a community of faith-filled PVI students and staff collaborating at the intersection of inspiration and information a Writer’s Block Club Production
It’s Still Summer and We’re Still Blossoming!
As we continue to enjoy summer 2024 until the first day of autumn, we invite you to explore the Writer’s Block Club’s fourth issue of Crossroads a student-run publication spotlighting the talents, interests, and news of PVI’s students, faculty, and staff. This summer issue is burgeoning with all sorts of creative and informative content and is extra special because it includes some art work! We hope this issue continues to not only inspire, educate, and inform you, but also encourage you to consider ways that you can get involved and positively influence and celebrate the PVI community, too.
Prayers for Fr. Stephen Schultz
As we welcome Fr Jonathan Fioramonti as PVI’s new chaplain, and as we bid farewell with gratitude and love to Fr Ramón, we would be remiss if we didn’t also acknowledge, thank, celebrate, and continue praying for the healing of Fr Stephen Schultz, PVI’s chaplain for five years prior to his sudden health issue in October 2023
Featured here are just a few of the many inspirational one-liners and messages Fr. Schultz shared in his homilies at schoolwide and daily Masses. The last bulleted message in the list is from his 7:10 a.m. Mass on Friday, September 29, 2023. During this homily, Fr. shared the miraculous story of how a wounded United States Marine was saved by Saint Michael the Archangel during the Korean War.
Look for Christ in everything.
How do I live my journey with people I don’t choose? See Christ in everyone.
If you want to love God today, love your neighbor. There is a hole in our hearts that only God can fill. God wants to be invited into your hearts. Peace and joy are possible. Jesus loves you. Make good decisions.
We are on a path to Heaven. There is no excuse to not treat each other with respect.
If we are rooted in Christ, we will shine like the sun with God's grace.
We are made to live in communion.
Our guardian angels see us as God sees us.
We don't have to be self sufficient.
We are fully known by God.
We are called to be truth tellers.
We need to have integrity.
We can live Jesus by living the truth. Time is a gift, and it is used better when it is appreciated.
The
Rec
Be p
If you draw away from the fire, you will get cold.
I don’t know if that story is as funny as I hoped it to be. Only a Bishop can preach sitting down.
Faith is fidelity; it’s not a feeling.
Jesus is coming soon; you better look busy.
You can only do one thing at a time.
I am letting the Holy Spirit guide me in my virtues.
We can’t give someone else Grace.
ving everything to
als the whole innate capacity to connect with something transparent and bigger than us; we are made to be in that state of Grace-friendship.
God wants us to have that encouragement by the way that we live and encourage each other.
Be okay with things not being okay.
God is my stronghold.
We have to do something good with the suffering we endure. Don’t thrive on the unhappiness; don’t thrive on things that tear people down.
Respond to challenges with love.
Choose to love life, each other, ourselves, Him.
I have TWO guardian angels and an archangel!
Gratitude for Fr. Ramón by Charlie Thom '25
Through the turbulence of the 2023-2024 school year with the sudden absence of PVI’s beloved chaplain Fr. Schultz due to health issues, Father Ramón was a great blessing to the PVI community. While the students and staff enjoyed the diverse priests who celebrated the daily Masses in the Chapel, having Fr. Ramón be the school’s interim chaplain for most of the school year was a welcomed constant. His retreats never failed to guide students through the complicated issues of teenage life, and he always delivered a meaningful, heartfelt homily during his morning and schoolwide Masses
For those who didn’t know it, Fr. Ramón Domínguez was born in Cuba and moved to the US soon after, growing up in Connecticut and Maryland. His upbringing and faith became intertwined very early on by attending Catholic schools and garnering Christian values at home Alongside his spiritual upbringing, he cultivated his skills in the kitchen perfecting his grandmother’s flan recipe, and he honed his prowess in arm wrestling, to which he is always up for a challenge.
While Father always had a passion for discovering the mechanisms of the world around him expressing this in his hobbies and culminating in his career as a mechanical engineer, he felt his faith beckoning him, leading him to seminary school and ultimately, to us here at PVI.
If you ’ re up for challenging Fr. Ramón to an arm wrestling match, want to find ou about his favorite Ramones’ tune or simply want to keep in touch with him, you can find him at Queen of Apostles parish in Alexandria where he now serves as the Parochial Vicar.
The oldest of nine children, and homeschooled until he attended the seventh grade at Seton School in Manassas, Fr. Jonathan grew up under the guidance and inspiration of his devout Catholic parents. “My mom and my dad really took seriously passing on the faith to their kids.” God continued to place people on his life path who lived and exemplified a life of faith. “God had really surrounded me with people who had shown me the heroic, beautiful, happy, blessed life of living the Catholic faith.” Being blessed with knowing so many inspiring seminarians and priests, Fr. Jonathan was shown, firsthand, the pure joy that can comes from giving one’s life to God through the priesthood of Jesus Christ. While there are countless reasons Fr. Jonathan answered the call to priesthood, the ultimate one is because he loves God. “He has given me so many blessings and I want more than anything to help others come to know that love.” Fr. Jonathan shared that you can develop a deep relationship with God by making Jesus the most important person in your life through daily prayer, daily Mass, and the desire -- above all else -- to do God's will.
