Renewing a Sense of Community Demographers are famous for naming generations – Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y (Millennials), Gen Z – so how will they define the next generation? In one of his blog posts, marketing guru Seth Godin shared the recently coined term “Generation C;” C is for COVID, C is for Carbon, C is for Climate. He thinks it is going to stick. “The combination of years of school spent at home, in a mask, combined with the significant revolution (economic, political, and social) that our industrialism has led us to means that this generation will be different than the ones before … And yet, if we combine this with the c of connection, of a cohort of people who are finding solace and possibility in community, there’s a chance for all of us. Generation C didn’t ask for any of this, but I’m hopeful that they’re up for leading the change.” Being part of a community is a natural extension of who we are as Dominicans; we are called to create community in our common search for Veritas, or Truth. It is in community where our students, faculty, and staff connect to share their common values, hopes, and dreams. They support and care for one another through life’s challenges. This was especially true during COVID-19. After being isolated for almost two years, Marian Catholic dedicated this year to rebuilding community. As spiritual leaders for the student body, our Dominican Preachers have been an integral part of reconnecting everyone. Their reflections are an indication of just how special the Marian Catholic community is. And how ready they are to lead the change.
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MARIAN MATTERS SPRING 2022
WHY DO YOU THINK COMMUNITY IS ONE OF THE DOMINICAN PILLARS? Joshua Bell: I believe Community is a
Dominican Pillar because of the role public prayer plays in the Church. We celebrate Mass in a large group of people to grow closer to others and God. Miguel Manning: Community is,
to me, my favorite and most important Dominican Pillar. Without the community, the Church would not exist. … We unite and become something bigger than ourselves. Ultimately, the community teaches us to love others. Anna Grill: I think Community is one of
the Dominican Pillars because it reflects what Marian is. God teaches us to be disciples and when coming together as a community we take care of each other and fulfill God’s calling. Marian is a place that lives out community wherever you may go. The school embraces community and is welcoming of everyone.
HOW ARE DOMINICANS CALLED TO COMMUNITY? JB: Dominicans are called to be open,
loving members of the community who help others, as well as themselves, get closer to God. MM: Dominicans are called to the
community to serve it. Sometimes the community needs guidance, and Dominicans are called to be the light to follow through the darkness.
For example, the transition from quarantine to a normal school year has been extremely difficult. From being in almost complete isolation to being in an active school environment, the community is still healing. Some haven’t even felt the warmth of a community for over a year. In response to this, the Dominican Preachers decided to guide the community into the light through our theme “Be Transformed.” We wanted the school to be renewed after such a dark and lonely time in our lives. Jayson Evans: Even at The Last Supper,
Jesus called people to share in Communion. It was a time that He knew was going to be hard, but He still found time for people to come together, even with the one that was going to betray him. The word community can easily be put into the mindset of only people that we like. However, we are called by the greatest commandment to love one another as the Lord has loved us. The community is filled with people of different feelings, thought processes, opinions, races, etc. God has called us to strengthen the community as people of faith. It may be difficult, but so are many of the ways/paths to success in a material world. AG: Dominicans are called to be a part of
a community because it is what God wants for us. God wants us to love our neighbors and make new friends. Going to a Dominican school, I believe that we all have a purpose in the community at Marian. God created us to help one another, and as part of a community, we can turn to each other in times of need. When we are in community and relation with others then we can support and rely on each other.
