The Holy Cross Institute AT ST. EDWARD S UNIVERSITY SPRING 2012 Forming a community of learning and practice for Holy Cross educators in FORMATION HOLY CROSS EDUCATION: GIFT AND RESPONSIBILITY Among Father Moreau s enduring descriptions of education is a work of resurrection. It is an intriguing and theologically rich combination of words. From the perspective of Christian faith, resurrection is a pure gift. We cannot generate it by our efforts, but we can cooperate with it. In fact, our cooperation is essential if resurrection is to have any significant influence on our daily lives. We cooperate with resurrection by our openness and receptivity to it, and our willingness to collaborate with it. Moreau was aware of this; nevertheless, in terms of education and the impact it must have on present and future students, he speaks of resurrection as a work. It is a task we do and a responsibility we take up. Viewing the educational, parochial and pastoral needs blatantly evident in the lingering aftermath of the French Revolution, Moreau believed that nothing less than a resurrection was required. And he knew it would be work, hard work. He dedicated his life to address those needs and encouraged everyone associated with Holy Cross to do the same. Even after 176 years, the commitment to Holy Cross education remains a gift and a responsibility. It is a gift from God, a call from God, making our commitment as educators a true vocation. It is also a responsibility we take up every day in school, whatever our particular tasks. Through those tasks we live this vocation. Our vocation as Holy Cross educators is accomplished precisely through all the ordinary and not-so-ordinary activities that constitute school life. Especially significant is the responsibility we bear to teach and to live the themes of Holy Cross education: Building Respect, Educating Minds and Forming Hearts, Being Family, and Bringing Hope. The example we provide to the students, and to our colleagues, of living these themes with integrity is truly a work of resurrection. From Moreau s perspective, this living example is a solid foundation upon which we can build our quality of life for now and for the future. During the 2012 2013 academic year, Holy Cross schools will focus on Building Respect, or one of the other themes. The activities and teachings that will be planned around this theme hold the potential to advance yet further the gift and responsibility that distinguish Holy Cross education as a work of resurrection. Sincerely, Brother Joel Giallanza, CSC Holy Cross Institute Board Announces New Executive Director n By Brother Ken Haders, CSC, Chair, HCI Board of Governors The Board of Governors of the Holy Cross Institute at St. Edward s University is pleased to announce that Brother Donald Blauvelt, CSC, has accepted the position of executive director. Brother Donald has had a long and fruitful association with the Institute, serving as the Board s first chairperson and continuing his involvement through the time he served as Provincial of the South-West Province. (Continued on page 5)
Finally A National Celebration of Holy Cross Student Leaders n By Terry McGaha, Director of Mission Outreach, Notre Dame High School It was a long time coming. Dialogue first began among the adult student activities leaders of our high schools at a meeting in the fall of 2006. After nine years of existence as a regional event among the schools sponsored by the South-West Province, with some participation by Midwest and Eastern Province schools, it was definitely time for the Holy Cross Conference for Student Leaders to expand. As a result of the meeting there was expansion of the conference in the summer 2007, but not into a national entity, which was one of the options discussed. In June of 2007, there were two regional conferences: a new conference hosted at Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Indiana, with the hope that the location would encourage all of the Midwest and Eastern Province schools to participate, and the South-West Province schools celebrated the 10th anniversary edition of the conference hosted at St. Edward s University in Austin, Texas. Both conferences were similar in that the purpose was to transform student leaders into Holy Cross leaders with specific activities distinct to the two regions. In September of 2009, another meeting of the adult leaders took place to discuss the next step of growth for the Conference for Student Leaders. A catalyst in the new round of planning was the reality of change as the Congregation of Holy Cross was in the process of changing and merging the organization of its provinces. One outcome was an appropriate commitment 2