Fr. Jonathan’s favorite saint is his patron saint, St. John Bosco, and his favorite quote is from St. Paul VI. When he’s not celebrating Mass, attending various school events, conversing with PVI students, staff, and faculty, hanging out with family and friends, or discussing philosophical ideas, you can find Fr. Jonathan doing something sports-related. “Soccer is my favorite sport, but I'll play basketball, baseball, lacrosse, golf – really anything!”
PVI is excited to have Fr. Jonathan be an integral part of our community, and we look forward to getting to know him through his homilies and daily interactions with the students, staff, and faculty at PVI.
What I Love About PVI by
Timothy Beard '27
PVI is a wonderful environment made up of over twelve hundred students. During my freshman year last year, three things I came to love about PVI are its faith-based community, its academics, and its sports.
PVI has brought me closer to God through its community of students and teachers. Everyone at PVI is like a family because we are all connected by our faith in God. To me, we are also a family in the sense of how kind and accepting everyone is at PVI. The teachers contribute to this. PVI faculty help to connect all the students through their engaging classes and their ongoing encouragement to get involved in PVI activities. One of my favorite memories from my freshman year was my very first day in Mr. MacDonnell’s Gifts of Human Love class. During this class we were put into random groups of four students. At the time, I did not know many of the other students in my class. I was put into a group with other freshmen I had not talked to before. This seemingly-random group of students — Jeremiah, John, and Bryson — ended up becoming friends of mine and helped me to make other new friends, too.
Another reason why I like attending PVI is the academics. I believe that the teachers and office staff care much more than those at a public school. Here at PVI, the faculty and staff are very attentive and understanding. I believe that the way the curriculum is taught is also a reason that PVI academics stand out compared to public schools. Another teacher at PVI whose class I really enjoyed as a freshman was Mrs. Faircloth’s. She is a very nice person and a very good teacher that did not give a lot of homework. She was very flexible with test makeup dates and she has an overall happy personality. She has made PVI better for me. This is one of the many reasons why I like attending PVI.
A third thing I have come to love at PVI is the sports. Sports and school spirit are very important at PVI. Sports and school spirit help everyone feel connected and comfortable. The themed dress down days, for example, is one of the ways that PVI shows school spirit. These dress down days help students feel connected. It also takes out the anxiety and fear of being made fun of for what you are wearing because the more you embrace and have fun with the theme, the more normal you'll feel!
These are just some of the things that helped me as a freshman feel at home at PVI.
My Catholic Education
by Jordan Qualie '25
My Catholic education is very important to me. At PVI, the education provided is not only better than at a public school, but also enables me to connect to God here. Theology class is very enriching. I am able to connect my daily life and the outside world through the valuable information I am being taught.
Along with a wonderful Catholic foundation, I know PVI is a safer environment than the public school system. In addition, the teachers at PVI put so much effort into their lesson plans and to the help they provide to their students. My parents pay a lot of money in order for me to attend a Catholic school; this motivates me to utilize it to the best of my ability. Due to all these reasons and more, my Catholic education at PVI means a lot to me.
Insights From My Freshman Year: Football, Friends, and Faith
by Vincent Randanne de Vazeille '27
Before the academic school year started my freshman year, I met a kid named Alex Sawyer at our summer football practices. We both needed to find a carpool and, just by chance, Alex and I lived near each other, so we carpooled. For the next month, Alex was the only person I was friends with at PVI. Though I have met many other students since the beginning of my freshman year, Alex remains one of my best friends. In addition to coming to PVI not knowing anyone, I also started my freshman year with a religious education primarily supported by Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). Though I am thankful for what I learned through that program, it left a bitter taste in my mouth for religious education. So, coming into my first year in high school at PVI, I wasn’t particularly excited for Theology class. However, my Theology teacher, Ms. Hoagland, started the year with a new way to view my faith. This sparked a love for Theology in me and a newfound view of my faith.
So Grateful for PVI
I am so grateful to be able to attend St. Paul VI Catholic High School (PVI) for several reasons: the education it provides, the friends I have made, and my teachers. I am grateful to get the best education at this school. The school takes its academics seriously, and this year I am, too. I am grateful for all the new friends I continue to make here at PVI. Last year, my sophomore year, was my first year at PVI and so it was hard at first to make new friends. I am also grateful for all my teachers. They are always available and happy to help me whenever I need it.
by Mateo Hopkins '26
What I Love About My Catholic Education
by Khoi Le '27
At PVI, everyone is always learning new things, including me. In my Geometry class last year, I learned how to find the measure of a missing segment or angle. At my old school, the math program was horrible so I didn’t learn much, but here I learned new things in every class. During my freshman year I also learned that drugs, vaping, and partying will get me nowhere in life. In my Gift of Human Love class, I learned the gift of my body and life and that I shouldn’t take those gifts for granted.
My Catholic education at PVI is very important to me, and it makes me who I am today. By attending a Catholic school, my spiritual life is expanded. In my Theology class, I learned more and more about Christ in every class, and that God truly loves and cares for me. I was always reminded of God’s infinite and divine love. The teachers and classmates here are both caring and nice. The teachers at PVI give us many opportunities. Everyone is given a chance to improve, and even if we mess up, we are given a second chance; at other schools, students don’t often get that opportunity. Most of my classmates are Catholic and share the same virtues and commandments as I do. In conclusion, my Catholic education and my ability to attend PVI is a privilege and a gift.
p.m.
