Focus on Faith

As a Catholic school, faith plays an important part in the lives of all our students. We offer an education strengthened by faith, prayer and service to others. Every student is required to take a religious studies classes and prayer is an integral part of these classes. Students learn the value of prayer in their lives through practice, meditation, contemplation, music, journaling, traditional prayers and service. Our goal is to challenge each individual to grow in their personal relationship with God, while learning about faith, the Church, and the world in which we live.

Students offering prayers at a service in honor and recognition of International Peace Day September 21, 2018.

Students, faculty and staff reflect on first week at Pope Francis Preparatory School

(Contributed by iObserve.org)

More than two years of hard work and very detailed planning resulted in a successful first week at the new Pope Francis Preparatory School on Wendover Road.

The new $55 million, 122,000 square foot facility opened its doors on Monday, Aug. 27, to more than 335 students.

Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski celebrated the first Mass in the state-of-the-art theater, encouraging students to make the most out of their Catholic school education.

Bishop Rozanski told iObserve, “We began the year with a Mass, asking for God’s blessings and the Holy Spirit’s guidance for all our students. May this year be filled with

learning, joy and enthusiasm for every subject that helps us to grow and mature in God’s love.”

By all accounts, the first week went smoothly, although it took students a few days to acclimate themselves to the spacious campus.

For many, including faculty and staff, it was the culmination of a long faith-filled journey. English faculty member Jonathan Decoteau said, “I’m overwhelmed emotionally – in a wonderful way. Throughout the last seven years, it has been encouraging to have the support of my colleagues, our students and their families and the diocese, as we stepped forward together, creating an amazing space and opportunity for Catholic education.”

“We have an incredible opportunity before us, and this new facility is a symbol and a message to our students, families, and community … that this place is about the future of Catholic education,” Paul Harrington, Head of School said.

The students also reflected on the uniqueness of the new school environment. “I think the new building is an incredible learning environment that will push us to do even better,” said junior Bryant Keeney.

“I love it, especially the athletic fields. Having new teachers and an amazing building is going to be a great learning experience, too,” said Conor Sears, also a junior.

“What a huge improvement! I love having a real campus and being part of this new school,” added junior Emily Boutin.

New Campus Chaplains Strengthen School Faith Formation

This academic year, students at Pope Francis Prep will experience the benefit of having two Campus Chaplains. Fr. Mark Mengel, appointed by Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, will serve to support the faith of the learning community. He is scheduled to be on campus each Tuesday assisting the religion classes with organizing a class mass to take place during that period in the chapel. Under his guidance, students will select readings, prepare the liturgy, and then participate in a special class service. Additionally, Fr. Mengel will be working with the Director of Campus Ministry to provide every club, activity, and sport team with a blessing service throughout the academic year. A new opportunity for Pope Francis Prep, having a Campus Chaplain has immense opportunity for growth in service to the students. Though his official role is slated for just one day per week, Fr. Mengel has already committed more time to the betterment of school life. He has been seen eating lunch with students, at school events such as Parent’s Night, and offering his assistance with developing community service opportunities.

Fr. Michael Kokoskza, Associate Pastor at St. Mary’s Church, Longmeadow will also be available as campus chaplain to students on Thursday mornings throughout the academic year. His primary role will be to say Mass each Thursday prior to the start of morning classes, as well as hear confessions for students, faculty and staff. Though his time is somewhat limited on campus, Fr. Kokoskza has already made himself available in support of students by offering a prayer service in honor and recognition of students celebrating International Peace Day in September.

in service to Others

Pope Francis students of all faith traditions are called to live and act in ways that benefit others as well as themselves. The academic and faith teachings at Pope Francis manifest themselves in each student through community service. Students are expected to put their faith into action and further their Gospel teachings; their futures are shaped through their service to others. By giving of themselves to their communities, students are able to become teachers, leaders and healers; interacting with both the people receiving services and the people whose life work is dedicated to helping those in need. There are numerous opportunities for service locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The possibilities for helping others are endless.

