E- SPORTS

Welcoming one of our newest clubs as a national emerging extracurricular activity that offers opportunities for community building and scholarships

Story on pp. 8-9

A Magazine for Alumni, Parents & Friends of St. Francis High School

Dear St. Francis Family,

Early in my years with the friars, a spiritual director told me I should pray daily for perseverance.

As a young idealistic friar, I did, and my prayers were to persevere, and for me, that meant reaching the goal of becoming a friar priest. As the years have passed and I am less young but still an idealistic friar, I still pray daily to persevere, but perseverance is far more than I once understood. Perseverance is less about reaching a goal and more about being faithful to God, who is devoted to us.

I thank God we have persevered as we approach the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year. We had our difficulties at the beginning of the year with a new administration, and we have been faithful to doing what we do best, educating and forming Franciscan-hearted and minded men.

We graduated an excellent class in 2023. Awarding diplomas to the same young men I presented tau crosses to on their freshmen retreat was a joy. They persevered during these four years. They have been faithful as St. Francis gentlemen, true Renaissance men.

Even amidst the challenges, there is much for which I am grateful. We passed our Middle States site visit with flying colors and have been recommended for re-accreditation. The first compliment pointed out the strong community and family atmosphere on campus in the report shared with us before the team departed. I love that they sensed what we pride ourselves on the most. We updated our instructional technology, adding state-of-the-art smart boards in our science and math classrooms. We opened our e-sports arena, allowing our guys to compete and share brotherhood in the digital world!

I am excited about the future. A new energy and excitement on campus among faculty and staff is almost palpable. We have unveiled our new “house system” (think Harry Potter.) This will foster a greater sense of brotherhood and competition. Each house will be named after a Franciscan saint. This program will lead to outstanding student leadership, mentorship, and a deeper appreciation of our Franciscan values and mission. Stay tuned for more information!

As always, I am inspired by the love and generosity shown to the young men of St. Francis High School. Please be assured of my daily prayers, and please pray that we will be faithful and persevere in what God asks of us!

Peace and good,