DINING COMMONS
SEPTEMBER 25
Here’s a partial listing of PVI’s 60+ clubs
Anime Club
Spanish Club
Adventure's Club
Aerospace & Aviation Club
Weightlifting Club
Yarnville (Knitting/Crocheting) Club
Board Game Club
Financial Investment Club
Book Club
Chess Club
Gardening Club
Hiking Club
Medical Club
Military Club
DECA
Engineering Club
Model United Nations
Model Judiciary
Morgan’s Message
Panther Pals Club
Panthers United
Cinema Studies Club
Debate Club
Asian Culture Club
French Club
German Club
Junior Classic League (Latin Club)
Philosophy Club
Photography Club
Entrepreneurship Club
Pink & White Club
It’s Academic Team
Psychology Club
Sunrise Club
VI Man (Spirit Club)
Tech Club
The Writer's Block Club
Yearbook
Featured Club
THE AEROSPACE AND AVIATION CLUB
List of Potential Speakers:
Tom Costello
Chris Hadfield
Col. Buzz Carpenter
Victoria Yeager
Jonathan Brendle
John Fairfield
Stephen Callahan
Shane Byrne, PhD
Marc Parent
Lt. Col. John Henley
Ellen Stofan, PhD
nWednesday , the25th!
Featured Club
The Writer’s Block Club
contact: vfassinger@paulvi.net
The Writer’s Block Club is Seeking: dedicated doers brainstormers photographers thinkers problem-solvers writers artists graphic designers journalists researchers editors proofreaders insomniacs
tech-savvy gurus and any/all students interested in: making new friends, sharing their talents with the PVI community, learning how to research topics, interview individuals, write and edit content, and/or design pages for publication
A Week in Poverty-Stricken Paradise
by Abigail Moran '25
“The fault-finder will find faults even in paradise. Love your life, poor as it is. You may perhaps have some pleasant, thrilling, glorious hours, even in a poorhouse.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Recently, I was able to go on a mission trip to Guatemala with my mom, some of my friends, and some of my friends’ moms We stayed at Hogar de La Niña: a Catholic home run by nuns and created for girls whose families could not afford to take care of them or who came from abusive families. During our eight days in Central America, I had a truly life-altering experience; I witnessed and understood what Emerson wrote of the ability we have to feel true joy and Christ-like love wherever we are and whatever the circumstance.
The people I encountered in Guatemala had absolutely no material possessions. They lived in metal shacks with no air conditioning or electricity, and yet, these were the most joy-filled, generous people I have ever met in my life As we went around to the villages to help out with house-building, the village folk celebrated our arrival with firecrackers and welcomed us to eat lunch at their houses. This showed me that we don’t need anything but Christ to live a truly happy, fulfilled life You can live in the biggest house on your street and have it filled with the best branded items, but if you haven’t found Christ, you cannot experience and live a truly happy life. What also moved me during this mission was that everyone there spoke Spanish and knew very little English, yet I was still able to communicate with the girls and have as strong of a relationship as I would have if we had spoken the same language. We communicated through the little Spanish I learned in middle school, through our laughter, through basketball (lots of basketball), and through our lovefilled hugs.
Once you start looking for the beauty around you, you’ll see it everywhere. The flowers blossoming, the incredible sunsets, the unconditional kindness of those around you; so much beauty surrounds us, we just have to be present in the moment to see it everywhere The same truth applies to negativity, however If you try and find the bad in life and things to complain about, you will see that everywhere you go as well.
The week I spent in Guatemala was the happiest, most-carefree week of my life. There was no shopping at the mall or binge-watching Netflix, which is what many of us think is the way to be happy Instead, we just enjoyed each other’s company and helped those in need, and we were happier than we’d ever been. When I came home I realized how blessed I really am and how much I really do take for granted
During our mission, we helped with the process of building two churches and several houses during the days while the girls were at school. As we worked in the hot sun for hours on end, it was important to remember that we are stewards of God. In the slight discomfort that we experienced, it let us get a minuscule taste of what Jesus suffered as he died for us. We offered up our circumstances to those who need it Since I’ve returned from Guatemala, I have noticed my outlook on life has really changed. I pray that everyone will encounter an experience similar to this in their life that can open their eyes, as it has made me appreciate life so much more
The ‘Thank You’ That Changed My Life by Reagan Copeland '28
Writer Margaret Cousins once stated, “appreciation can make a day, even change a life.” Such a simple gesture can show someone that their generosity was recognized and greatly appreciated. When I sent a thank you note to the maker of a stunning, handmade rosary I had received at a school-wide rosary event at Our Lady of Hope Catholic School, I never imagined it would lead me where I am today.
It was October of 2023 in my 8th grade year, and I absentmindedly discarded the bag on the kitchen table, tucking the string of lemon yellow and jungle green marble beads with their shiny silver miraculous medal in my backpack for school prayers the next day. My family noticed that the return address label on the bag was the same as the one my younger sister had received at the same event. I thought, “What are the odds that the same lady made both of the rosaries we received…or did she make them for our whole school?!” So, I decided that I would write a note to her and say thank you. I never expected she would reply, but two weeks later I received a note from her explaining the rosary making ministry and telling me about her life in rural Baldwin, North Dakota.
