Transforming Urban Cleveland One Student at a Time

Advent Reflection - Decemeber 17

2015-12-17T09:54:00.000-05:00

“The real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind.” ~C.S. Lewis

Push aside the wild wishes and hopes that can overwhelm your thoughts for a moment. Go ahead. Try it. Rather, let “that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.” Feel and cherish the presence of God. That's it. Be still. And know God.

If you’re longing for some more quiet stillness with God, this beautiful song is a great way to do it.

Advent Reflection -- December 14th

2015-12-14T09:28:00.003-05:00

We cannot possibly see all the light God has placed in our path unless we experience darkness along the way. In life we all face trials and tribulations that we have to overcome. Although we face these challenges, there is always good at the end of the tunnel. We so often want to question God's plans and that's not the answer. We have to learn to live life thinking that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.

~Carlia Burrell, Class of 2017

Advent Reflection 12.13.15--Third Sunday of Advent

2015-12-14T09:28:00.000-05:00

JOY, JOY, JOY!

Today, we celebrate Gaudate Sunday. Gaudate means joy, and today's Mass readings bring the glad tidings of joy to us:

"Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!

Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!"

"Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel."

"Brothers and sisters:

Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!"

In the remaining weeks until Christmas, let us remember that we are to be joyful--not frantic, not stressed, not anxious, but JOYFUL.

Emily Klein McFadden

Campus Minister

Advent Reflection 12.12 -- Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

2015-12-14T09:27:00.002-05:00

“Scripture scholars contend that the original language of the Beatitudes should not be rendered as 'Blessed are the single-hearted' or 'Blessed are the peacemakers' or 'Blessed are those who struggle for justice.' Greater precision in translation would say, 'You're in the right place if...you are single-hearted or work for peace.' The Beatitudes is not a spirituality, after all. It's a geography. It tells us where to stand."

-Tattoos on the Heart, Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ

I never understood how cool Our Lady of Guadalupe was until I spent her feast day at Dolores Mission Parish in East Los Angeles. At Dolores Mission, Our Lady isn't just celebrated, she's beloved. Parishioners decorate the church from head to toe, pack the pews for the 4 am mass (yes, 4 am), and then gather for menudo and mariachis in the courtyard. She evokes a love that is remarkable.

My own love for her is not a result of these celebrations, however, but of her story.

In appearing to Juan Diego, Mary follows in the footsteps of her son Jesus. She chooses to make herself known to a poor indigenous farmer, a man without a voice or power in his society. She doesn't go to the bishop, she doesn't reveal herself to the ones in power. She recognizes the holiness of those on the margins and decides to make her home with them.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is in the world who Jesus would be. She's "in the right place" as Father Greg Boyle would say.

It is no wonder then, that Dolores Mission, the poorest parish in LA would love her so. In Our Lady they find voice, a recognition of God's love for them and all others that society often forgets.

Lord, during this advent season, help us to show up constantly and continually "in the right place", to align ourselves by our geography and our actions with those who are forever pushed aside, silenced, and left behind.

-Erin Conway

Theology Teacher

Advent Reflection - December 11th

2015-12-11T10:54:00.001-05:00

Patient Trust

Above all, trust in the slow work of God.

We are quite naturally impatient in everything

to reach the end without delay.

We should like to skip the intermediate stages.

We are impatient of being on the way to something

unknown, something new.

And yet it is the law of all progress

that it is made by passing through

some stages of instability—

and that it may take a very long time.

And so I think it is with you;

your ideas mature gradually—let them grow,

let them shape themselves, without undue haste.

Don’t try to force them on,

as though you could be today what time

(that is to say, grace and circumstances

acting on your own good will)

will make of you tomorrow.

Only God could say what this new spirit

gradually forming within you will be.

Give Our Lord the benefit of believing

that his hand is leading you,

and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself

in suspense and incomplete.

~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ

* * *

Patient trust. I don't know about you, but I struggle with this! Maybe it is the math major in me-- I always just want to arrive at the solution or at the very least know that one exists and that in x number of days it shall be solved. And gosh darn if there are "intermediate" steps along the way they better be logical, well-timed, and organized!

And yet that is not the kind of complete trust that God is calling us to in this season of Advent. God instead asks us to trust him in the messiness-- to trust that in the middle of the whatever you and I are going through that yes, something is happening, and yes, God is there in the incompleteness we feel ready to do something amazing if only we are willing to wait.

That is what Mary did with her yes 2000 years ago, and that is where Jesus chose to encounter us-- in the mess of the middle.

Today I pray that you will have patient trust in the slow work of God in your life.

