Nazareth Academy Engages Students on Immigration Issues During Lent

Nazareth Academy, in collaboration with the Sisters of St. Joseph and its sister schools in Cleveland and Baton Rouge, has initiated a Lenten project focused on the pressing issue of immigration. This initiative aims to foster dialogue and understanding within the school community, encouraging students to engage with a topic that resonates deeply in today’s society.

Nereida McGrath, chairwoman of the Nazareth theology department, highlighted the importance of addressing immigration, stating, “Immigration is a very hot topic right now with everything that is happening in our communities, and we must have the courage to talk about it.” The project aligns with the academy’s mission of unity and care for all individuals, emphasizing the values of kindness, peace, and inclusion.

Project Overview and Activities

The Lenten project adopts an integrative approach that incorporates awareness, education, prayer, and personal reflection. Students and faculty will participate in various classroom and schoolwide activities designed to engage with the topic meaningfully. Each participating school—Nazareth Academy, St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, and Saint Joseph Academy in Cleveland—will focus on specific countries of origin, allowing students to research and create presentations that include prayers and informational slides.

Art students will contribute by creating a display inspired by the cultural heritage of these countries. This artwork aims to reflect the beauty and diversity of immigrants in America during the Lenten season. Additionally, several student clubs, including the liturgy planning team, Roadrunner club, and the anti-bullying task force, will work together to curate a campus display featuring cultural and immigration information alongside quotes from Catholic leaders.

A significant prayer service is scheduled for March 12 at Alexine Chapel, inspired by the Catholic Church’s stance on immigration. Following this, a panel discussion featuring members of the Congregation of St. Joseph who have experience working in border communities or with immigrant populations will take place on March 26.

Encouraging Personal Engagement and Solidarity

The collaborative nature of this project has fostered excitement among faculty and students. Katie McKeon, a member of the theology faculty, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I loved the idea that this was cross-disciplinary, inclusive of different clubs, and an opportunity for our students to engage with the sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph.” She emphasized the importance of global solidarity and the power of students’ voices in making a positive impact.

Students are eager to share their personal experiences related to immigration. Giovanni Hill, a student from La Grange Park, shared, “I chose to be part of this immigration project because I wanted to share my experience and my family’s experience with immigration. I want to show fellow students that this issue affects your peers.” His sentiment reflects a broader understanding among students that immigration is not just a distant issue but one that touches their lives directly.

Another student, Greta Sznewajs from La Grange, noted how the project aligns with the academy’s mission. “The sisters’ message of ‘loving the dear neighbor without distinction’ is the basis of how students here are learning about immigration,” she stated. By fostering safe spaces for dialogue, Nazareth Academy aims to promote growth, understanding, and the dispelling of stereotypes among its students.

Through this project, Nazareth Academy not only addresses a critical social issue but also empowers its students to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with complex topics. By emphasizing the importance of community, inclusion, and personal narratives, the academy is nurturing a generation of compassionate and informed individuals ready to contribute positively to society.