We have continued to write to each other ever since, and she has become someone in whom I can confide. Mrs. Greisch, retired from her full-time career and as wise as an owl, has taught me so much about living life as a good Catholic; we exchange letters almost weekly, and so many times I have relayed stories about things that bring me joy or frustrate me. Mrs. Greisch never fails to help me focus on God through the stories I share with her. She has helped me learn to trust in God's plan and, with her seasoned Christ-filled insight, has guided me to see life with a decidedly Catholic perspective that I enjoy. In addition to her words of wisdom, she also lovingly hand-decorates the boxes she sends, and creates flowery handwriting that graces the pages of her letters. She selflessly takes time out of her very busy life to write pages upon pages about her own experiences to help me with mine.
I can’t believe that my simple thank you note turned into this beautiful blessing that I now have in my life.
Hear the Music, See the Light!
by Gunner Glenn '28
Doesn’t everyone want to be a rock star? When I started playing guitar in the 5th grade, I hated it. However, during my 8th grade year, I had the opportunity to take “School of Rock” for one of my classes. That changed everything.
My music teacher was a long-haired, skinny-jeans-wearing, hand-in-pockets, soft-spoken, laid-back, selfproclaimed hippy Everyone loved Mr Stubbs We had a lot of practices and I felt that I had found my “love language” through music On the night of our first concert we were all nervous, me in particular My knees were shaking like a leaf My palms were cold and damp with sweat Our band walked onto the stage, plugged in the equipment, and set things up, while feeling the tension in the audience as they looked up, waiting for the action. The drummer gave a count-down…4, 3, 2,1…click, click, clicking his drum sticks together. My left hand fingers pressed hard into the guitar strings. My right hand fingers coasted firmly and confidently across the strings, strumming the chords. Behind us, a projected screen of silver stars and a yellow moon moved about. The teachers wildly waved their arms. “Stand up! Stand up!” The students rushed down to the stage. They were singing along, jumping, dancing, and chanting our names out loud. The energy felt like an earthquake to my senses.
Now, a year and a half later, I have more confidence and a big picture mindset each time I play my favorite songs. I learned that playing i diffi lt t fi t b t if I t t l t i th ff t d h ll myself often, I will find my w instrument or develop their your talent be your own per
Becoming an Only Child (Sort of)
by Elsie Galitsky '28
When the last of my older sisters, Ava, moved away for college last year, my whole world flipped upside down. Growing up as the youngest of six kids, I was pretty much a stranger to silence. I had spent my entire childhood surrounded by chatter and laughter until the day Ava left, when everything changed.
In my house that was once a bustling city, I could now only hear creaking floors and my voice echoing through the hallways. It felt weird going from being part of a big, noisy family to feeling like an only child, and I felt left behind. I was happy for a little while: My older siblings’ annoying nagging was gone, and I could finally take a hot shower whenever I felt like it. But when I wandered through their empty bedrooms, I felt lonely. Their rooms were stripped of everything that made them interesting: the colorful sheets, the childish paintings that covered the walls, and the stuffed animals scattered across their rooms. It felt like they were never really there. My mom noticed I was feeling down and lonely, and we started spending more time together. We went shopping, got our nails done, and chatted over dinner. I started to see my mom differently, and I realized she was not just a mom of six kids. She was also her own person — a person I could talk to about life or when I was feeling down; it was like discovering a new friend in someone I had known my whole life.
The moment my last sister left for college was one of my hardest moments ever, but in return I got something much more valuable. At first, my world was filled with darkness like a heavy rain cloud, but when the clouds parted, it led to a new light: a closer bond with my mom that I would not trade for anything.
The Baby Blue Jay
by Arabella Fulgenzi '25
Since humans could tell them, stories existed — whether as simple narratives of a day’s adventures, or as anecdotes that evolved into engaging and embellished tales. Fiction is more than just a story concocted from the imagination however; tales often teach lessons. The Tortoise and The Hare, for example, is about being humble, patient, and persistent; it’s about not assuming you will win just because you are physically faster than your competition. Cinderella teaches us about kindness and how someone’s true character is evident by how they treat others. Some lesser-known fables also teach us priceless insights about life — like the story of a baby bird who didn’t want to fly.
There lived a small baby blue jay in Northern Virginia. This little bird loved his nest where he could rest all day and wait for his mom to bring him food. He never went hungry. Life was good. When his mother would ask him if he was ready to learn to fly, the baby blue jay would make excuses. He was too tired. His wings hurt.
One day the mother got tired of his whining and excuses, so she simply pushed him out of the nest. The baby bird wasn’t ready. He didn’t want to fly. He didn’t think he was capable of flying, but he also didn’t want to fall to the ground and die. He spread his wings and did the only thing he could do — fly.
At some point in life, we all must fly — whether we think we’re ready or not; if we don’t learn to soar through the adventure-filled skies, we could remain forever stuck with one view, one perspective of ourselves and the world around us.
Face-to-Face With a Soul-Stirring Sea Creature by
Ryan Dearborn '28
Sea turtles are among the most beautiful creatures that God has created, yet they are sadly endangered. During my recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, I had the fortune of encountering not one, but two, green sea turtles up close. It was a lifechanging experience that will stay with me forever.