-Andrea Turk
Academic Administrator

Advent Devotional - December 10th

2015-12-10T10:54:00.001-05:00

The Pope's Ten Secrets to Happiness

1. "Live and let live." Everyone should be guided by this principle, he said, which has a similar expression in Rome with the saying, "Move forward and let others do the same."

2. "Be giving of yourself to others." People need to be open and generous toward others, he said, because "if you withdraw into yourself, you run the risk of becoming egocentric. And stagnant water becomes putrid."

3. "Proceed calmly" in life. The pope, who used to teach high school literature, used an image from an Argentine novel by Ricardo Guiraldes, in which the protagonist -- gaucho Don Segundo Sombra -- looks back on how he lived his life. "He says that in his youth he was a stream full of rocks that he carried with him; as an adult, a rushing river; and in old age, he was still moving, but slowly, like a pool" of water, the pope said. He said he likes this latter image of a pool of water -- to have "the ability to move with kindness and humility, a calmness in life."

4. "A healthy sense of leisure." The pleasures of art, literature and playing together with children have been lost, he said.

"Consumerism has brought us anxiety" and stress, causing people to lose a "healthy culture of leisure." Their time is "swallowed up" so people can't share it with anyone.

Even though many parents work long hours, they must set aside time to play with their children; work schedules make it "complicated, but you must do it," he said.

Families must also turn off the TV when they sit down to eat because, even though television is useful for keeping up with the news, having it on during mealtime "doesn't let you communicate" with each other, the pope said.

5. Sundays should be holidays. Workers should have Sundays off because "Sunday is for family," he said.

6. Find innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people. "We need to be creative with young people. If they have no opportunities they will get into drugs" and be more vulnerable to suicide, he said.

"It's not enough to give them food," he said. "Dignity is given to you when you can bring food home" from one's own labor.

7. Respect and take care of nature. Environmental degradation "is one of the biggest challenges we have," he said. "I think a question that we're not asking ourselves is: 'Isn't humanity committing suicide with this indiscriminate and tyrannical use of nature?' "

8. Stop being negative. "Needing to talk badly about others indicates low self-esteem. That means, 'I feel so low that instead of picking myself up I have to cut others down,'" the pope said. "Letting go of negative things quickly is healthy."

9. Don't proselytize; respect others' beliefs. "We can inspire others through witness so that one grows together in communicating. But the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyzes: 'I am talking with you in order to persuade you,' No. Each person dialogues, starting with his and her own identity. The church grows by attraction, not proselytizing," the pope said.

10. Work for peace. "We are living in a time of many wars," he said, and "the call for peace must be shouted. Peace sometimes gives the impression of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive" and dynamic.

-Karen Steigerwald, School Nurse

Advent Devotional - December 9th

2015-12-09T10:52:00.000-05:00

Gospel
MT 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am meek and humble of heart;

and you will find rest for yourselves.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

"My yoke is easy, and my burden light." Seems contradictory at first, after all Jesus calls me to pick his cross and follow him...doesn't sound easy to me. When I was studying scripture a professor explained this passage to our class and it has stayed with me since then. For many believers then and now, religion is a large set of rules to follow...from what and when we eat to when to worship and even how to worship all of which on their own make sense and can be defended. However if I feel I must follow these dictates out of fear or obedience they can be burdensome at times for sure. Jesus, like he does so often, reverses my view. Why do I cook my wife dinner and delight when she enjoys it? Why does my wife bring in the groceries from the car because I cannot life heavy things anymore? We do things for each other because we love each other, they are not burdensome at all! Same with our relationship with Jesus...just as my good friend Bob Welsh used to say....first we come to know Jesus, then we love him and then we cannot help but serve him...

The yoke Jesus was talking about was the legal and ritualistic demands of the religion of the day...all the works that had to be done, the prayers said, the sacrifices...on and on. If we do those without love we are indeed a "clanging cymbal." His yoke is simple......as a Rabbi once told a Roman soldier when he was asked to stand on one leg and recite the entire Jewish law "love God, love each other as you love yourself, the rest is commentary!" He then walked away. So the more I love, the easier it gets...but honestly it is still hard sometimes!

-Rich Clark

Founding President

Advent Reflection - December 8

2015-12-08T09:30:00.002-05:00

Gospel
LK 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God

to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,

to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,

of the house of David,

and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And coming to her, he said,

“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

But she was greatly troubled at what was said

and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid, Mary,

for you have found favor with God.

Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,

and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,

and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,

and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,

and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel,

“How can this be,

since I have no relations with a man?”

