Salesian Values
Mass of the Holy Spirit: Salesian Reflection
Nicholas Przychodzien ‘25
Father Judge High School
My name is Nicholas Przychodzien, I am a member of the senior class. Today I have the honor and pleasure of talking to you all about some of the amazing experiences that I got to participate in over my time here at Judge.
Last school year I, along with some of my best friends, were graced with an outstanding opportunity to venture away from the Father Judge campus for a couple of days and nights to participate in a special retreat called Kairos. There at the retreat center, we unplugged ourselves from technology and school for the duration of the retreat, so that we were free from frivolous time sinks, so we could focus ourselves on the retreat. Escaping technology for those few days was an eye-opening experience, as all of us had no distractions to prevent us from being involved in the activities, like group discussions, allowing all of us to grow closer together as close friends.
Kairos was not just us growing closer with each other, but it also entails growing our relationship with God through prayer and reflection. Through this retreat, one is graced with growth in many ways, especially in their faith. Ultimately, my words cannot truly express how Kairos leaves a person, as it sparks a truly positive change in an individual, opening their hearts and minds more toward God. If you’re a junior or a senior I hope you will consider participating in this retreat.
Later after my enlightening experience with Kairos, I along with two of my classmates were given the opportunity to venture further outside this community and even this state, as we were presented with a chance to attend Salesian Leadership Camp (SLC) out in Brooklyn Michigan. Out there at SLC, we got to meet other students from all over the country, despite being from all over and having some differences amongst each other, we all had one thing in common, that is our understanding of Salesian values.
Each day at camp we grew our Salesian values through group discussions, presentations, and daily Mass. From these activities, we all learned about how to be better Salesians in our personal lives and our roles in our respective schools. SLC did not just focus purely on Salesian Spirituality; it also emphasized how to develop and use leadership skills. Through team building exercises, such as the trust fall, crucial leadership qualities were revealed, like having faith in one another, proper communication, and most importantly trust in one another. In summary, SLC was a wonderful experience, where everyone present could build bonds with each other based on the common factor of Salesian Spirituality, deepen their understanding of the Salesian virtues, and learn as well as grow in leadership.
In short, I am saying that we are blessed to be a part of a great community here at Judge, where we all share a Salesian identity that not only unites us together but also allows us to share in an even larger community. So, get involved here as you may build amazing friendships, grow as a person, or open yourself up more to God. Thank you for your time, I hope that we all get to have a great school year together.
Fr. Vince Smith, OSFS, at Father Judge High School