That day, the sky was gloomy and dark, the air smelt of saltwater, and the sound of howling wind against the longabandoned and vandalized hotel nearby warned that a storm was approaching But I was determined while snorkeling to see a turtle in the Escambrón Wildlife Reserve My dad, my brother, as well as a few other tourists, and I swam with our guide throughout the snorkeling section of the bay and observed a variety of fish, including Sergeant Majors and Yellow Tangs, among many others. When we reached the seaweed forest, our guide assured us that we would see turtles; the group ahead of us had mentioned spotting one so I was eager to see a turtle. I had always loved the ocean and sea turtles all of my young life. Since I swam competitively from an early age, I knew I could dive all the way to the seafloor. Upon spotting a turtle resting on a small patch of sand within the seaweed forest, I dove down and looked into its eyes as dark as the night which seemed to reflect like a mirror. That brief and wondrous moment, as it stared back at me, was truly soul-stirring.
Moments later, we saw another turtle, a juvenile like the first one but slightly larger. I managed to get within two feet of it. After this, we continued with the tour, and saw a variety of other sea creatures, including a scattering of sea urchins. When we returned, my dad handed me twenty dollars to give to our guide; as I tipped and thanked our guide, I shared with him that he had helped me achieve a childhood dream. This was the first time I had ever seen a turtle in its natural habitat, making it a truly memorable experience.
Mrs. Jan Siegfried
BOOKS: I prefer young adult adventure or historical novels for a number of reasons. I like the short time it takes to read them, plus I keep them to add to a personal library tailored for kids and young adults. I find that many times these books will communicate important life lessons and innovative problem-solving strategies.
MOVIES: I make an effort to watch and support ones that prioritize traditional values. One of my favorites is I Heard The Bells that chronicles the faith journey of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow...and our very own junior Roy Wulf is the featured fife player!
Dr. David Oetjen
BOOKS: If manga count as books, One Piece by Eiichiro Oda is my favorite by far. The worldbuilding is very welldone and on a thematic level, the portrayal of the world is so accurate to real life despite the fact that on a surface level, it is entirely fantastical and ridiculous. For nonfiction, my favorite book is Democracy: The God That Failed by HansHerman Hoppe Viewing things from the angle of time preference as he does is so insightful for analyzing the decline of society. The book is full of philosophical insights that as far as I know were pretty much unknown before this was written. My favorite book for fiction is The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. What I find interesting about it is the way the characters talk to each other; they very often say things that no one would ever have the courage to say in real life. Everything is so exaggerated despite the fact that, on the surface, the book is about something as seemingly mundane as architecture.
MOVIE: I don't really watch very many movies, but if I had to pick one it would probably be Batman: The Dark Knight. I like how it portrays the idea of corruption and how people who have good intentions can turn evil.
BOOK: Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by journalist Barbara Demick. The book entails the true stories of people who managed to escape North Korea and the loved ones they left behind. It’s a very eye-opening window into the struggles of North Koreans.
MOVIE: Raising Arizona. It’s clever absurdity with numerous quotable lines and a bonus of cute babies!
Mr. & Mrs. Math
(aka
The Kiechlin Couple)
an interview with Mrs. K
by Emma Ladowicz '26
We started teaching the same year at PVI and met during the New Teacher Orientation Day the Diocese has. It was the last part of the day where they split all the new Diocesan teachers into school levels (high school, middle school, elementary school). I had just moved to Northern Virginia from the Pittsburgh area and knew absolutely no one so I was excited to meet my new colleagues. Mr. Kiechlin was one of the first teachers from PVI I met. I remember saying to myself, “Watch this be the guy I marry!”
How did you meet?
“I remember saying to myself, ‘watch this be the guy I marry!’”
What is your favorite memory from when you were dating?
Dr.Opfer announced tothe schoolthat we were engaged.
This is a harder question, as there are so many fond memories: Mr. Kiechlin taking me to dinner at Bellissimo in Fairfax or surprising me in my home town when I was visiting my older sister. But I think my favorite memory happened shortly after we were engaged. Two days after we were engaged, there was an All School Mass in the old building. After Mass had concluded and the Eucharist was removed from the gym, Dr. Opfer announced to the school that we were engaged. The gym was absolutely deafening with cheers and applause. It was so wonderful to be supported by the school with such love and kindness and it is a feeling that will stick with me forever.
How have you found God in your marriage?
When you get married in April of 2020 with only 10 people in the Church, I think it helps to really rely on God often. Probably the most important part of marriage is trying to assist your spouse in getting to heaven. Mr. Kiechlin has been my rock in many ways these past almost four years of marriage and has helped me continue to grow as a Catholic whose ultimate goal is heaven. I hope to be doing the same for him.
My favorite memory so far is probably the first time I saw Mr. Kiechlin hold our first-born son. I always knew Mr. Kiechlin would be an amazing father and that first look solidified it.
What is your favorite memory of married life so far?
The Radiance Road Compiled by Hans Sirotniak '24
PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED ON THE RADIANCE ROAD...
Inthebeginning, Godsaid,“Letthere belight.”
We have to fight on our knees!
Inthe “in-wbetween,” aiting...