And the angel said to her in reply,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Therefore the child to be born

will be called holy, the Son of God.

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,

has also conceived a son in her old age,

and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;

for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.”

Then the angel departed from her.

***

Earlier this year, I was worrying out loud to a very wise person and I said, "It's just really terrifying that things are really never as they appear to be." And the very wise person told me, "you're right, sometimes they're actually far more wonderful than they appear to be." There's a lot to be scared of, disappointed with and angry about (if I add a note in parentheses am I technically managing not to end this sentence with a preposition?) And all of that's real. But when I choose to orient myself in hope, in trust and in acceptance of the fact that I can't wrap my head around everything, I'm able to find joy and beauty that are just as real, and that inspire and sustain me."For nothing will be impossible for God."

-Devon Lynch-Huggins-Szep

Director of Foundation & Corporate Relations

Advent Reflection - December 7th

2015-12-07T09:38:00.000-05:00

From Lk 51:7-26

Then the scribes and Pharisees began to ask themselves,

“Who is this who speaks blasphemies?

Who but God alone can forgive sins?”

Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them in reply,

“What are you thinking in your hearts?

Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’

or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?

But that you may know

that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”–

he said to the one who was paralyzed,

“I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”

He stood up immediately before them,

picked up what he had been lying on,

and went home, glorifying God.

Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God,

and, struck with awe, they said,

“We have seen incredible things today.”

"When the going gets rough, turn to wonder. Turn from reaction and judgment to wonder and compassionate inquiry. Ask yourself, “I wonder why they feel/think this way?” or “I wonder what my reaction teaches me about myself?” Set aside judgment to listen to others—and to yourself—more deeply. -- From Parker Palmer's Touchstones

As the winter months approach and we are eager and anxious for the holidays and for break, it can be easy to allow judgments to take over. Maybe making judgments of how students may be acting in class, judgments of how family members are communicating or acting, judgments about co-workers, and the list can go on and on...

Instead of judgment turn to wonder. Think about how different our reactions are when we are curious or in awe or wondering more about an event or situation, think about what we learn about ourselves and others.

WONDER. BE CURIOUS. BE IN AWE.

-Mary Carney

Director of Student Life

Advent Reflection - December 6

2015-12-07T09:37:00.001-05:00

He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, arise!”

The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded.

- Mark 5:41-42

One look,

one word,

one thought,

one touch

can change your life forever.

-poster in a monastery

By the grace of God, I am a work in progress.

Working in a high school, I often reflect on my own experience of being 15 or 16 and the person I was then -- my friends, my interests, my time, my love.

I have been changed.

My own children prompt reflection on who I was as a young adult. More change -- some seemingly revolutionary.

There are times we are the changed, and there are times we are the changer.

What can happen today?

How many moments, looks, words, touches?

Opportunities abound. Get ready :)

Advent Reflection -- December 5

2015-12-05T09:21:00.000-05:00

Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

Jesus healed two blind men. This passage shows that God wants an active role in helping with our suffering. Jesus was sent by God to do this role. Not to boast or be seen as divine. Jesus humbly healed people and did the ultimate sacrifice by dying for our sins. Advent is a time to remember this sacrifice and God's will to help us in our suffering .

~Celetre Jones, Class of 2017

Advent Reflection - Friday, December 4

2015-12-04T10:28:00.001-05:00

It is sometimes in the darkest times that we can see the Lord most clearly. After all, today's Psalm (27) tells us, "the Lord is my light and my salvation; of whom should I be afraid?"

We can't possibly see all the light God has placed in our path unless we experience darkness along the way.

In this time of Advent, awaiting the arrival of Jesus, it's more important than ever to remember that God is with us in our trials just as much as our joys. This idea of "God" can seem so abstract especially when we feel most alone, but I believe God can be found most readily in the people we see every day. Trusted colleagues, hilarious friends, loving family: I believe that these are gifts given directly by God to help us feel His most perfect love. Use them well.

It can also be easy to let our hearts feel burdened by the sorrows of the world, which seem to be increasing daily. It is so easy to feel powerless, and as though what we are doing is "not enough." But remember, too, that "we cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that."

Who you are, what you are, what you do - it is enough. Trust in this. And if you feel doubt, pray for peace, and be ready when it comes.

Walk with Jesus. Share your burdens. Show gratitude and believe in yourself. Celebrate the people who matter the most to you. Help the world see little bits of Heaven, everywhere you go. And go forth, radiating the love and hope of the Advent and Christmas seasons, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have the power to change the world, and you are loved.