The Holy Cross Institute AT ST. EDWARD S UNIVERSITY It was a blessing to spend a few days with like-minded, like-missioned adults who are passionate about the charism of Holy Cross. Simply to be with other faculty and staff members who understand Moreau s philosophy of educating minds and hearts was refreshing... As an adult participant, I was inspired by the students leadership, service to the community and each other, as well as their reflections on their experiences. The conference gave me renewed hope that the Holy Cross family is alive and well and has a bright future with our student leaders as they carry on the spirit of Holy Cross. Linda Ruszkowski, Director of Campus Ministry, Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, Maryland that the two regional conferences become one event offered in two locations, officially sponsored by the Holy Cross Institute beginning in 2010. The second outcome was a commitment to plan for a true national Holy Cross Conference for Student Leaders. On June 29, 2011, 105 students and 28 faculty chaperones from every Holy Cross high school in the United States, arrived at St. Edward s University for the national conference. With much planning and coordination, the conference provided a unique opportunity for students and adults. While the goals of the regional conferences were maintained, new activities were designed in order to accommodate the larger group. The delegations from all 15 schools shared in the leadership of prayer services as well as two Liturgies during the course of the week. The participants were housed on campus in Dujarié Hall, and events took place in the Mabee Ballroom and Jones Auditorium in the Ragsdale Center. The entire CSC community in Austin helped our student leaders better understand our shared Holy Cross heritage, and become actively engaged in our Holy Cross mission. The Brothers communities at St. Joseph Hall and the Brother Vincent Pieau Residence hosted the students for lunch on Thursday of the week after an inspiring presentation about Holy Cross heritage and mission by Father Tom Looney, CSC. With the help and coordination of the St. Edward s University Center for Ethics and Leadership, the participants lived our mission on Friday as they went to 13 different locations in Austin to work with agencies for a Christian service experience. The students and faculty members shared their experience of the day with 18 members of Congregation of Holy Cross Friday evening at the Brother Andre Service Banquet in the Mabee Ballroom. Father Claude Grou, former Superior General and presently the Rector of St. Joseph s Oratory in Montreal, addressed the group about the work and ministry of St. André. Students had the chance to apply their leadership skills on Saturday in the Leadership Games of the Holy Cross Olympics. The students were placed (Continued on next page) 3
(National Celebration of Holy Cross Student Leaders continued... ) into eight teams named for some of our Holy Cross values, such as Team Hope, Team Providence and Team Zeal. No team had more than one student from the same school, thus requiring school networking and a true team building experience. The conference offered our student leaders a deeper understanding of our Holy Cross heritage and mission, a national networking experience and an opportunity to meet many members of the Congregation of Holy Cross. I am sure that Father Basil Moreau, Brother André Bessette and Brother Stephen Walsh were all smiling down upon us during that week all were with us in spirit for the experience. DEADLINE TO REGISTER: May 25th Holy Cross Conference for Student Leaders (HCC4SL) 2012 One Event, Two Locations June 6 10, 2012 June 27 July 1, 2012 St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Indiana These conferences are designed for student leaders in grades 10 12, student activity directors and campus ministers from the Holy Cross secondary schools across the United States. School teams are limited to eight students each. Schools may choose to attend either location. For more information or to register, go to: www.regonline.com/hcc4slaustin or www.regonline.com/hcc4slnotredame What is the Holy Cross Institute? The Holy Cross Institute is charged with creating a community among secondary schools, colleges and universities founded and sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross. It provides resources, programs and events that educate administrators, faculty, board members and students on the unique Holy Cross educational legacy. Learn more at www.holycrossinstitute.org 4
