Carmel students and staff planted an Archdiocese of Chicago Laudato Si’ Garden on May 19 using native plants, many of which were grown from seed. The garden was then blessed by Fr. Christian. Laudato Si’ Gardens are sacred spaces where all of God’s families can gather to pray and to celebrate outdoor liturgies. Laudato Si’ Gardens also serve as a place for encounters with local community members, including children, the elderly, diverse ethnic groups and the physically challenged. They provide a means to knit the community’s social threads together, thus promoting neighborhood cohesion, solidarity and peace.
L I F E
New Native Garden Teaches Students About Organic Gardening, Love for All of God’s Creation
C A M P U S
Around School
Multicultural Center Opened April 30 The opening of a newly-constructed Multicultural Center on April 30 furthers the school’s mission, while providing an area for students to congregate, socialize, learn, and exist in an environment that values who they are. The center will be open to all students and will serve as an inclusive place where students can feel welcome, safe, and respected.
This past school year, common spaces and hallways were updated to more accurately reflect our school’s mission and Catholic identity. This initiative included adding a prayer wall, the crossroad centers highlighting our BVM and Carmelite charisms, and three areas showcasing the diverse photos and artwork of Mary. This summer, construction began to create a Rosary walk around the perimeter of our outdoor campus, creating a new Garden of the Holy Spirit as an outdoor student center and classroom. More trees have also been planted across campus, including a corridor of trees which lead to our Welcome Jesus statue.
COMPASS | Summer 2021
Enhancements to Catholic Identity Around Campus
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