-Bri Lazarchik

Apprentice Teacher

Advent Reflection -- December 3rd -- The Feast of Saint Francis Xavier

2015-12-03T08:57:00.002-05:00

"Good enough. I'm ready."

In the early years of the Jesuit order, the King of Portugal asked Ignatius Loyola to send several Jesuit missionaries to India. "It was an opportunity no ambitious fledgling company could pass up. Twenty percent of the company (two Jesuits) was designated for India. One fell ill on the verge of departing. Informed that he was needed to replace his sick colleague, [Saint Francis] Xavier instantly replied, "Good enough. I'm ready" or "Splendid. I'm your man" as later Jesuit generations often rendered it. Within forty-eight hours he had patched up his extra pair of pants, visited the pope for a blessing, packed up his life and departed."

(from Heroic Leadership by Chris Lowney)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Could we respond the way Xavier did to Ignatius' call? "Good enough. I'm ready." Xavier was a missionary in the truest sense of the word-- willing to drop everything, willing to travel to the complete other side of the world, willing to radically alter the entire trajectory of his life in the span of just 48 hours, all with the knowledge that he'd never see his best friend again, all to serve the will of God.

How many times are we called to do just a fraction of what Xavier did? How often do we say yes?

Heavenly father, in this Advent season, help us to respond with joy wherever you call us. Let the first words on our tongues be "Good enough. I'm ready."

-Erin Conway

Theology Teacher

Advent Reflection -- December 2

2015-12-02T09:16:00.000-05:00

At that time:

Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee,

went up on the mountain, and sat down there.

Great crowds came to him,

having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute,

and many others.

They placed them at his feet, and he cured them.

The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking,

the deformed made whole,

the lame walking,

and the blind able to see,

and they glorified the God of Israel.

(Matthew 15: 29-31)

"They placed them at his feet, and he cured them." Jesus cured them. Jesus cures us. Let us remember that this tiny child, whose birth we are awaiting, has the power to cure. To cure heartache, to cure injuries, to cure despair, to cure pain, to cure brokenness. As we wait in this season of Advent, let us try to begin to open our hearts to receive his healing love.

-Emily Klein McFadden

Campus Minister

Advent Reflection -- December 1

2015-12-01T08:58:00.003-05:00

Turning to the disciples in private Jesus said,

“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.

For I say to you,

many prophets and kings desired to see what you see,

but did not see it,

and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

(Luke 10:23-24)

Seeing things differently sometimes means that you’re walking around with a target on your back. People might look at you like you’re crazy or try to pressure you to see things their way. You may feel isolated when others cannot see or imagine the things that you can. It’s tempting to simply let go of the visions and conform. Don’t worry. Jesus tells the disciples (and us) that it is a BLESSING to be able to see more than what meets the eye. This gift of imagination gives us the hope we need to work toward a better world. During this season of Advent, may we bravely put faith in the beautiful things the world cannot yet see.

-Vickey McBride
Campus Ministry & 11th grade Theology

Advent Reflection - November 30

2015-11-30T10:16:00.004-05:00

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,

Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,

casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.

He said to them,

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

At once they left their nets and followed him.

He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,

James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.

He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father

and followed him.

(Matthew 4:18-22)

At once...immediately...wow! Lord knows I have been called many times and I did not respond. The gospel records those that answered yes and at once. How many were called by Jesus and did not heed that call? The beauty is that God continuously calls...he is the Hound of Heaven...incessantly seeking my heart...I am here to say I responded once and it forever changed my life. My world is changed through one immediate and all in YES. God takes care of the rest...

Rich Clark

President, Saint Martin de Porres High School

The Fr. Robert J. Welsh, S.J. Award Winners

2015-06-18T15:36:00.004-04:00

The Fr. Robert J. Welsh Award is given annually to a select number of graduating seniors who display excellence in each of the five areas of a Saint Martin education: corporate work, intellectual scholarship, community service, class leadership, and spiritual development. This year's recipients are Saiida Bowie-Little, Deborah Garner, Tiana Ortiz and A'Bria Robinson.

Many individuals describe Deborah as someone who can be counted on to lend a helping hand, whether in serving in this student’s job, the school community as a SMRF or being involved with service opportunities. Deborah’s CWSP supervisor states, “Deborah is an excellent coworker who continuously filled in and helped out wherever she was needed with an excellent attitude, handling some of our largest accounts.” As a student, Deborah has been recognized by teachers for her scholarship as she was awarded the Marquette Book Award as a junior. Deborah is a known leader, taking chances and speaking her mind even when she knows others may not agree. Showing courage and determination, Deborah worked with teammates to begin the high stepping team here at Saint Martin. She took on the responsibilities of recruiting students, organizing practices and choreographing routines. She is also a founding member of Praise Dance and Culinary Club. Deborah will go on to study graphic design at Baldwin Wallace University in the fall.

