Encouraging faith in the lives of students

By Andrew Foertsch

Faith is prevalent in everything that occurs at Kellenberg Memorial High School.  As a Catholic School rooted in the Marianist tradition, Kellenberg encourages students to become more involved in their faith life. Having been a student here for seven years, I have seen firsthand how this great school introduces young people to God.  

One of the first ways Kellenberg encourages faith is by holding the CROSS Evening of Recollection. CROSS is a school activity which stands for Christians Reaching Out Spreading Spirituality. This club organizes the school drives that help different Catholic organizations across Long Island. One of the benefactors is the Queen of Peace Residence, which we send thousands of cans of food and toiletries at Thanksgiving.  CROSS also sends students to assisted-living homes such as the Bristal to help comfort the elderly.  

On October 14, over 500 freshmen and sophomores got the opportunity to attend a eucharistic adoration at the CROSS Evening of Recollection. For many freshmen, this was their first experience of eucharistic adoration. At 6:00 that Friday night, freshmen and sophomores packed Kellenberg’s auditorium. I was there because I was asked to lead the prayer service in music. I also am a Marianist Mentor, which is a guide for the newer students in the school. As a senior, I act as a role model and spiritual guide for the freshmen. We listened to Christian rock and roll music, and played some carnival games. As I played the piano for the band, I looked out on the young crowd and saw a sense of belonging in their eyes. They were happy to be with each other, and overjoyed to be making new friends. Kellenberg’s motto is “One Heart, One Mind.” This event helps students, although all unique individuals, to be part of a special community that will last throughout their lives.

After an hour of Christian music and games, we enjoyed a delicious dinner. This community meal also helped invoke a sense of belonging for the young students. Right after dinner, we walked into the presence of God. Our attitudes changed completely, going from wild and crazy to solemn and reverent. I was asked to organize the music for the adoration service. It was odd seeing the gym dark, lit only by candles. During the day it is home to sports and a raucous crowd. Now, it was a solemn chapel that held 500 students and teachers. As students entered, they were unsure of what was about to happen. Calming piano music was played to put us in the presence of God. As the monstrance was carried in, I saw a few kids in front of me talking.  Then one of them pointed and said, “That’s Jesus.” Suddenly they became silent, realizing that now was not the time to talk and fool around.  This time was meant to be devoted to Jesus.  

We all sat quietly, sang, and even kneeled on the hard gym floor to praise Our Lord Jesus. Father Lachlan Cameron gave a witness, giving his insights about being a student in a large high school. His words reached the hearts of all of us, and we responded very well to it. His experiences made us realize that the stresses of high school are completely normal. During some of the meditation songs, I felt incredibly relaxed and relieved. I released the stresses of my long week of school to God, as I meditated on them. I remembered the great times, and the not so good times.  Praying to God about them felt excellent as the soothing music was played. As the monstrance was processed out, the students heard two words that made them happy: Salve Regina. As I heard the voices of 500 students and faculty on a Friday night, I knew this is an incredible school. Getting that amount of kids to sing, be faithful, and be reverent is an incredible achievement. Yet, Kellenberg does it every year! They encourage faith in the lives of the students who are lucky enough to walk through its doors every morning. And for me, it has made all the difference in my life.

ANDREW FOERTSCH is a senior at Kellenberg Memorial High School, Uniondale.