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from the president

Dear Friends,

How does Cor Jesu Academy define community? Visitors tell us that it is a “feeling” as soon as you walk into the
building. The students would speak of the many fun and meaningful traditions that we all cherish. The faculty
would reflect on the moments of collaborative learning in their classroom. The staff would share stories of the
numerous connections they make in service: to students, coworkers, parents, alumnae. Pope Francis would tell
us: “The future is, most of all, in the hands of those people who recognize the other as a ‘you’ and themselves as
part of an ‘us.’ We all need each other.” Blessed Clelia Merloni reminds us: “When love is from the heart, there
arises a great desire to have God known, loved and served.”

’
An insight coming to me from our admissions director, Colleen Smyth 10, reminded me that after defining
community comes building community. Is there a common vision? Yes, we call that our charism. And are there
spaces and resources that will fulfill that vision? Yes. For just one year ago, CJ welcomed a thousand people to
the dedication of a new space here on our campus. A space for athletics, dance, academics, gathering and so
much more. New spaces that allow for collaboration and community. This issue of Spirit shares with you many
exciting examples from this past year of growing and stewarding our new spaces. Events that welcomed many

from beyond the CJ student community. How wonderfully successful CJ’s Auction was in our new gym. And
the presence of so many CJ alums at our Corporate Partners Initiative event in the commons. And in May the
graduating Class of 2018 welcomed 1,000 guests to their commencement exercises in the gym.

When you come to Cor Jesu what IS that feeling as you walk into the building? It is our CJ community
welcoming you to join us as we live our gospel call to share the love of the Heart of Christ. Celebrate in this issue
of Spirit the many moments that define the spirit of community that is Cor Jesu Academy.

Thank you for being a part of that spirit!

May you know the blessings of His Most Sacred Heart,

Sr. Barbara Thomas, ASCJ

President

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