Tiana Ortiz has been described by many as a role model for her peers, and always doing what is right. Known for her goodness, compassion, and thoughtfulness, Tiana encourages other students to stay on track and make responsible choices. Ms. Walters states, “Tiana is an example of a leader in faith in her commitment to serving as an altar server at school masses and shows thoughtfulness, compassion and a sense of justice for others.” Tiana has taken her own personal development seriously, exploring and growing her talents as an artist and athlete in their involvement in photography club and softball. Naturally curious and eager to learn, teachers have described Tiana as “a pleasure to learn with every day.” Tiana's CWSP supervisor says it best, “It pleases me to know that someday this young lady will be someone’s employee and they will have hit the “jackpot…She has a very bright future, and I truly hate losing her.” A young woman with many talents, Tiana will be attending Cleveland State University this fall.

A’Bria Robinson is a truly selfless student. Ms. Sturdivant states, “She works endlessly helping others ever so passionately. In my 6 years of teaching, I have never seen someone more committed to helping others; even if it meant they were putting themselves and their needs on hold.” A'Brian often puts the needs of others before her own, and has a way of bringing people together for the greater good. A'Bria strives to make a positive change in everything she does and has been instrumental in organizing various social justice marches and protests for equality both on and off campus. Mr. Fay compares A'Brian to St. Martin writing, “Just as St. Martin is pictured uniting the mouse, the cat, and the dog, A'Bria brings people together for the greater good of humanity and society.” A graduate of MindsMatter, a member of the National Honor Society, Saint Martin Recruiting Force, and captain of the volleyball team, there is no doubt that she will continue to play a vital role at John Carroll University where she plans to study International Business.

2015 Academic Signing Day

2015-05-18T11:27:00.003-04:00

Each year at Saint Martin, we honor members of the graduating class who have distinguished themselves in the classroom by earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. This year we recognized the following students, listed with the college or university where they will be enrolling the fall:

Saiida Bowie-Little - University of Toledo

Saiida Bowie-Little’s participation in Broadcasting Club has earned her the nickname of “The Voice of Saint Martin.” She has been the voice of Saint Martin in many other ways: through her leadership as the Student Body President and as a member of the Saint Martin Recruiting Force. In addition to being a Howley Scholar, she has also participated in Campus Ministry, Photo Club, and the National Honor Society. Junior theology teacher Vickey McBride commented, “Saiida is a highly-ambitious student who puts significant effort into her studies both in and outside of the classroom. She takes great pride in her work, making sure that she only submits assignments that are complete and thorough. It doesn't matter what her peers are doing--Saiida wants to do things the correct way the first time.” Saiida plans to attend the University of Toledo to major in pharmacy. She is excited to be part of a diverse community and prepare for a career as a pharmacist.

Ndizeye Brune - The Ohio State University at Mansfield

Ndizeye Brune has been a part of the Saint Martin soccer team for the last two years, and his favorite Saint Martin memory was when the team advanced to the first conference semi-final. Outside of Saint Martin, he has volunteered at the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, and he has been a member of the African Youth Ambassadors. Theology teacher Brenna Davis said, “This quote by Plato comes to mind when I think of Brune, “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” In a world filled with noise, Brune thoughtfully chooses the ideas that he shares, and this gives his voice importance and weight. Anytime he contributes in class, Brune's peers strain to hear what he has to say because they know that when he chooses to speak he will say something meaningful. His mature ability to listen to and contemplate before speaking shows the power of the reflective person in our world today.” He plans to attend The Ohio State University at Mansfield to study actuarial science.

Deborah Garner - Baldwin Wallace University

At Saint Martin, Deborah Garner has made her place as the captain of the highstepping team for the last three years. She has also participated in praise dancing, student senate, and the Saint Martin Recruiting Force. Her favorite memory from Saint Martin was Take Back the Night, where she was inspired by the solidarity and compassion shown by everyone in the school. Monica Lawson, Dean of Students, said, “It has truly been a pleasure to see Deborah grow and rise to every occasion afforded to her. She has definitely blossomed into a zealous, involved, confident, and respectable student leader. I always found her to be outspoken but articulate, confident yet approachable, and serious but not overbearing. She has the ability to lead and follow, to warrant the respect of peers and adults.” Deborah is thrilled to be attending Baldwin Wallace University in the fall after having fallen in love with the people, the location, and everything else about the school. She plans to major in graphic design.