During Spring Break 2018, seventeen Pope Francis students and 5 chaperones traveled to Jones County, North Carolina to fulfill a mission of serving others. They returned exhausted yet lifted by the experiences gained serving a community in need. The timing of the trip was perfect as it occurred during the celebration of National Volunteer Week: April 14 - April 21. We proudly celebrated the power of our student volunteers that week and sent our prayers to those who took the time to share their physical strength, intelligence, and heart with those in need.

Each generation of young people should be to the world like a vast reserve force to a tired army. They should lift the world forward.”

– Charlotte

Perkins Gilman Monday

April 16

Road Less Traveled: Spring Break Serving Others

Our students hit the ground running after arriving in Emerald Island, North Carolina on Sunday afternoon. Sunday was the first official day of the annual April Spring Break Service trip south, and they accomplished more in one day than most do in a week! They were building benches, spreading topsoil and planting sod to help beautify a local park. They also helped with a very familiar service project - distributing food at a local food bank at the Maysville Methodist Church. No doubt they felt the gratification that comes from helping others... and the southern sky is just a bonus!

Tuesday

April 17

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others ...

Day 2 of the Spring Break Service Trip to North Carolina brought sunshine and a renewed sense of purpose! Students continued their work at Maysville Park building benches...and it looks like we may have a few more qualified candidates for building theater production sets back home!

Also today, they worked at the Salvation Army doing a real hands on project. The main task was to refurbish some old chairs. Students chose between creating the distressed look or a matte finish. The process involves stripping and sanding

the metal and applying several coats of paint. Some of the chairs will be sold in the thrift store, while others will be used in the creativity room where local citizens can learn crafts and life skills through programs that the church offers. Amazing work, Pope Francis!

Wednesday

April 18

Working Together for a Healthy Coast. Protect. Restore. Preserve.

Today our students worked to build a living shoreline out of recycled oyster shells! The North Carolina Coastal Federation, in partnership with Camp Albemarle, invited volunteers to assist in building this incredible method of shoreline erosion protection. The new oyster reef will protect the shore from erosion and create habitat for hundreds of marine creatures including oysters - all of which help filter and clean the water. Our student volunteers created and passed along oyster shell bags to be placed in shallow water along the marsh. This project will help promote widespread stewardship of coastal resources - and our students know a thing or two about caring for the environment from their study of Pope Francis’ Ladauto Si! When asked how the trip was going, our Director of Campus Ministry, John Anziano CHS ’91 said, “Meaningful services, wonderful prayers, and deep reflections.” Looks like honoring Earth Day (April 22) had already begun!

Thursday

April 19

An Opportunity for Caring, Compassion and Kindness

Today our students brought energy and kindness to The Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter and Education Center. This not-for-profit wildlife hospital cares for injured, sick, and orphaned native North Carolina wildlife in a professional and compassionate manner. Their incredible mission is to rehabilitate and release the thousands of animals admitted to the clinic each year and to teach others how to happily and peacefully coexist with wildlife. The center is currently home to owls, vultures, hawks, songbirds, turtles, fish, and water fowl.

Students helped to beautify the grounds, paint the ICU room, and prepped food for the wildlife. A messy and fun day, indeed!

Friday

April 20

A Well Earned Reward

“We were created for meaningful work, and one of life’s greatest pleasures is the satisfaction of a job well done.” - John C. Maxwell

After a week of gratifying work, our students were treated to a “free day” of fun and relaxation! Groups headed out to golf, ocean kayaking, or a restful day at the beach.

Saturday

A Job Well Done

April 21

Our students traveled safely home having spent their spring break living out their promise of serving others.

And right here at home, National Honor Society students spent part of their Spring Break assisting Habitat for Humanity. No strangers to hard work - they stayed busy working on a home in Springfield. Power tools - no problem!