Montini Catholic Hosts Interfaith Prayer for Peace to Celebrate Cultural Awareness Week

Barb Dawson • March 22, 2023

Montini Catholic students proudly embraced their diversity as a school during their annual Cultural Awareness Week, held on March 20th through the 24th at the Lasallian college preparatory high school in Lombard. The celebration, sponsored by the World Language Department, commenced with an Interfaith Prayer for Peace Service which welcomed Fr. Jeff Stoneberg (Christ the King Catholic Parish), Pastor James Davis (Martin Temple AME Zion Church), Imam Noman Hussain (Islamic Foundation) and Pastor R. Keith Beauchamp (Bethel New Life Church). (Ms. Cindy Michelassi, from the Congregation Etz Chaim (a Reform synagogue in Lombard) was invited, but unable to attend - Montini Catholic sophomore, and member of the Congregation Etz Chaim, Julia Schinsky, led a prayer.)

The morning service was organized by Assistant Campus Minister, and World Religions teacher, Mrs. Kelly Davis. "This morning came about because diversity comes in many forms and religious diversity is one of those forms. We wanted to provide our students with an opportunity to see how others pray and to demonstrate the values and beliefs that we share with people of other faiths." Each year Mrs. Davis also arranges an educational and informative World Religions field trip with her students - this year they visited the BAPS Hindu Temple in Bartlett and the Islamic Foundation Mosque in Villa Park. "Our goal is to provide opportunities for our students to learn and experience other cultures, races and religions. This can facilitate a better understanding of one's own beliefs and strengthen their faith."

"I want to first thank our guests for taking the time and energy to share their faith with our school community today. It’s a great gift to our community to have you here to share in our faith lives together and experience the kind of unity that brings peace into our world and into our own hearts," said Principal Beirne prior to the Prayer for Peace service. "Pope Francis said, “The goal of interreligious dialogue is to establish friendship, peace and fraternity, and to share spiritual and moral values and experiences in a spirit of truth and love."

"Today, I simply want you to be open to experiencing that feeling of curiosity and humility. There’s almost nothing I want more for you than to experience the world around you with open, peaceful, thoughtful hearts," added Principal Beirne, thanking students in advance for their respect and reverence as each religious guest shared their prayer.

On October 25, 2022, Pope Francis joined other religious leaders at a similar prayer service for peace at Rome’s Colosseum as part of a 3-day interreligious summit, "The Cry for Peace" organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio. According to "Nostra Aetate Proclaimed by His Holiness Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965" (cf. Nostra Aetate 1) in relation of the Church to non-Christian religions - "In our time, when day by day mankind is being drawn closer together, and the ties between different peoples are becoming stronger, the Church examines more closely her relationship to non-Christian religions. In her task of promoting unity and love among men, indeed among nations, she considers above all in this declaration what men have in common and what draws them to fellowship."(Source link)

Montini's Cultural Awareness Week celebration continued throughout the week with all departments getting involved. World Language students were inducted into the World Language Honor Societies on Tuesday (March 21st) evening in the school's auditorium.

"We come to Montini with our own experiences, understandings and views of the world. We also bring a few misconceptions and stereotypes," said Michael Blanchette, Campus Minister. "We learn that there are other views than our own. Diversity refers to an inclusive community with varied human characteristics, ideas, and world-views, and whose interactions both benefit and challenge each other to grow while making our community a better place."

Image above: L to R: Fr. Jeff Stoneberg (Christ the King Catholic Parish), Pastor James Davis (Martin Temple AME Zion Church), Imam Noman Hussain (Islamic Foundation) and Pastor R. Keith Beauchamp (Bethel New Life Church)

< Older Post Newer Post >

SHARE THIS POST

Montini Welcomes DeAndre McCamey as Head Coach for Boys Varsity Basketball

By Barb Dawson • April 2, 2025

Montini Catholic is proud to announce the addition of DeAndre McCamey to their award winning coaching staff. The former Assistant Basketball Coach at Montini Catholic has been selected as the new Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team. Coach McCamey played an integral role this past season in coaching the team to their 20-win plateau and their 4th consecutive regional championship. (The announcement followed that of former Head Coach Adam DeMong stating that he was going to be stepping away from High School basketball to pursue greater opportunities in his professional career.) "We set out to find the best individual who can build upon our recent success and continue to grow and move our program forward," said Athletic Director, Brian Casey. "We knew we wanted to find a high character individual who can not only teach the game of basketball, but can positively impact the lives of our young people. After a number of conversations with area 'basketball people', college coaches, opposing basketball coaches, school administration, faculty and staff and many of our current Montini players & families, it was very clear that our next coach was already in our building." Coach McCamey's promotion comes after serving as an Assistant Coach at Montini for the last four seasons. Prior to Montini, Coach McCamey served as an Assistant Coach at St. Joseph High School in Westchester, under the tutelage of legendary basketball coach, Gene Pingatore. Coach McCamey has also coached at Glenbard East High School, as well as on the AAU Circuit with the Illinois Wolves. "DeAndre will bring a passionate, enthusiastic energy and a vision to enhance and grow the program for even more success in future seasons," added Casey. "Being a full-time member of our Math Department, Coach McCamey will have full access to the student-athletes in our program, year round, to ensure their day-to-day development in the classroom, on the court, and in their lives. I am excited to watch Coach turn his vision into a reality!" Coach McCamey has made it evident in the way he coaches and teaches that he is passionate about building a program at Montini Catholic that instills character, teamwork and resilience. "I am genuinely thrilled about this opportunity and the chance to work with our kids. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Montini students, faculty and staff for their congratulations and support as I step into the role of Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. Building a basketball program has always been a dream of mine. As I step into this role, I am filled with excitement and passion for the journey ahead. My goal is to not only build and develop the skills of our young athletes on the court but also to instill values that will serve them well in life beyond basketball. I believe that through hard work, dedication, and teamwork, we can build not just great players, but great young men. I firmly believe that a strong program is defined by the continued involvement and support of its community, including former players and their families." Image above: Coach DeAndre McCamey and Montini Athletic Director Brian Casey

