December 2019

“It is a bit of a homecoming and I like to think that it is back where it was originally intended.”

CJ’s Chaplain, Fr. Bob Jones, S.M., was referring to a new addition to the school’s chapel — a nativity scene that is believed to have been used by Marianist brothers when they lived in what’s now the school’s Marianist Hall.

“The brothers moved out several years ago and during that move some things were put into storage,” Fr. Bob said. “The storage was moved to another Marianist community — Mount St. John. As in any move, you move boxes, you put them in the basement, you forget about them and eventually you go through them.

“Last month, Fr. Chris Wittmann, S.M., a former priest at CJ, was going through a box and found a nativity scene from the Washington Street community (the name of the community for the Marianists who lived at Marianist Hall at CJ)” Fr. Bob continued. “Fr. Chris asked if we were looking for a nativity set and I said, ‘Yes, for CJ.’ I went and looked at it and decided to bring it to the school.

“Having this nativity scene in the school’s chapel reminds me of the continuity of our mission,” Fr. Bob shared. “While the Marianist brothers purchased it and used it for themselves, and even though they don’t live in Marianist Hall any more, there is a connection to that Marianist mission and heritage. Personally, I think it’s pretty cool that we’re using the same nativity set that Marianists maybe 50 years ago would have looked upon. Marianists who are no longer with us but look down on us from heaven — it’s a great feeling to keep things in the family.”

Fr. Bob added, “Pope Francis recently wrote an ‘Apostolic Letter’ known by its Latin title, ‘Admirabile Signum’ (The Enchanting Image). In it, he encourages the family tradition of setting up a nativity scene, not only in the home but in all places (he specifically mentions schools and workplaces). Pope Francis reminds us that, ‘The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture. As we contemplate the Christmas story, we are invited to set out on a spiritual journey, drawn by the humility of the God who became man in order to encounter every man and woman. We come to realize that so great is his love for us that he became one of us, so that we in turn might become one with him.’ He goes on to say, ‘It touches our hearts and makes us enter into salvation history as contemporaries of an event that is living and real in a broad gamut of historical and cultural contexts.’

“Pope Francis then offers a reflection on the different people present at the manger.

“He concludes by saying that the creche, ‘Teaches us to contemplate Jesus, to experience God’s love for us, to feel and believe that God is with us and that we are with him, his children, brothers and sisters all, thanks to that Child who is the Son of God and the Son of the Virgin Mary. And to realize that in that knowledge we find true happiness. Like Saint Francis, may we open our hearts to this simple grace, so that from our wonderment a humble prayer may arise: a prayer of thanksgiving to God, who wished to share with us his all, and thus never to leave us alone.’”

You can read the Pope’s full message here.

Posted December 24, 2019

For a fourth year, students and members of CJ’s founding orders - the Marianists and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur — gathered for lunch and conversation on Friday, December 13.

“I enjoyed talking to and learning about people who started like me turning in to people doing God's work,” said Jasmine Acuña ‘22.

“I enjoyed being able to talk to people who are a part of what makes up the foundation of CJ and learning more about their life and religious story,” shared Kaitlin Stewart ‘20.

Clayton Schommer ‘21 agreed, “During the luncheon, I enjoyed learning new things about religious life and hearing their stories.”

At the luncheon, students sat and ate with the Religious, and then halfway through the meal, students were asked to switch tables.

“Something I specifically learned at our luncheon was how a person becomes a brother of a Religious order,” said Chase Howell ‘20. “It involves a lot of studying and then taking of different vows.”

“I enjoyed hearing how they were called to their vocation,” shared Staci Green ‘20. “One Marianist explained how each person's calling is different. Some knew of other brothers or sisters so they just joined while one brother got on the wrong bus and ended up at a Marianist training.”

Lillian Lyons ‘22 added, “I really enjoyed listening to their stories and advice given to me and the other students during the luncheon.”

Genoveva Valdes ‘23 reflected on an encouraging conversation she had with a specific Marianist.

“I think what I enjoyed most about the luncheon was my talk with Brother Julius, who is currently taking classes at UD. Brother Julius and I had a lot in common within our lives from the past and present, and honestly, I felt that he encouraged me to better myself. Usually, I find encouragement from many people, but Brother Julius really motivated me to want to be the best I can be and to want to change a cycle and make the most out of life. So for me, talking to Brother Julius was probably my favorite part, because I got to talk to someone who could relate to me, rather than someone who couldn't. Having someone to relate to you who encourages you makes things so much better because they motivate you more.”                             -

Jack Huffman ‘20 said he also had an enjoyable time at the luncheon.

“I learned that being part of religious life is not simply living in community with other Religious. It is a family of believers who look out for each other, pray together, and celebrate as a family would. I enjoyed that I was able to connect and learn about the Marianist and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur through conversation with the brothers and sisters. I was able to relate to them and even caught up with brothers that I had seen over the summer at Mass. Having the opportunity to talk with people devoted to their faith and who live out the values of Chaminade Julienne has enriched my learning experience because I now can picture a model of the Catholic faith and exemplify the principles that the Marianists and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur establish.”

Posted December 19, 2019

Last month, 20,000 teenagers from across the nation came together for three days of prayer, community and empowerment.

The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is held every other year and this year, several CJ students attended the event.

“I have always been interested in attending NCYC since I first heard about it freshman year,” Claire Leingang ‘21 said. “I have heard only incredible things about this experience and I knew it would be an amazing opportunity for me.”

“Being able to go and show how much God has helped me and how he has changed my life is something I wish everyone was able to do,” shared Mia Andrews-Pope ‘21 who went to the conference with others from her parish — St. Christopher. 

Those who attended said they enjoyed the experience for multiple reasons.

“My favorite part was the Eucharistic Adoration we attended on Friday night,” said Chi Ejinaka ‘21. “It was hands down the most beautiful experience of my life! There were 20,000 people gathered in the stadium on their knees singing out to God united in prayer, and it was just so powerful that the emotional impact was unlike anything I've ever experienced before.”

“Seeing teens running up to kneel in front of the Lord was one of the most powerful things I have ever felt and seen,” added Meghan Jette ‘23. “I truly felt God's presence with me and everyone there.”

“I loved listening to the speakers and hearing different ideas of how faith can be lived out in our lives,” shared Mikayla Jette ‘21. “For me personally, I felt really connected to the theme of this year's conference: Blessed, Broken, Given; and each talk I went to had a different message for me to take away and apply to my life.”

All who attended said they grew from being at the conference, and would encourage others to attend.

“It is an amazing way to learn more about your faith and yourself,” said Meghan Jette.

Leingang agreed, “I would 100% recommend NCYC to anyone and everyone, no matter where one is in their faith journey. NCYC was one of the best experiences of my life.”

“Being surrounded by tens of thousands of teenagers who genuinely want to be closer to God is so powerful and transformative, and the event really does leave an impact,” shared Ejinaka.

Andrews-Pope added, “You are all there for the same reason: GOD! Another great thing about NCYC is that if you are unsure about your relationship with God you can go on this trip and find it.”

“NCYC is a great conference to attend if you are looking to get your feet wet with your faith or even if you are just looking for a way to meet new people that love Jesus and want to show it,” reflected Mikayla Jette. “It was the first 'big' faith experience I went on and it completely changed my life. It created a faith I did not expect I would have.”

Posted December 12, 2019