Ana Gudino - Cleveland State University

Ana Gudino has been described as a constant, bright light at Saint Martin. She has been a valuable member of the soccer team, and she has also participated in National Honor Society, the Saint Martin Recruiting Force, Spanish Club, and Photo Club. While being involved in all of these activities, she has remained a consistently hard-working student. Spanish teacher Mark Deeter said of Ana, “She can always be counted on, is very hard working, maintains maturity and professionalism, and volunteers often. I am very proud of her.” Ana plans to attend Cleveland State University in the fall, where she will major in nursing. She will be the first member of her family to attend college.

Tiara Gullett - University of Pittsburgh

Tiara Gullett has been an important part of many groups at Saint Martin. She has participated in yearbook and photo club, and she has shown off her artistic talent through choir and drama club. In addition to being a Howley Scholar she has also helped represent the school through the Saint Martin Recruiting Force and National Honor Society. In addition to these activities, Tiara has also found time to engage in service through campus ministry. Michelle Brickner, Tiara’s art teacher, said, “As a student Tiara is dedicated to excellence. She is creative and persistent, which is a wonderful combination for a student, but an even more exciting combination when I think of the exciting life she will set out on after graduation.” Tiara hopes to double major in education and Spanish, with a goal of teaching English to Spanish-speakers, and she plans to eventually attain a law degree. Tiara is excited to pursue these goals at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall.

Emily Kokal - The Ohio State University at Mansfield

Emily Kokal’s favorite part of Saint Martin has been the time she has spent with Nature Club. She has also been a member of the Saint Martin soccer team. In addition to her Saint Martin activities, Emily has volunteered at the Cleveland Animal Protective League, and has been an altar server at St. Ignatius of Antioch church. Liz Telich, senior English teacher, said, “Emily is an incredibly thoughtful and kind young woman. I had the absolute honor of getting to know her this year in English class through her writing. Her recent performance in class during our poetry slam was inspiring and heartfelt. She brings the entire class closer together.” Emily is excited to attend The Ohio State University at Mansfield to study pre-veterinary science and work toward becoming a veterinarian.

Tiana Ortiz - Cleveland State University

Tiana Ortiz has taken on various roles at Saint Martin. She has been a server at Mass, and has also done additional service activities through campus ministry. She has been involved in photography, is a Howley Scholar, and she has represented the school through the Saint Martin Recruiting Force and National Honor Society. In addition, she has spent the last three years playing softball. Her favorite memory of Saint Martin was the junior women’s retreat. She said she enjoyed making cookies and watching a movie with all of the staff and the junior women, and just being together. English teacher Christie Baker said, “Tiana is a shining example of the most complete Saint Martin student. She is genuine, smart, witty, compassionate, and just a pleasure to learn with every day.” Tiana’s CWSP coworker Rosetta Myers-Robinson agrees, commenting, “It pleases me to know that someday this young lady will be someone’s employee and they will have hit the jackpot.” Tiana has many potential future careers in mind: physical therapy, photography, veterinary medicine, and dentistry. She plans to explore these careers at Cleveland State University in the fall.

Diamond Page - John Carroll University

During Diamond Page’s time at Saint Martin, she participated in Jewels and Gents, and she was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. She balances her time between her schoolwork, her activities, outside jobs, and an impressive amount of volunteer work. Her favorite memory at Saint Martin was the retreats she participated in, where she was able to get to know her classmates better. College Counselor Monica Logar said, “Diamond is extremely hardworking and focused. She balances service commitments, school work, and a part-time job at Home Depot. Last month, she was cashier of the month. Diamond is genuine, compassionate, and disciplined.” Diamond is a grateful recipient of the Cristo Rey Howley Family Scholarship, which has allowed her to be able to attend John Carroll University. Diamond is excited to attend this great school, and she hopes to major in psychology or forensic science.

Maria Pineda - John Carroll University

At Saint Martin, Maria Pineda has been a vital member of Track and Field and Spanish Club. Mark Deeter, Maria’s Spanish teacher, said, “Maria is one of the most mature and hard-working young ladies I know. She is a go-getter and will push herself toward excellence. She continuously has made positive contributions in every aspect of her 4 years at Saint Martin. I wish I could have 3 more years with her.” Maria has also made an impact at her CWSP site, The Cleveland Foundation, where her experience has further inspired her to become the first member of her family to complete a college degree. Maria is thrilled to have chosen to attend John Carroll University in the fall. She loves the size of the school, along with their core curriculum. She is deciding between a career in medicine or in business.

