Fordham Preparatory School - Ramview Ramview Spring 2018 | Page 5

Every D-Day during 7th period, I have the privilege of
teaching an exceptional group of eleven seniors. Each in
his own way is responding more deeply to God’s call in his
volunteer work with those in need. For some, like Rashad
and Kenneth, they spend long days serving food to
families at Part of the Solution (POTS) on Webster Avenue
and HOPE Community Services in New Rochelle. Others,
like Nick and Aidan, choose to teach children in CCD
classes and sports programs for girls and boys with
developmental disabilities. In all cases, our Christian
Service Program allows our seniors to encounter their
neighbors in loving service as brothers in Christ.
As the academic year moves rapidly toward graduation,
our seniors are coming to the conclusion of their service
projects. Reflection upon experience is fundamental to
the program: in written journals, class conversations and
final papers. Placing their gifts at the service of others
reveals that which we seek in the Profile of the Graduate at
Graduation. They are “gaining, through experiences of and
reflection on Christian service, an understanding of and
solidarity with marginalized members of society … [and
are] developing, from reflection on experiences with the
marginalized, a sense of compassion and a growing
understanding of those social changes which will assist all
in attaining their basic human rights.”
For all in a Jesuit school community, our Catholic tradition
draws us deeper into a life of service: to be more
understanding, accepting and generous with others.
However, it also calls us to “understand the justice
implications inherent in Christ’s commandment to love
one another.” Our faith is a faith that does justice.
Christian faith implies a commitment to a just society, and
a Fordham Prep education—for it to be true to the vision
of St. Ignatius Loyola—must invite our students to wrestle
with the complexity of social issues in our world today.
wake of the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida. Their
witness was not in isolation but joined together with 31
“In everyday life we must hold ourselves in balance before
created gifts. … We should not fix our desires on health or
sickness, wealth or poverty, success or failure, a long life
or short one. For everything has the potential of calling
forth in us a deeper response to our life in God.” These
familiar words from the First Principle and Foundation of
St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises will prayerfully open my
next Christian Service class.
other high schools in the Jesuit Schools Network. The
student leaders of our Diversity Alliance organized their
third open forum of the year, this time reflecting on the
impact of the #MeToo movement through a panel of
women and men from the faculty. Careful listening and
thoughtful dialogue marked an afternoon where our
students could honestly engage in conversation about
what it means to be a responsible man in today’s world.
This past March, our students participated in the UNICEF
USA Student Summit in Washington, DC and the Ignatian
Solidarity Network’s Arrupe Leaders Summit in Maryland.
At home, they are raising important funds for pancreatic
cancer research in honor of our beloved science teacher,
Rosanna Estrella, through a talent show and school-wide
walk.
The men of Fordham grow each day as persons of
gratitude and generosity. Their selflessness and
commitment to service and justice inspires me and so
many in our community. As we live in the joy of the
resurrected Christ this Easter season, may their witness
of faith, hope and love continue to be a sign of grace for
God’s greater glory. My prayers go with you and your
families during this holy time of peace and joy.
In recent weeks, some of our students have stood in
solidarity with high school youth throughout the country Joseph A. Petriello, PhD ‘98
in peaceful protest and prayerful remembrance in the Principal
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