CM Celebrates Opening Week at Mass

Students and faculty gathered on Friday, September 8, for Mass as Catholic Memorial School celebrated the end of its first week back in session.

Fr. Ronald Coyne '65 spoke to students, stressing the importance of a holistic approach to life during the coming year. "There are many aspects to who we are," said Fr. Coyne. "Don't neglect any aspect of your life. Pay attention to your body and your mind and your spirit."

"Every single one of you is a body, a mind, and a spirit," he continued. "Catholic Memorial and the Catholic Church are here to remind you of that — that's our purpose. Our desire is to see you become all you're created to be."

President Folan delivered closing remarks, reminding the Catholic Memorial community of who it is, and what it stands for in a turbulent world.

"We are a school that cares for each other," said Dr. Folan. "We are a school that stands with each other. We are a school that stands for something."

"As we start this school year, we live in a world that is filled with chaos. This chaos is fed by hate speech, homophobia, sexism, misguided logic, fear, anger, resentment, and ignorance ... We have a duty to become advocates for change and provide a voice for the voiceless. We must stand against those who strive to break down communities and divide groups by race, class, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality. This is our fight. Gentlemen, it is real."

 

"CM is a special place. There are 645 students here across six years. We are diverse. Twenty-four percent of all CM students are students of color. We gather from many different backgrounds: Muslim, Jewish, Protestant, Catholic, urban, suburban. We have immigrants, wealthy, low income, middle class, blue collar."

"When we say, “We are CM” it means that we welcome all. Differences are accepted here; they are welcomed.
We invite people to walk with us, to help each young man strive for individual success and growth. We strive to change your trajectory to transform your life."

"I am reminded of a passage from Matthew — ‘Every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit… so by their fruits, you will know them.’ (Matthew 7:17-20)"

"The fruits of the Holy Spirit are abundant and unlimited. This fruit is the sweetest of all, and obtainable: charity, generosity, joy, gentleness, peace, faithfulness, patience, modesty, kindness, self-control, chastity, and goodness."

"Here at CM, we stand in solidarity with these fruits, these gifts. They stand in opposition to hatred and bigotry. This is who we are. This is a hallmark of a Christian Brothers School. This is the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice. This is our legacy."