Cameron Rolland - Georgetown University

While at Saint Martin, Cameron Rolland has represented the school through Student Senate and the Saint Martin Recruiting Force. He has also been a part of Jewels and Gents and National Honor Society. Christie Baker, Cameron’s junior English teacher, said, “Cameron is quick, witty, creative, funny, and very very bright. He seems to treat every hour in his school day as an opportunity to learn and get ahead. Cameron is a scholar through and through.” Cameron is ecstatic to be attending Georgetown University in the fall to major in Human Science and work toward his goal of becoming an anesthesiologist who specializes in pain management.

Sharonda Smith - Cuyohoga Community College

Sharonda Smith has made her presence known at Saint Martin through her vibrant personality and her involvement in various activities. She has been a member of the volleyball, softball, basketball, and track teams. She has participated in many campus ministry activities, including immersion trips and Student Advocates for Social Justice. One of her favorite Saint Martin memories is the immersion trip she took with Campus Ministry to El Salvador. Womens Circle, Jewels and Gents, and Yoga Club also keep Sharonda occupied. Sharonda represents Saint Martin through Student Senate and the Saint Martin Recruiting Force. Sharonda’s former science teacher, Angela Yeager, said, “Sharonda has the power to brighten anyone's day. She has emerged as a blossoming leader of her class and approaches tasks with confidence and gusto. She is willing to acknowledge and work at her areas for growth. She makes Saint Martin a better place every day.” Sharonda is planning to attend Tri-C for two years and transfer to a four-year school, where she plans to major in business or psychology.

Mi’Kayla Thomas - North Carolina A&T State University

MiKayla Thomas has kept herself busy at Saint Martin without ever taking her focus away from academics. MiKayla’s has immersed herself in diverse extracurricular activities: Broadcasting Club, the Hi-Liters, Jewels and Gents, Women’s Circle, Yoga Club, and Project Snapshot. She is a Howley Scholar and has expressed her musical talent through Choir and Drumline. Her favorite Saint Martin memory was taking senior composites, because it made her realize how close she was to graduation and college. Senior theology teacher Brenna Davis commented, “MiKayla is an intelligent young woman with a drive to succeed. She takes pride in her work and is able to use her critical thinking skills to make complex connections between different ideas.” MiKayla plans to attend North Carolina A&T State University, where she can be close to her sister. She is excited that North Carolina A&T has such a focus on community - both within the school and outside of it. She hopes to double major in English and African Studies with a minor in Spanish, and she wants to use these skills to start a career as a business lawyer.

John Wright - Cleveland State University

At Saint Martin, John Wright was involved in Jewels and Gents, and John fondly remembers when the class of 2015 won the pep rally chant when they were in tenth grade. Art teacher Michelle Brickner said, “If I had to choose one senior to be my future boss, I would choose John Wright. John has a wonderful, confident spirit and is always willing to work hard to improve his academic work. He is poised and positive, taking advantage of every learning opportunity in the classroom and letting his peers know if they are distracting his learning.” John is planning to attend Cleveland State University in the fall, where wants to major in linguistics and become a language translator and a sign language interpreter. He is excited to stay close to home while he goes off to explore the world of languages.

Save the Date! May 9th Birthday Bash

2015-01-22T15:09:00.000-05:00

Visit our website for more information.

Cristo Rey Network Appoints Jane E. Genster New President & CEO

2014-09-19T10:32:00.001-04:00

The Cristo Rey Network announced today that Jane E. Genster, Senior Counselor to the President of Georgetown University, has been appointed President and CEO of the Network, effective November 1, 2014. Ms. Genster will replace John O’Shea, who has served as Interim President since June 2014.

Ms. Genster has a longstanding relationship to Cristo Rey. She has served as a member of the Cristo Rey Network Board of Directors and as the organization’s liaison to Georgetown University, where she oversaw the University’s annual summer bridge program for Cristo Rey and KIPP students. Ms. Genster’s work has strengthened the Network’s university partnerships and deepened the relationship between the Network and Georgetown, where 53 Cristo Rey alumni are currently Georgetown undergraduates and 21 have earned Georgetown undergraduate degrees.

“With her deep commitment to Cristo Rey, her vast experience and her extraordinary leadership skills, Jane is ideally suited to take on the role of President of the Cristo Rey Network,” remarked Cristo Rey Network Board Chair Kevin Baine. “With Jane at the helm, we will be well equipped to support our 28 existing schools and to strengthen and expand the Network in the years to come.”

