Chief Mission Integration Officer's Monthly Message

September’s Holy Cross Core Value – Family

If you were to ask a parent why they send their child to a Catholic school, one of the most likely responses you would receive would probably be about the feeling of family. Many Catholic schools excel in creating a family atmosphere for a variety of reasons: the smaller student enrollment compared to larger public and charter schools, teachers and staff dedicated not to a job but to a ministry, the focus on prayer, and a strong religious foundation in all things, and so forth.

At Cathedral, the feeling of family within our community is not something that happens by chance but a result of intentional actions. Within the first few weeks of the 2024-2025 school year, you can see how we live out the Holy Cross Value of Family. Freshmen are welcomed into the Cathedral family during Lughnasa where they join together as brothers and sisters to begin their high school journey as the Class of 2028. At Lughnasa, and throughout the first semester, these freshmen are supported and led by their Peer Ministers, seniors who act as the older and wiser siblings helping the freshmen navigate their way around the physical campus and the many challenges they face in a new school environment. Family is seen through the smiles, handshakes, and hugs in the hallways as returning students welcome each other to a new year and new opportunities. The value of Family is experienced in holding doors for others, the “Good mornings!” during passing periods, and the “Good luck!” in advance of sporting events.

Family is a value that extends deep within our roots. Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, dedicated each branch of Holy Cross to members of the most perfect family – the Holy Family. Holy Cross Priests are dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; the Holy Cross Sisters are dedicated to Mary; the Brothers of Holy Cross, who founded Cathedral High School, are dedicated to St. Joseph. With the Holy Family as the inspiration for those who founded Cathedral, it is no wonder that Family is such animportant and intentional value that we strive to live out each day.

Throughout the month of September, the Cathedral family will intentionally seek out students and educators who actively live out the value of Family within our community – those everyday actions of kindness, love, and respect that create such a welcoming home for all of us. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating these individuals!

Our Holy Cross Value for August was Zeal, and we congratulate educator Cece Kasberg and student Issy Cadwell ‘26 on being our Holy Cross Educator and Student of the Month. When nominating Mrs. Kasberg, educators said, “Cece is always available for her students and is visited sooooo often by older students she taught when they were freshmen. Cece exhibits Zeal in all that she does.” Issy’s nominating educator said, “Issy is the epitome of Zeal. No matter what activity she is doing - show choir, dance team, math, or religion - she puts her full heart and enthusiasm into every activity. Her energy and excitement are contagious. I have dubbed her the dance team and show choir teams’ spirit stick because without her, there is a huge lack of Zeal. Issy IS ZEAL.”

As Cathedral’s Chief Mission Integration Officer, I look forward to supporting our community in embracing and fostering our Holy Cross Core Values (Divine Providence, Educating Hearts and Minds, Excellence, Family, Hope, Inclusiveness and Diversity, Integrity, Option for the Poor, and Zeal) in all that we do on the Hill.

 

Blessings,

Matthew Gring
Chief Mission Integration Officer