“THE WEAPON OF THE SURVIVOR”
I am guessing that you have probably heard of some stories where characters go on adventures. They travel the lengths of the world, day and night, seeking, knowing that this time, this moment, is their journey. It is their life. It is their destiny. One day at a time, they go on that journey, traveling to the ends of the earth to resolve that one conflict, trying to win over the chaos and the evil that has taken them captive. Perhaps they momentarily make a pit stop in a cave, in a vault, in a base, in a house, or in the heights of a skyscraper. There, they can find their weapon, what they are looking for: maybe a key, a sword, a card, a torch, or a staff. They take the weapon to fight against evil. They are kept safe by a simple resource, one that is most likely made by hands just like theirs, yet it has the power to keep them safer than they can be on their own. As they fight against evil, they keep this weapon handy. They use it for the victory. The spiritual survivors do the same. They pick up a map, and in this map, they will find the way to their weapon.
What is the weapon? In the spiritual battle, we fight against temptation, against sin, against the lies. We build ourselves up to radiance, which is a symbol for ourselves being devoted to God completely, uniting ourselves to God in everything we do, and letting God make our lives greater. To get there, the path takes establishing trust, being taught and encouraged, connecting to God’s love, putting other things aside, giving up fear, setting a foundation, and receiving spiritual formation.
The Radiance Road
With lives of devotion, we can become resilient in our struggles, valiant in living out the Faith, and permanently connected to God. Permanence is the weapon in the spiritual battle, counteracting the horror of being separated from God forever.
There are many ways to use the resources we have to remind ourselves to strive for permanence.
Before we consider those resources, however, imagine yourself putting a great amount of your time, effort, and strength into something you believe in. For some people, the thing that they commit to is a career and a ministry in Christian music. Hopefully, you have been able to hear a sign of that commitment and that effort if you have listened to some Christian songs recently. You can sense the beats, the influential lyrics, the thoughtful messages, and the sense of connection that is established. While some artists might be doing this to simply advance their careers, there are other artists who stand out in dedication and service, creating music to help people to reach their potential in being great signs and witnesses of living a life dedicated to God.
We have seen many examples of this dedication, but it is especially apparent in the lives of Christian Rock and Christian Gospel artists. There is no doubt that starting and maintaining a rock band or singing in a Gospel choir requires a lot of time, dedication, and perseverance, but doing these things for the glory of God offers meaning and purpose throughout whatever highs and lows occur during the process.
As we take a look at some of their pieces of music, let us remember to offer our all to God, who is dedicated and persevering in making us into His masterpieces.
The following songs are copyrighted by their respective owners. I attempt to mention songs in accordance with fair use guidelines for commentary and educational purposes. I am not affiliated with any of the websites/links/organizations/artists mentioned.
Thousand Foot Krutch
"Be Somebody”
Christian Rock
It seems like the singer might be trying to baffle us with a song to an unnamed recipient, one full of lyrics about someone who connects him to his reality and, even more, helps him to actually be somebody, to have an identity. It's a relationship he thinks people might deny or have trouble believing in. Further, it's a relationship that could be seen present in this singer himself. What is it? Doesn't it sound like a relationship between the singer and God?
Tylerhateslife
"take everything.”
Time and time again mentioning the problems of a self-centered life, this song takes away the focus on the bad and turns it over to the hands of Jesus, crying out, “Take everything.” He lets go of putting life over God. It’s the time for God to take care of it all!
The Birdsongs "Reality”
You might not understand it...After years of living life, the singer of The Birdsongs cries out for someone to help him out in his own reality. It’s a reality of pain, of suffering, of struggling, of NOT being okay. But the message is that some of these things that we normally think of as bad are actually okay. They can help us if God is with us since God has the power to make everything better. This song is also a reminder to us, saying that we shouldn’t struggle anymore without remembering to BOAST in the weaknesses we have.
Jermaine Dolly "You"
Gospel Music
Being around a person who is happy all the time, never sad, and always excited about living a meaningful life is an amazing experience. Jermaine Dolly goes one step further from that amazing experience, claiming that he is that person, and he offers some tips on how we can each be that person as well. The answer is Jesus.
RED Hands
"No Worries”
Worry takes up absolutely no space in the lives of the people in the RED Hands group. They're not even concerned about running out of money because they know that God is in control of their lives and will always be there for them. If God is always there and powerful enough to meet our needs, then there is never a need to worry. Don’t exhaust your mind with worrying. Focus on faith instead!
Travis Greene
"Won't Let Go”
Lots of songs talk about US letting go in order to surrender to God, but it seems like it’s the opposite on God’s side He never lets go on us. In Travis Greene’s case, he’s locked into God’s care like a deadbolt on a door. Travis Greene is not going to move away because he won’t let go of him, or of anyone else, so he offers an encouraging moment here to all of us who are struggling that we should always trust in God to give us everything that we need.
DOE
"When I Pray”
Gospel Music
Amazing things happen when we pray, both on our side and on the heavenly side. DOE focuses on her side in “When I Pray.” She is not only reaching out to God, but she is also finding peace on her side in letting go of all that is troubling her. This is a great reminder to stop right now and take a moment to say a prayer, believing that God is there excited to hear it.
Maverick City Music
“Kingdom”
The Maverick City Music singers represent the great Kingdom of Heaven through this moment of connection with God. Not only do they tell us that we are breaking through in being able to see Heaven, but they suggest that we are destined to live outside of this world. They then take us on a journey of training to become astronauts, riding the spaceships of songs of God’s praise into witnessing His heavenly presence.