Ms. Genster combines a distinguished legal career with extensive experience in the fields of education and non-profit governance. She served for 10 years as Vice President and General Counsel of Georgetown University. Earlier in her career she served as associate counsel for The Washington Post, Washington counsel for NBC, associate at Williams & Connolly LLP, special assistant to the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, and law clerk Judge Charles Renfrew of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Ms. Genster also taught as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center and as a lecturer at the University of Virginia School of Law.

Ms. Genster has long been a champion of Catholic education and an advocate for expanding educational opportunities for low-income students. In addition to her work at Georgetown, which also included serving as Interim Executive Director of the Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service, she was Vice Chair of the Board of the Nativity Miguel Network of Schools and Board President of the Holy Trinity School. She also has served on the boards of several other elementary and secondary schools, including the National Cathedral School and Beauvoir School, both of which she chaired. Currently, Ms. Genster is a board member of DC Promise Neighborhood Initiative, Inc.

“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to lead the talented and accomplished Network staff in supporting the transformative work of the faculties and staffs of the 28 Cristo Rey schools,” remarked Ms. Genster. “The aspiration and potential of our students – past, present and future –inspire and demand our very best work.”

Outgoing Interim President John O’Shea said, “While I enjoyed my time in this role, I am grateful that we have quickly identified a permanent leader and I look forward to continuing my service as a Board Member. Jane has made a lifelong commitment to advocating access to quality education for the underserved and she will be instrumental in implementing the Network’s strategic plan.”

Ms. Genster received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and her law degree from the University of Virginia.

More than shopping, it's donating to Saint Martin.

2014-09-18T16:43:00.000-04:00

Did you know? When you shop at Amazon and Target, you can select Saint Martin as your preferred charity and we'll receive a portion of eligible sales purchases.

Putting Education to Work: How Cristo Rey High Schools Are Transforming Urban Education

2014-08-19T09:46:00.002-04:00

**A new book, Putting Education to Work: How Cristo Rey High Schools Are Transforming Urban Education has been released today!**

“The Cristo Rey story is one of the greatest success stories of the Jesuits, and indeed the Catholic Church, in the United States in the last twenty-five years.”— James Martin, SJ, bestselling author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything

Essentially a sequel to More Than A Dream by G.R. Kearney, Putting Education to Work chronicles the expansion and effectiveness of the Cristo Rey movement. Through stories of hardship and transformation, the book profiles our humble beginnings in an inner-city Chicago neighborhood, to a growing national Cristo Rey Network comprised of 28 Catholic high schools educating 9,000 students from underserved communities this fall. Continue reading

Order your copy today! Proceeds will benefit the Cristo Rey Network programs.

Combatting Summer Melt

2014-07-23T09:37:00.000-04:00

Our Director of Alumni Outreach, Veronica Favela, is constantly adapting and revising our efforts to support our Alumni into and through college. Direct enrollment, meaning students who enroll in college the fall after their high school graduation, has been a minor problem at Saint Martin. In 2014, our direct enrollment rate was 79%. Across the country, 10% - 40% of college-intending students, particularly those from low income backgrounds, fail to directly enroll. This phenomenon is known as summer melt.

After attending a conference through Harvard University's Center for Education Policy Research, Veronica identified how interventions can have a significant impact on alleviating summer melt. This summer we hosted three days of seminars, led by College Now Greater Cleveland, to help combat summer melt while also providing our alumni with useful suggestions to ease their transition to college.

34 members of the Class of 2014 were back on campus to hear presentations focused on Time Management and Scheduling, Effectively Utilizing Resources and Support on College campuses, and Community College 101.

We look forward to seeing participants from these sessions enroll at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Loyola Maryland, Xavier University, Notre Dame College, Miami University, and John Carroll University.

2013 - 2014: A Statistical Review

2014-07-22T14:54:00.004-04:00

A Statistical Review of the 2013-2014 school year

2014 Commencement

2014-06-09T15:28:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, June 1st 93 young men and women graduated from Saint Martin de Porres High School. This brings our number of alumni to over 500.

Dr. Akram Boutros, President & CEO of The MetroHealth System, and Corporate Work Study Program partner, served as our keynote speaker and challenged our students to measure their own progress, be happy, think big, fail effectively & not to listen to anyone who doesn't believe in them.

Class representative, Laquell Campbell, who will attend John Carroll University, said: "they say you can't choose your family, but I disagree - we chose a family at Saint Martin."

Click the image to see a short video montage from Commencement. We implore our graduates, in the words of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, to "go forth and set the world on fire."