#LasallianLife
The Shadows
September 29, 2023
Saint Joseph is the Patron Saint of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Lasallian Family. Pope Francis reflected on the life of Saint Joseph, “Each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”
This past week, our new Assistant Principal, Sara George shared the following story:
On Thursday, Bob Bewley (PE teacher), came to me and said that there was a student that did not own any sneakers for PE. He suggested that I ask Jim Veverka (school maintenance staff member) if he had any in his office from this past year’s lost and found. I went to Jim and I could tell that he was bothered that he did not have the correct size shoes to provide for the young student. I said that I would check around and let him know if I found anything. Yesterday morning, Jim came into my office with 3 pairs of size 11 sneakers that he went out and purchased. He bought 3 pairs so that the student could pick which ones they wanted. He told me that each student, in order to be successful, has to have what they need. He finished by saying that if he can help, he always will. I had to hold back some tears throughout this experience because I was just so taken aback by the generosity, dedication, and care that he has when it comes to CBA and the students who go here.
Within our community you will consistently find those who “appear hidden or in the shadows” yet “play an incomparable role” in the Lasallian experience of our students. You may not witness Jim Veverka’s kind compassion. Or, you may not observe the countless contributions of the other Maintenance Department members. These acts frequently occur in “the shadows.” Yet, within those shadows, you would find…
Chrissy Ornoski dedicating her off hours to selling raffle tickets for the Corvette Raffle.
Kaitlin Smith ensuring that our grounds reflect the seriousness of our educational endeavor.
And, Jim Stoltz maximizing the impact of every dollar on our facilities projects - guaranteeing that our students, faculty and staff members are equipped with the tools and facilities that are necessary to be successful.
Like Saint Joseph, their contributions are typically “discreet.” Yet, their impact is “incomparable.”
Today we give thanks for the “Saint Josephs” who are within each of our communities. May we recognize the contributions of our family members, friends, and colleagues whose deeds often occur within the “shadows.” May the life of Saint Joseph, this simple carpenter, remind us that God does not call us to seek accolades, prestige or honors but instead calls us to live our life with faith, fidelity, zeal, and humility.
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
