We are the Church

Dear Friends,

 

As a Catholic institution, Loyola serves as not only a place of learning, but a center of faith. In my role as President and Director of the Work, I am missioned by the Maryland Province Jesuits to ensure that every aspect of the formational experience we deliver serves the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of our students. This includes providing an optimal, safe, and nurturing learning environment.

 

Decades of sin and corruption have led the Church into an abuse crisis - one that calls clerical leadership into question, and fractures the relationship between the faithful in the pews and those who had the authority to act but lacked the moral conviction to stand up to abuse. We condemn the actions of all who inflicted immeasurable suffering upon the most vulnerable members of our faith community and stand in solidarity with those who share in the collective outrage this crisis bears.

 

In his recent statement within the context of the abuse crisis, Archbishop William Lori stressed the importance of action above words and prayers. He also stated that "efforts must include lay involvement, for no longer can we expect the faithful to entrust this to Church leaders alone." We at Loyola have heard this call and stand ready to serve the needs of both our students and the extended Blakefield community. 

 

The Church plays different roles in our daily lives, and for many of us, it is understandably difficult to detach from the emotions of anger, mistrust, pain, and disbelief. As I navigate my own feelings, I look to the model of Christ and ponder how he would react. I think he would share in all of these emotions. I think he would express them in various ways, and (as human nature compels) he would likely go through a period of frustration and despair. But out of that darkness would emerge great wisdom and action.

 

So what will our actions be? As a community of faith that includes students, educators, families, alumni, and friends, we are called to be a source of unity - to strengthen our relationship with God through one another. In our classrooms, and at every intersection of faith formation and spiritual growth that our mission provides, we will continue to engage the young men in our care so that they are not only part of this conversation, but active leaders in it. To that end, our Theology Department will devote time to the crisis of abuse within the context of our courses and grade levels. Members of our Guidance Department are always available to engage students who may have additional questions or are struggling with issues surrounding this topic. Families may contact our Director of Counseling, Mr. Brennan Prodey with questions or concerns.

 

For adult members of our community, we invite you to take advantage of every opportunity to deepen your relationship with God. Our Office of Mission & Identity offers several programs for adults to explore the powerful role that spirituality plays in our lives. Additionally, our Director of Ignatian Mission & Identity, Mr. Brendan O'Kane, is available for one-on-one spiritual direction. In many ways, the themes of these offerings mirror what our students are experiencing in their retreats and in the classroom.

 

In addition to hiring practices and ongoing professional training, we are pursuing resources that will take us above and beyond the requirements contributing to the safety and protection of our students. They are the future of the church, and their time at Loyola serves as a vital extension of their parish and faith lives. I consider the commitment to their protection the highest priority for myself, the Loyola leadership team, and all those who devote themselves to our mission.

 

Thank you for sharing in our call to action. Together, we are the Church.