A REFLECTION FROM
OUR CHANCELLOR By: Fr. Michael Russo As I conclude my first year as Chancellor, I am certainly more enriched because of the wonderful people who have come into my life in a more direct way. St. Thomas More is a good school, with some fantastic teachers and students, as well as engaged parents who make it one of the best schools in our Diocese. I set three main goals for myself when I began as Chancellor. I end this first year confident that they have been met. The first goal was my determination to show a ministry of presence. I wanted the students to see me, to let them know of my interests in them and my genuine care for them. Being on campus every week won’t always happen because of our very busy schedules, but we were always taught in the seminary that the Lord instituted the priesthood for a special “presence.” God’s good people are reassured by the presence of their religious leaders and are deeply grateful for it. Secondly, I wanted to simplify the school Masses. This was not to be critical of what was done before. Rather, it was an extension of my own particular interests. For one, I am an organist and pianist, and music has always been a part of my life. I have vast experience with the liturgy, and it would be only natural for me to want to share my experience and knowledge of it. Reverence is very 4 | FOREVER MORE | SUMMER 2015
important to me, and thus we implemented certain “teaching” announcements before Masses, a prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, a more reverent “sign of peace,” and a greater vigilance and understanding of the Real Presence. And thirdly, I was determined to address one of the major issues for teens in our day - drugs. I hope that the students realize that the new approach, though more vigilant, is more loving and pastoral. We should never lower our standards - never! Nor do we dismiss consequences never! Yes, there may come a time when we realize that STM is just not working for a particular student, but we have to TRY. As we come to the end of another academic year, my thoughts and prayers are with the seniors. I wish them all the best and hope that they will always remember that living the Gospel will take nothing away from them. Rather, it will give them a life of peace and joy. With gratitude for the successes achieved, I look ahead to another year, as together we all grow in deeper understanding of and friendship with one another and with the Lord. STM C O UG A R S . N E T