The Father Ryan Impact
“Will you be mailing diplomas to our seniors?”
It was a simple question, innocently asked by one of our parents during this past Wednesday’s Irish Webinar. In among the various interruptions that have marked the last seven weeks at Father Ryan, this parent was curious how the physical marker of a completed education would be presented this year.
As I prepared to answer the question, I thought about what a diploma signifies, the dignity and solemnity with which we award them to our graduates, and I found it difficult to speak. I was struck with an image that I myself am not ready to recognize as a possibility. It wasn’t that I didn’t know an answer; it was the thought of that final act between Father Ryan and these students not happening that made me emotional. The delivery of a Father Ryan diploma on behalf of all of Ryan Nation, past and present, is one of the most significant responsibilities that Mr. Davis and I have as leaders of the school. With that comes great joy for both the recipient and those of us delivering the diplomas to them.
The Father Ryan diploma is an honored document, representing achievement, commitment and dedication, both to the academic process and to the legacy of Father Ryan. It reflects hours in the classroom and in the hallways in the pursuit of faith, knowledge and service. It embodies powerful relationships between a caring faculty and young men and women, eager to learn and to seek their fullest potential spiritually and physically as well. Perhaps most importantly, it represents a commitment to and confidence in Catholic education by our entire parent community.
Hearing the questions from the more than 150 senior parents who joined this week’s webinar reminded me of the love you and I and all our parents have for our children and our faculty. Each of us has committed ourselves to the unique ministry at Father Ryan, knowing that it is in that ministry that our children are formed in lives of excellence. In these unusual times, we hold on to that commitment even more, and we embrace the symbols and touchpoints of a Father Ryan education. Thank you for your commitment.
The Father Ryan diploma has been earned by more than 13,000 graduates over our school’s history. It has been earned by the graduates of the Class of 2020. And we will be certain to present diplomas to this outstanding class.
Please know too that as this school year draws to a less than “normal” close, we are already planning for the 2020-2021 school year. Our plan as of now is to be on campus in August with our faculty and students delivering on our mission “to be a living example of the Gospel while helping students reach their full potential.” As we learn more about the current crisis and as a return to everyday life emerges in consultation with local authorities and our diocese, we will communicate plans for our start in August to all of our community.
As we begin May, the month honoring our Blessed Mother, we ask for her intercession for the healing of all those affected by this virus, and for her blessings on all in our wonderful Father Ryan community.
Peace,
Jim McIntyre
President
