass. 

Today is the Solemnity of All Saints Day. All Saints Day originated in the year 609 A.D. during May, when Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Later, Pope Gregory III changed the date to November 1 and shortly thereafter Pope Gregory the fourth extended this celebration to the universal church. Catholics view saints as anyone who makes it to Heaven. Today we celebrate all saints, whether they were formally canonized Saints (with a capital “S”) within the Church, or simply those who made it to Heaven.

In Theology class this year when learning about the world’s different religions, we discuss who the exemplars are for the various faiths we study. Exemplars are people who serve as role models. For Catholics, saints are our exemplars. Saints lead by example and show us how we should devote our lives to God. Yet, we also oftentimes have exemplars who aren’t saints that still lead by example and show us how we can worship God.

I am a devout Catholic, but even devout Catholics struggle with their faith in many different ways. Whether it is struggling with praying, attending Mass, or believing in God, each and every person has struggled with their faith at least once. I am no different. High school has not been easy for me, and I think it’s safe to say that each of us has felt that way at some point or another. Personally, I had a very tough sophomore year, oftentimes feeling very alone, and as a result my relationship with God struggled. I didn’t understand why these bad things were happening to me and it felt like God was punishing me for reasons I didn’t understand. But throughout this entire time, my older brothers kept showing me how to remain faithful and grow in my relationship with God. We’d go to church together, pray together, and talk about our faith together. They encouraged me to pray and to ask for the saints to intercede for me and help me with the struggles I was going through. My brothers were the perfect exemplars that I needed to remind me that God is always with us and that He deeply loves and cares for us.

As my brothers were exemplars for me, there are people in your life that are exemplars for you, people who hope to help you grow in your faith. I encourage all of you to consider who your exemplar is. It could be one of your siblings, parents, grandparents, or even your friends.

And if you truly believe that you do not have an exemplar, someone who will show you the way, then the saints are perfect for you. I can guarantee that each and every one of you will relate to at least one saint in some way shape or form. There are an estimated 11,000 saints, so there are plenty to choose from when considering who your exemplar will be. As we enter into this Mass, I encourage you to ask God for the strength to go out and set a good example; to be an exemplar. We are called to imitate the lives of saints and lead by example with our worship of God. Now I leave you with one parting question that I’d like you to think about. How can you go out and be an exemplar for those around you?

October 20

Anna Androsyuk ’24 provided the Student Reflection at Mass on Friday, October 20, 2023. 

Good morning everyone. My name is Anna Androsyuk from the class of 2024 and I want to welcome you to today’s mass.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul discusses Abraham, the founding father of the first covenant between God and His people. Paul explains that according to Scripture, Abraham’s belief  was the reason he was credited as righteous, not because of his work. Despite the fact that Abraham had done countless good deeds and had a profound impact, he was chosen by God solely because of his steadfast faith. 

There are many ways to attain the spiritual gift God offers us. At times you may doubt yourself and wonder: am I doing this right? Do I really live as Jesus taught? But all God asks is for you to put your faith into Him. 

There are multiple ways we, as students, can exhibit our steadfast faith. Following the four Dominican pillars is a path that will lead you to righteousness, but more importantly also grows and solidifies your relationship with God. Through prayer,  community, study, and preaching we can learn how God wants us to live out our lives. However, these pillars cannot simply produce righteousness. Our actions are fruitless if not fueled by faith — belief in God and His promise. These pillars help us to embody our faith and connect it through our heart, mind, and soul — only then can God give us this spiritual gift.

My faith has not always been steadfast. I, too, have had low moments when I didn’t feel the presence of God. In middle school, I didn’t understand the importance of having a relationship with God. Just like most of my peers, I was preoccupied with other things like when I would spend time with my friends, what grade I got on a test, or what my plans were the following weekend. But regardless of whether I was focused on God, He was there even when I was too blind to see it. Especially when you feel an absence of God, Jesus reminds us, “Do not be afraid.” Looking back now, I realize that He was there to guide me every step of the way. Even when we stray from God and good deeds, God still wants us to return to him. We don’t need to be afraid of God if we have made mistakes. God was there through all my triumphs and my failures. He was there then just as He is now. He was there for me and He is there for each of you. God offers salvation as a gift to each and every one of us. He is forgiving, sins can be cured, and there is always a path to God.

