Cheverus Stories

Dear Members of the Cheverus Community, 

The death of George Floyd was horrific. This week marked an exceptionally dark time in our nation’s history. 

As a school and a work of the Society of Jesus, we are called to stand in solidarity with people of all races who are angry, dejected, frustrated, and feeling betrayed once again by people in power who commit and support racist acts. 

As an institution, our mission is to educate young men and women to be people for and with others. We reject the sin of racism. 

As a Jesuit, Catholic high school, we believe that we are all created in God’s image. We are obligated to act in a way that supports this notion. 

One of the key characteristics of a Jesuit high school education is to instill in our students a true commitment to doing justice. Therefore, we must do more. 

Cheverus is committed to nurturing a deeper understanding of the issues of systemic racism and injustice. We will engage our community in meaningful dialogue and action. We cannot be silent.

Later this week, our Equity & Inclusion committee will host virtual support sessions for our students. We will host an additional support session for our students of color. We have created these virtual spaces so we can come together as a community to help one another process our emotions and seek a path forward. At Cheverus, all are welcome. We want everyone to feel safe in our community. 

This week’s Thursday evening Mass is the last of this academic school year. I started these Masses shortly after the quarantine went into effect as a way to come together as a spiritual community during a global pandemic when we were socially distancing for the common good. The novel coronavirus was the invisible enemy. As we end this school year, closing out the twelfth week of quarantine, there is another plague in our midst that is not new; it is the plague of racism.  I ask that you join me this Thursday at 7 p.m. on Facebook where I will say Mass for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, their families, and for all people of color in our nation who are victims of racism.

Together, let us discern how peace can start with each of us. We ask the Holy Spirit and God of love to take up rest in our heart so we have the courage to take action and be a means of His peace. 

For Cheverus,

Fr. Robert J. Pecoraro, S.J.