Cece Winans
“Believe For It”
We’ve probably seen in other songs how prayer and trusting in God can take us through ALL of the troubles of this life (not just some of them), but there’s more. Prayer and trusting in God can also take us to a much higher level than we’ve seen before: the impossible. In this song, we join together in believing for it, remembering God’s power. If you’ve ever wanted to see a miracle, now is a great time to be on the lookout.
Forward City
“Tent Revival”
Gospel Music
Worshipping God sometimes might just feel like words going into the air, but “Tent Revival” offers us another way to look at worship -the way that shows God in action through worship. Worship is seen as the revival that we’ve always needed. We need God to take control of our lives because God is all-powerful and we are not, and in order to have the best possible life, it takes the most powerful option controlling our lives: God.
Kirk Franklin
“Strong God”
Kirk Franklin offers us something even more powerful than the government, not just “god,” but the REAL God. Often times, we get mistaken and think that the government (or other something else) is “god.” Then, we try to influence the government in making decisions, but we just realize that it’s not all-powerful. If you influence an even bigger change beyond what the government can even think of doing, start praying. Our God is more powerful than any other “god.”
Tye Tribbett
“We Gon’ Be Alright”
Awful things happen each and every day in the world. We can’t do that much about it, though, since we most likely can’t be everywhere at once helping in every single place and time of need. Luckily, God’s presence is able to fill in for us in this task that we can’t do on our own. We will be alright. Just depend on God, and He will keep everything going alright.
“Heartbeat”
Gospel Music
In this last song of this series of reflections about God through Christian music, we are taken back, taken here, and taken forward to ALL moments in our past, in our present, and in our future, which are all under the heartbeat. The heartbeat is present for us, for our bodies, from the beginning to the end, and even if our hearts do stop beating, God will still be there for us. God’s heartbeat is still beating. It has always been there. It will always be there. Nothing changes. It’s still there. If He commanded in the beginning to let there be light, we have discovered the Light Giver, whose heart has been beating for us. He wants to be with us. We want to be with Him. And the Light Giver, who wants us to be with Him, will continue now and forever to be that Source of light.
Check out these amazing songs on the following Spotify playlists!
The Radiance Road - Rock Songs
The Radiance Road - Gospel Songs
The Radiance Road
It’s time to turn up the radio! If you’ve been following the past stories about Christian music, you’ve witnessed a preview of how Christian music can be beneficial in finding radiance. For this final story, it is time to present a very simple and easy way to get music in a much larger context, using our resources to access the radio. Throughout frequencies and the internet, the waves travel from place to place, lighting up the world through the message they spread.
How can the radio help with the path to radiance? In the spiritual battle, what matters is what believers do in those other moments, the moments when the community is not gathered in-person to praise and celebrate the goodness of God. It matters what these people do in the silence, in those times when no one is watching, in those times where temptations come near. The goal is to make it through, to be a survivor.
Many Christian radio stations have a community behind them that encourages people to believe in God’s love. Listening to Christian radio is also a great way to complement spiritual formation. For example, radio can be used to learn more about scripture in addition to learning it from official religious education, as many songs and on-air discussions are based on important scripture verses. Through the radio, songs present the same message that says to keep getting up, to keep trying, to keep taking those second chances over and over again, continuing to keep believing even when things are super difficult. The reminder of God is there at all hours of the day, and even when someone can’t physically listen, there are many pieces of content and lyrics to be read online on radio stations’ websites.
The radio isn’t necessarily a source of perfect songs or perfect content. Christian songs don’t fully address all the answers needed to know everything about the Christian Faith. Christian radio hosts themselves are not perfect people either. However, with all things considered in the end, God can still use Christian music and Christian radio to help us become closer to seeing His perfection.
Christian radio spans across a variety of genres, subgenres, locations, and languages. Some Christian radio stations focus exclusively on talk shows, while others focus on music and talk shows or just music. Many stations include the following categories: community, new music, engaging messages, fellowship, and radio shows. Although most radio stations are centered around a specific location range, they are generally able to be accessed online from anywhere in the country with an internet connection. (continued)
The Radiance Road
Some examples of Christian Contemporary stations are WGTS 91.9 (local), WPER (local), The House FM (Ponca City), K-LOVE (throughout the country), SOS Radio (throughout the country), The Message (SiriusXM Radio), and WayFM (throughout the country).
Some examples of Praise & Worship stations are Worship 24/7 (throughout the country), Air1 (throughout the country), and CrossOverFM (Cedar City).
Some examples of Pop & Hip-Hop stations are LF Radio (Sarasota), BOOST Radio (throughout the country), CurrentFM (Virginia Beach), NGEN Radio (online), and His Radio Z (Spartanburg).
Some examples of Rock stations are YesFM (Toledo), WAY LOUD (online), RadioU (online), and ChristianRock.net (online).
Some examples of Gospel stations are Praise 104.1 (local) and Holy Culture (SiriusXM Radio).
An example of a Christian Talk station is American Family Radio (throughout the country), and an example of a station that plays a variety of subgenres is WJTL (Manheim).
Most of these stations you can search up and listen to ri or smartphone apps to help you continue on this spiritu for reading this edition of Christian music articles for th been the Radiance Road.
