June 1, 2020
Dear Holy Ghost Prep families,
These are unprecedented times. How often have we heard this statement the past two-plus months as it relates to the coronavirus—far too many. However, we were cautiously optimistic, as counties started to move from red to yellow and yellow to green, that we would begin to make some progress back toward normalcy. The events and occurrences of these past several days, unfortunately, have shown us that we have far to go to achieve a new, more just normal.
Last week's senseless killing of George Floyd has deeply affected us all. We have also seen peaceful, non-violent protests be overshadowed by mass looting and devastation occurring throughout our country. Because of these events, many of us have experienced a range of emotions—anger, fear, outrage, even overwhelming sadness. I know that this is especially true for our students and families. The question is, what can we do and how can we help?
At Holy Ghost Prep, our goal is to build a community of one heart and one mind. That does not mean to create students who all think alike and act alike. Rather at the core of our educational vision, we strive to produce young men with a global vision, and an ability to wrestle with difficult issues from all sides. As a Spiritan school, racism is unacceptable to Holy Ghost Prep. It is also one of the most complicated and difficult issues we face as a society, and it is incumbent upon us as a school to teach, to listen, to discuss, and to educate. As Dr. Howard Stevenson of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative of the University of Pennsylvania has pushed our administrators, teachers, and staff to do, we must lean into the uncomfortable and difficult issues.
As a Catholic Spiritan school, we believe that being open to the Holy Spirit is fundamental to our identity. The simple message of the Gospel is clear: Love God with your whole heart and mind and love your neighbor as yourself. This, of course, is easier said than done. We have also come to learn that for our black and brown students and families, we can never fully understand the challenges you face. We may not be able to fully understand, but we can do our best to listen, learn, and stand with you.
And parents, what can you do? Talk to your sons and let them know that we are here to talk to them too. Reach out to our counseling staff, fellow administrators, a faculty member that they are comfortable talking to. I would also encourage you to read and share this article with your son and then talk about it. It helps build the skills needed to talk about difficult topics whether they be racism, religious intolerance, etc.
We will also seek to make other materials available to you and provide forums for your sons so there is opportunity for more conversation, sharing, and learning.
Soon, we will emerge from self-isolation and when we return to school in the fall, Holy Ghost Prep will provide your sons with an environment where there can be more discourse, conversation, real learning, and eventually healing. In the meantime, join us in praying for our leaders, and for the ongoing development of your sons, who will be tomorrow's leaders.
In One Heart and One Mind,
Gregory J. Geruson '79 President
Kevin Burke Principal
Holy Ghost Preparatory School 2429 Bristol Pike | Bensalem, PA 19020-9825 tel: 215-639-2102 | fax: 215-639-5438 © 2017 Holy Ghost Prep |