It is upon the foundation they laid and the broad shoulders they offered to bear the burdens and challenges of a brave new undertaking —– that we stand today. The people, the parishioners, the parents of that era gave their all —– in every way —- to meet the challenges of this new venture. They gave —- not from their excess —– for they had none. They gave from the very essence of their limited worldly riches. They went without —- so that others —– like us —- might one day have.
Those early years were challenging times. The Constitutional amendment instituting a federal income tax was passed as
our school opened —– decreasing everyone’s available but already limited resources. World War I was breaking out in Europe and America would soon be drawn into it. Just as the school was gaining enrollment and stability ——— just as it was starting to graduate its first classes —— the stock market crashed launching the Great Depression ——- and soon after that societal changing event we found ourselves entering World War II. And in this conflict some of those children we taught found themselves defending our country — our values — protecting our way of life —– helping others achieve that same freedom and independence — and giving there all —- for some — giving their very lives.
Those who came before us were sturdy stock. We honor them by acknowledging what they did and who they were —— and by continuing the great work they started. You see we are children and grandchildren of greatness. We are parents of promise and possibility. But we are grandparents of an unimaginably wonderful new world. This —- however —– all depends upon us in the here and now. We must be willing to go thru the labor pains if the birth of better tomorrows is to truly take place ——– just like those who went before us——- did for us
Some six years ago a young African American man emerged onto the center stage of life on our planet. And suddenly thousands and thousands of people were chanting “Yes, we can” —- “Yes, we can”. And the same is true for us —– here and now —- in terms of the possible impact we can have on the future of Holy Rosary School.
That emotional belief was welling up within the masses when this chant of “Yes, we can” was unleashed upon them.
I have to admit —- however —-that — as engaging as the chant was —— something fell a little short for me.
There are many things I could have done but did not do.
So then I thought the cry should be one of commitment. “Yes, we will.” There you had something. “Yes, we will!” Yes, we will!” But then I realized how many commitments are broken. There are so many good intentions that never seem to take place. Some things are just really hard to get done —- especially when they take sacrifice, time and intense generosity.
So what then ——- should the chant be for those who seek to positively impact the lives of children —– the guaranteeing of better tomorrows? What is the right cry for the people? What is the generational anthem that holds the deepest meaning —- the greatest truth?
Then it came to me —- like a clarion call in the night —– like a single bright star in a dark sky —– offering illumination while indicating direction and importance.
“Yes, we did!” —– “Yes, we did!” —- “Yes, we did!” But you see —— that is the call ——- that is the proclamation —– that can usually only be made from the other side of the great divide. For often the true success of our lives, the true impact we made, the true change we helped to bring about is not often seen within our lifetime —- but beyond our lifetime. That is the true entrance fee to Heaven
It is the call of our fathers and mothers, our grandparents and great grandparents. It is the call of the true “doers” within all generations since the beginning. But now it is our turn. Now it is our day. Now it is our time. Now it is our responsibility — our honor — our sacred mission.
Let it be said —- long after the whispers of our names are forgotten —– Let it be said of us —- YES, WE DID!
And in continuing this great institution we call Holy Rosary, we honor deeply all who have gone before. We acknowledge the importance of what we do and who we are. We demonstrate our respect for a staff who lovingly labors for us every day —– and to all those who labored for us over the last Century. The selflessness, the integrity, the dignity, and the professionalism of those who have served over the years has educated generations of citizen leaders, people of character, people who have made and are making a difference. Through them we have greatly impacted our city, our state, our country, and our world. They are all better because of us. They are all stronger because of us. And that reality —– that truth —-must continue —– for all our sakes.
Catholic schools have always been needed in America. They have always been a value added proposition. But they are needed now more than ever before. The issues we face are more and more complex. The decisions we make have more and more profound and complicated consequences. We need a population that has the needed knowledge base for the future. Catholic Schools provide that. Holy Rosary provides that. We need a population that has the ability to use that knowledge base in processing their decisions and positions. Catholic Schools provide that. Holy Rosary provides that. We need a population that holistically integrates the compassion and values of our Creator into the structures and laws of civil society. Catholic Schools do that. Holy Rosary does that.
All the studies on education in the last ten years have indicated that character development. The desire to succeed, the thirst to discover and cultivate the talents that God has given us to their fullest potential —- the understanding of the need to both lead and follow within a community ——are the major indicators for success in life. And this is what Catholic Schools do best. This is what Holy Rosary does best. That is why Holy Rosary School has launched a two million dollar Centennial Capital Campaign ——— so that 100 years from now our children’s children’s children might gather here and say of us: “YES, THEY DID” —- as they bravely take up the baton laying the groundwork for the next 100 years.
Daniel Hudson Burman, who was one of the chief architects for the World’s Fair in Chicago at the turn of the Century, said that architects should make no little plans, because they had no magic. They must build structures that stir the blood of humanity.
We are architects of the future. Let us stir the blood of humanity. We are builders of better tomorrows. And many of you have given much to bring us to this point. But more is called for. We must make sure Holy Rosary is here for future generations, and we must make sure that endowments are built so not only the poor, but the middle class can afford to send their children to the school. And we will. Because of you we will. Because of you we will. As was said years ago by another young politician ——– “If not us —- Who? If not now —–when.”
So I thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with a wonderful staff, a wonderful group of supportive parents, alumni and friends, and a fantastic group of students during this very important time in our history.
Thank you for all you do ———- and thank you for all you are about to do. God bless and have a wonderful evening.