For Reach One Reach a Million Mission.

On Wednesday night we gathered at Connie’s lovely home in Victor to sew Hygiene Kits for girls in Jamaica. McQuaid Mom, Maria Vongphachanh P ’19, told us all about what were doing and why as we set about our tasks of cutting, sewing and stuffing kits. McQuaid mom, Zina Hocker with Pavilion Gifts donated several boxes of fashion clutches that will contain the reusable sanitary pads along with donations of soap, wash cloths and new underwear. There is still more to be done so please contact Maria if you have time to help before her Spring Break mission to Jamaica.

Growing in Kinship with the Marginalized

In addition to Fr. Boyle, McQuaid Jesuit invited over thirty local guests to lead breakout sessions, during which students in homerooms learned about those who experience life on the margins. Mothers for Others was asked to be one of the many presenters on Xavier Day. We were challenged to come up with a presentation that would fit within the theme, be of great interest to the boys, and inspire them.

We invited Nick Coulter and Chuck Albanese founders of Person Centered Housing Options to be our guests and to share some stories from their work with the Homeless around the city.

At the end of the presentation which included an ESPN movie about homeless teen athletes, we had the boys put together Homeless Care Packages for Nick and Chuck to take with them. Each boy spent quality time on a personal note that went into each package.

THANK YOU! By all accounts, Xavier Day was a wonderful, informative experience for our entire McQuaid Jesuit community. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from all who were present, including students, parents, faculty, staff, board members, and invited guests. Thank you for your presence, your effort putting together your presentations, and, most especially, your work with those on the margins! —Nathan Drahms

Fr. Greg Boyle has said that “kindness is the only strength there is.” It is your kindness that helped make Xavier Day possible, and so I echo Nathan’s expression of gratitude for your presence and participation. —Adam Baber