The first 24 hours

As I mentioned earlier, we arrived here at Niagara University around 1:45pm yesterday afternoon.  At 4pm, everyone gathered for dinner in the university dining hall followed by a moderator's meeting and games for the students.  Following the meeting, we had Mass in the chapel celebrated by Father James Bastian of the Diocese of Buffalo.  We then headed back to our main gathering area for two presentations - one by Dr. David Taylor, the Director for the Institute of Civic Engagement here at Niagara University and another by Deacon Bill Walkowiask, the Director of Campus Ministry at Saint Joseph's Collegiate Institute (a Lasallian high school) in Buffalo.

Dr. Taylor (who I later found out is a native of Dracut, MA where I live) spoke of his passion for Niagara University and for Niagara Falls, NY.  This area is pretty economically depressed and Dr. Taylor has committed his life to helping to see it turn around by serving and helping others.  He is also committed to building up the Catholic mission of Niagara University.  I was so impressed by his willingness to dedicate his life to a place that is very much off the beaten path and, as he said, is full of people who are only here because they can't afford to move.  Dr. Taylor has done a lot to build up the service learning program here and runs trips called BASIC - Brothers and Sisters in Christ (I may have to steal that one!).

Deacon Bill then gave a very powerful talk on a time he encountered a bum, as the person called himself, and according to Deacon Bill, was an encounter with Jesus Christ.  The man had bandaged hands with blood on the palms, a cut on his forehead but deep, beautiful eyes.  After he gave the man some money, he walked a ways, turned around and noticed the man was gone.  Deacon Bill was crying (at the time) that he didn't give the guy enough, that he failed in his effort to be like Saint Francis who, when encountered by a "bum" gave him a handful of money.  After he thought more about the encounter he wept again because he was convinced he had met Jesus.

Powerful stuff.

Following some logistics, the kids had a social and I had a chance to chat with my counterpart at Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, Melissa Altman.  Everyone was sent back to their rooms around 10:45pm and the Trinity boys didn't make a peep.  I can't say the same for the other boys in our house here but they're great kids!

By the way, you may be wondering what schools are here with us.  They are:

Bishop Loughlin High School, Brooklyn

Central Catholic High School, Pittsburgh

Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, NJ

La Salle Academy, New York City

La Salle Academy, Providence

Saint John's College High School, Washington, DC

Saint Joseph Collegiate Institute, Buffalo

Saint Mary Magdalene Parish, Springfield Gardens, NY

Saint Peter's High School for Boys, Staten Island, NY

Saint Raphael Academy, Pawtucket, RI

West Philadelphia Catholic High School, Philadelphia