World Language Inductees Celebrated

By Barb Dawson • March 27, 2025

Montini Catholic in Lombard congratulated the newest inductees into their Spanish, Chinese and French Honor Societies. This year's ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 26th in the lLasallian college preparatory high school's auditorium. Members and families were welcomed by Montini's Foreign Language Department Chair, Mrs. Jennifer Block along with French teacher, Mrs. Beth DiMarco, Chinese teacher Mrs. Sumin Xu and Spanish teacher, Mrs. Makenzie Long. The ceremony began with select language students reciting the 'Hail Mary' prayer in Chinese, French, and Spanish. "Tonight, we recognize an extraordinary group of students - young scholars who have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also perseverance, curiosity, and a deep commitment to language learning," said Mrs. Block. "Over the past three or four years, they have risen to the challenges of mastering a new language all while navigating its complexities with determination and enthusiasm. More than just excelling in their studies, they have embraced the beauty of communication across cultures: fostering connections that extend far beyond the classroom. Their dedication to linguistic and cultural understanding is both inspiring and commendable, and we are so proud to celebrate their achievements tonight. We as their teachers get to see them taking risks every day in class, and putting in the hard work to excel- we are so glad that they are being celebrated this evening." French Honor Society: The French Honor Society is a nationally recognized organization that honors students who have excelled not only in their French courses but in all of their courses at Montini. Additionally, these students must take French 4 or 4H next year to finish out their four years of French, or be a graduating senior who elected to take level 3 their senior year. They must be members of our French club and have an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in their French courses over the course of three years. Chinese Honor Society: The National Chinese Honor Society (NCHS) was established in 1993 to recognize those accomplished high school students who study Chinese as a world language. To be eligible for induction, students must maintain an average of 93 or higher and commit to pursuing language study throughout their four years at Montini. Eligibility requires that students have a cumulative 3.5 GPA, including a 4.0 GPA in their specific language, as well as a commitment to taking the foreign language all four years at Montini. This year 18 students were inducted into their respective language honor society. Spanish Honor Society: The Spanish Honor Society was founded by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese in 1953, for the students of North American secondary schools; The name of Montini Catholic's chapter is San Juan Butista de la Salle with the motto, “Todos a una”, “All together.” Students must maintain a 95 or higher in three prior semesters for Spanish to be eligible for Honor Society status. Congratulations to: Chinese Honor Society Inductees Michael May '26 Thomas Healy '26 French Honor Society Inductees Julia Ciaccio '26 Harry (Harold) Hall '26 Aubrey Podojil '26 Sophia Torres '26 Spanish Honor Society Inductees Sofia Flores '26 Savannah Gutierrez '26 Blake Heyer '26 Karissa Jones '26 Jonathan Kosinski '26 Ashlynn Lindt '26 Nicole Navarro '26 Yeon (Seoyeon) Park '26 Gabby (Mary Gabrielle) Paulino '26 Valentina Serna '25 Jackson Simek '25 Mia (Maria) Torres '26 Image above: Spanish Honor Society Inductees l to r: Sofia Flores, Savannah Gutierrez, Blake Heyer, Karissa Jones, Jonathan Kosinski, Ashlynn Lindt, Nicole Navarro, Gabby Paulino, Valentina Serna and Mia Torres;

Spring Musical Leaves Audiences Amazed!

By Barb Dawson • March 26, 2025

Montini Catholic High School drama students are basking in the glow of their rave reviews after the success of the Spring Musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber's sung-through musical, directed by Ms. Jackie Martin, absolutely captivated audiences with a total of five performances from March 13 through the 17th (Opening Night - Friday, March 14th). "The production process for this show involved over sixty students all coming together to create a very special experience for our audience," said Ms. Martin who is enjoying her 6th play as director and her 3rd year directing Montini Catholic theatre. "Their dedication and enthusiasm shined as brightly as Joseph's coat! " The students were thrilled to be able to participate in a special Faculty/Staff performance on March 13th as well as a performance for grade school students from St. Pius X Parish School and St. Mary of Gostyn School (Friday, November 14th) followed by a 'talkback' - answering questions and describing what it takes to bring a musical production to life. "The kids really rose to the challenge," added Music Director Donnie Glowinski. "You could tell from the table read, they were invested and prepared to make this one of the best productions in Montini Theater history. I was so happy with their performances. They worked very hard to convey the story through music and pulled it off! Every year, they seem to take the goals and expectations that we have and completely blow them out of the water!" In addition to her talented cast and crew, Ms. Martin was grateful to be able to lean on the expertise of Montini's Music Director and Fine Arts Chair, Mr. Donnie Glowinski and costume designer (and teacher) Mrs. Beth DiMarco. She also thanked set designers, Mr. Charlie Brewick and Mr. Jeff Nowicki. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's retelling of the biblical story of Joseph reminds us that dreams can shape our destiny, and kindness and forgiveness triumph over hardship.