October 13

Catherine Quinn ’25 provided the Student Reflection at the Votive Mass for the Most Holy Rosary on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Good morning. My name is Catherine Quinn of the Class of 2025.

When I was younger, my extended family and I spent our summers at my aunt and uncle’s house in Michigan. I created some of my fondest memories there, from being dunked in the water by my older cousins to staying up past my bedtime to enjoy s’mores. The lake was where I first learned to shuffle cards, where I first heard stories about my grandparents, where I first began to understand the blessings of family. It was my haven and my happy place. Eventually, during COVID, my aunt and uncle decided to sell their house. I was stunned and devastated, feeling that the sale marked the end of an era.

The First Reading from the Prophet Joel today explains how God’s people prepared for the end of something- the end of the world. The advice from Joel can provide us with guidance on dealing with the end of things. The People of God were advised to approach the alleged end of time with prayer, fasting, and acts of gratitude.

Every end presents its challenges, some small, like the trivial disappointment of finishing an ice cream cone or a favorite TV show, or the sale of a beach house that wasn’t even my own, and some large, like the heartbreaking anguish that accompanies the loss of a loved one.

Although we can never be fully prepared for something that abruptly comes to an end, we can try to view these experiences a little differently. We can attempt to live more fully in each moment to better treasure the various experiences that life has to offer. We can remember to give thanks for our blessings each and every day. Through God, we can recognize and appreciate the beauty of our past adventures and the people and memories we will forever hold. And, with His guiding hand, God can help us to remember that with every end comes a new beginning.

Oftentimes it is difficult to appreciate what is right in front of us when we expect it to always be there. But as a Fenwick community, we can work to embrace the occasions that bring us joy and express our gratitude towards God for gifting us these moments and opportunities.

In giving God our prayers and trust, , we can further cultivate our relationship with God and those around us so that when our own “end times” approach, we are prepared to be united with God.

During this month of October, when we celebrate the rosary, we can remember the power of prayer. Through the prayers of the rosary and Mary, the Mother of God, we can find the guidance to grow closer with our Creator and the strength to understand that some experiences are fleeting, so we must cherish them as they come.

September 29

Anna Schloss ’24 provided the Student Reflection at the Feast of the Archangels Mass on Friday, September 29, 2023.

Good Morning Friars! My name is Anna Schloss of the class of 2024 and I’d like to take a moment to welcome you to mass this Friday morning.

Today we celebrate the feast of the archangels, Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The archangels are often viewed as heroic messengers and protectors of the Church. St. Michael’s greatest feat was defeating Satan in dragon form in the Book of Revelation, St. Gabriel’s appearing to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus, and St. Raphael’s healing Tobit and Sarah when they both prayed for death. The archangels are symbols of strength, courage, and heavenly power and, while this is important, it can also seem daunting. How are we supposed to follow the example of the archangels when we aren’t powerful, divine creatures but mere humans?

When I was in kindergarten, my grade school matched us up with eighth-grade students that would be our mentors for the entire school year. These eighth graders were called our “guardian angels.” As guardian angels, they were meant to be role models of faith and goodness for the youngest students in the school. We had a special mass and ceremony, sang songs with our “guardian angels,” and received angel pins. The school made a big deal out of this as it had been a tradition for what seemed like forever. Truthfully, as a kindergartener, I didn’t understand this tradition’s importance. I never talked to my eighth grader outside of our scheduled activities and didn’t understand what it meant to have a guardian angel. My eighth grader wasn’t there to constantly protect me or teach me so the whole idea seemed pointless. However, when I entered eighth grade and finally got to be a guardian angel to a kindergartener, I began to understand the tradition’s significance. 