The Holy Cross Institute AT ST. EDWARD S UNIVERSITY Brother Nich Renews Vows Brother Nich Perez, CSC, renewed his vows at the Holy Cross Conference for Student Leaders 2011. One attendee remarked, Having the students witness a Brother renewing his vows was powerful, while another remarked, Brother Nich is truly inspirational to me. Brother Nich, a native of the Philippines, said of his pre-csc life: I [was] a filmmaker and had been looking for meaning in art. I tried a plethora of fields, but couldn t decide where I belonged. I was looking for a sense of direction and the Brothers of Holy Cross gave me that There are ups and downs, of course. That is what makes religious life fascinating and meaningful. Thinking about religious life is a lot like surfing. You grab your board, you wait for the right wave, grab it, ride it, and once you are riding it, it is as if God made that wave just for you. Every day is an adventure. You may not know where you are going, but you have hope that you will reach your destination." The Congregation of Holy Cross Constitutions includes the following wording in its vows: I believe that I have been called by the Father and led by the Spirit to offer my life and my life s work in the service of the Lord, for the needs of the church and the world. Our founder Father Moreau imparted on us a zeal that allows us to be who we are, states Brother Nich. So I completed a master s degree in media and technology One way I believe we can reach out and make God known, loved and served is through film, through media. Brother Nich s life work of filmmaking and photography has blessed both the Congregation and other organizations, including the Holy Cross Institute. He is now sharing his skills with students as a member of the Communications faculty at Holy Cross College (HCC) in Notre Dame, Indiana, where he also is assistant campus minister. Brother Nich earned bachelor s degrees in Philosophy and Business Management from St. LaSalle University, Manila, and a master s degree in Communication Studies (film and media) from St. Mary s University, San Antonio, Texas. Prior to joining HCC, he taught theology and film studies at Holy Cross School of San Antonio. (Cover story continued... ) We are very enthusiastic about the gifts and experiences Brother Donald brings to the position and look forward to working with him as we move forward. The Board would like to thank all of you for your support and patience through the search process. I am sure you will join us in expressing your congratulations and support to Brother Donald. Brother Donald is an experienced educator and administrator of middle and secondary schools, and has chaired multiple mission assessment visits. He is currently Assistant Provincial and Councilor for Schools for the CSC Moreau Province, and serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Edward's University in Austin, and the Board of Regents of Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans. 5
Convocation 2012 I had an excellent time. The conference was exceptionally educational, as well as encouraging in regards to expressing new ideas and deepening out communities ties with other Holy Cross schools and programs. Love time to be and experience Holy Cross. 6
The Holy Cross Institute AT ST. EDWARD S UNIVERSITY This was my first time to attend Convocation and it revitalized my understanding of the Holy Cross mission. I really enjoyed meeting my colleagues from other schools including Brazil, and hearing about their Holy Cross experience. CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS Mark your calendar for the following Holy Cross Institute-sponsored events: HOLY CROSS CONFERENCE FOR STUDENT LEADERS One Event, Two Locations June 6 10, 2012 St. Edward s University, Austin, Texas www.regonline.com/ hcc4slaustin June 27 July 1, 2012 Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Indiana www.regonline.com/ hcc4slnotredame CONVOCATION 2013 April 7 9, 2013 St. Edward s University, Austin, Texas For more information, contact Laura Sanders at laurads@stedwards.edu HOLY CROSS CONFERENCE FOR STUDENT LEADERS One Event, Two Locations June/July 2013 Dates TBD HCI RETREAT 2012 July 17 21, 2012 Serra Retreat Center, Malibu, California This event focuses on how to apply Holy Cross spirituality in one s personal life. Participation is limited to 40 people. Registration fee for the 5 day/4 night retreat is $520/person. For more information or to register, go to: www.regonline.com/ hciretreat2012 information is published by the Holy Cross Institute. EDITORS: Kate Hahn Lauren Liebowitz DESIGNER: Emily Hall CONTRIBUTORS: Brother Joel Giallanza, CSC Brother Ken Haders, CSC Terry McGaha Laura D. Sanders Email story ideas to: laurads@stedwards.edu 7
in FORMATION The Holy Cross Institute AT ST. EDWARD S UNIVERSITY 3001 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78704-6489 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Permit No. 1315 DEADLINE TO REGISTER: MAY 28, 2012 RETREAT 2012 Holy Cross Alive! Living the Spirit of Moreau Today Father Tom Looney, CSC, Retreat Director July 17 21, 2012 Serra Retreat Center, Malibu, California Blessed Basile Moreau lived and taught a vibrant spirituality of encounter with the living God rooted in a call to become faithful copies of Jesus Christ. During these days of prayer and quiet we will explore and engage key aspects of Moreau s spirituality that enable us, by God's grace, to reproduce the life of Jesus Christ in our own conduct. More information and online registration: www.regonline.com/hciretreat2012