Eighth grade was the year I was confirmed and happened to be the year I began to take hold of my faith and actively work to grow in my relationship with God. As I spent more time focusing on my faith and my role in the church, I realized how important my mentorship was to the youngest students in our school and our parish community. As an eighth-grade guardian angel, it wasn’t my job to fight dragons. It wasn’t my job to perform miracles or be a divinely powerful being. I was called to be a symbol of God’s strength and courage in humanity by showing the kindergarteners how to participate in mass and by doing acts of service with them. This guardian angel tradition shows us that the angels and archangels are there to protect us and that we can model their values in our own lives. This doesn’t need to be done in a matter of grandeur but rather by having the courage to practice our faith when it is challenged and by having the strength to continually reach out to God even when we don’t feel close to Him. The angels and archangels are symbols of God’s love and serve as our guides as we navigate both our lives on earth and our spiritual lives.

I would like to leave you with the lyrics of the guardian angel song we’d always sing during the ceremony. I invite you to open your hearts to feel the presence of God and the angels. I invite you to open your minds so that we can imitate their values of strength and courage. And now we pray:

“Angels before me, guide and direct me. Angels behind me, guard and protect me. Angels above me, keep watching over me. Angels beside me, care for and comfort me. Amen.”

September 15

Xahil Gonzalez ’24 provided the Student Reflection at the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows Mass on Friday, September 15, 2023.

Good Morning. My name is Xahil Gonzalez from the class of 2024. I would like to welcome all of you to this Mass celebrating the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. The name “Our Lady of Sorrows” was given to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Often depicted mourning the loss of her son, this name was meant to exemplify the immense pain and suffering she had gone through during the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Full of the sorrow and grief that comes along with the loss of a son, through the hurt she rejoiced his death as she knew what was to come of it. Our Lord sent his only son to be born from the Blessed Mary, only to suffer and die for our sins. She knew his suffering was necessary for Salvation. She knew he was our inheritance.

When we hear the word inheritance, we may find ourselves imagining a distant relative we may have never met, or even heard of, who might leave us an estate or castle in a foreign country. We might imagine hearing the news of a great uncle or aunt leaving us a sizable amount of money that would allow us a lavish existence for the rest of our lives. But that is not the definition I mean as today’s responsorial psalm says, “you are my inheritance, O Lord.” When he died for us, we were given an undeserved favor in the form of Grace, something not earned but given freely. We were forgiven from our sins and granted mercy in order to achieve salvation. Sometimes it may seem as if we do not deserve the infinite love and mercy of Our God, but that is the thing about inheritances: one receives it regardless of their worthiness.

Sometimes it can feel as if we are isolated in life, but I can assure you that we are never alone because the Lord is always with us. There have been times where I have felt that I was alone, hopelessly walking, feeling as if there was no actual light at the end of the tunnel; however, I could not have been more wrong.

Last year I lost someone who I was very close to and I was deeply affected by it. The pain of knowing I’d never see them again caused me to lash out and just feel angry all the time. I felt unworthy of any forgiveness and kept pushing away my faith. But I knew that in those moments, I had to remember that His undying love and mercy was my inheritance, whether I felt I deserved it or not. I remembered that through my baptism I had placed my faith and my heart in the hands of God as I knew to trust whatever he had planned for me. I knew he would lead me to the light. As the psalmist says, we are to turn to the Lord for answers, and He will provide them. 

Our Lady stood by her son while he suffered and died for our sins. Even when faced with his death, He was not alone. Our Lady suffered alongside Him. She was mourning her son just like anyone would for someone they loved. We must remember to take refuge in the Lord, as she did, for he is our shelter. We must learn to seek counsel from Him, for he is our teacher. He is always with us and in our presence, for he is the path to life. It is important to remember that no matter what we may be going through, He will always be with us to guide us, teach us, console us for the Lord is our inheritance. 

And now, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and Our Lady, if you know it and would like to, please join me in saying the “Dios te salve, Maria.”

“Dios te salve, María,
Llena eres de gracia, 
el Señor está contigo. 
Bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres, 
y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre, Jesús. 
Santa María, Madre de Dios, 
ruega por nosotros, pecadores, 
ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte.
Amen”