Since 2020, PVI '24 graduate Hans Sirotniak has been compi many different playlists of old and new, thoughtful and insp and uplifting and motivating creative Christian songs God blessed him with the ability to listen to these impactful son find meaning in them, and share them with others. Hans se as the Senior Editor and an integral leader on the Crossro editorial team during his senior year at PVI. He is current enjoying his freshman year at the College of William & Ma
Enjoy the remaining days of summer '24, and I hope you will consider joining The Writer’s Block Club and contributing to Crossroads this new school year!
~ Hans '24
WOW! WOW!
Winners of the '24 Talent Show
Playground Diplomacy
Hayes Innes '26 (Bass), Cameron Herrera '27 (Guitar), Tori Barbera '24 (Synthesizer), Ciara Gallagher '24 (Drums), Trinity Jones '25 (Guitar), Sophia Bonillo '26 (Guitar), and seated Martin Ramirez '26 (Guitar)
Playground Diplomacy
THE RETURN OF CATHOLIC CULTURE: The Disco Mania of 1518
by Roy Wulf '26
The problem began gradually. One July day in 1518, a woman known as Frau Troffea walked outside her home and began to dance uncontrollably in the street. She kept up this frenzied dance until she
In 1518, a terrible plague ravaged the streets of Strasbourg in the Alsace region of eastern France. This plague would eventually infect hundreds of people and lead to many deaths. However, quite incredibly, this was not the bubonic plague or some similar disease. Rather, it was a plague of dancing. Although well documented in several historical sources, the cause of the 1518 dancing plague is still being debated to this day collapsed from sheer exhaustion. However, once she regained her strength, she got up -- and began dancing again! She continued to dance for days on end. What began as a strange curiosity soon became a nightmare. Before the end of the week, some 30 people had joined Frau Troffea in this frantic dancing, and no pleas for them to stop had any effect.
The civil authorities in Strasbourg became increasingly alarmed. First, they turned to the medical experts of the day, who were convinced that some sort of natural explanation was responsible. Drawing upon the scientific understanding of that time, they theorized that the dancing was caused by an excess of blood created by the summer heat. Nevertheless, no medical treatments that the doctors tried had any positive impact.
(continued)
Next, humanist philosophers were consulted. These experts concluded that the plague was due to mental illness. The best way to cure this mental affliction, they advised, was to be supportive of the dancers. Following this guidance, a guild hall was transformed into a dancing arena, a stage was constructed for the dancers, and the city hired musicians to play music for them and professional dancers to dance with them. To the dismay of the officials, their well-meaning efforts served only to throw gasoline on the fire as ever more citizens of Strasbourg began to succumb to the dance. Eventually, some 400 people were afflicted. At this point, death joined in the dance. According to reports, 15 dancers or so began dying each day. Citizens of Strasbourg were quite literally dancing themselves to death.
Finally, the desperate authorities turned to the Church. The priests of Strasbourg put the afflicted people, still dancing, on wagons and took them to a nearby shrine dedicated to St. Vitus. This saint was a Roman martyr, but very little was recorded about his life. However, St. Vitus had come to be regarded as the patron saint of dancers because his feast day had long been especially commemorated with dancing Arriving at the shrine, red shoes were placed on the dancers’ feet, which were then sprinkled with holy water and anointed with holy oil The dancers were given crosses to hold, and a Mass was said for them before a statue of St. Vitus. To everyone ’ s great relief, these spiritual procedures were entirely successful. All those who had been afflicted stopped dancing.
(continued)
Even bagpiping failed to cure the afflicted of St. Vitus’ Dance.
Today, the cause of the dancing mania (also sometimes called “St. Vitus’ Dance”) still officially remains a mystery. That said, we can eliminate some possibilities. First of all, note that those who treated the dance as a physical ailment had no success. Furthermore, John Waller, writing in the medical journal The Lancet, has argued that the symptoms of the dancing plague are not consistent with ergot poisoning or any other known physical ailment. Waller instead regards the spread of the dancing plague as a “cultural contagion.”
Concerning the advice of the humanist philosophers to be supportive of the dancing, Waller states, “nothing could have been better calculated to turn the dance into a full-scale epidemic than making its victims perform their dances in the most public of spaces. ”
It seems to me that the cause of the dancing plague is suggested by what eventually cured it. A religious intervention cured the dancing plague, so it is reasonable to conclude that the dancing plague was a spiritual affliction of some kind In our modern world, we tend to think of illnesses either as physical or mental, but it is possible that people may also be afflicted spiritually and may therefore benefit from interventions of a spiritual kind.
In “Science Says: Religion Is Good For Your Health” in Forbes, Nicole F. Roberts describes a study from the Journal of Family Practice. This study found that although 77% of patients thought physicians should consider the spiritual needs of their patients, almost 70% of patients claimed their physician never spoke about religion with them. Fortunately, in the Catholic Church, there are clergy who can provide assistance to individuals in distress, and we can, of course, also have recourse to the Sacraments.
The article by Roberts also quotes a 2001 study by the Mayo Clinic that concluded, “Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and health-related quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide. Several studies have shown that addressing the spiritual needs of the patient may enhance recovery from illness.”
(continued)
Therefore, as Catholics, our religious life may help to give us better physical, mental, and spiritual health. In addition, if we or a friend or family member is suffering from some affliction, we may seek spiritual assistance from the clergy alongside consulting medical professionals who deal with physical or mental health concerns. Just as the dancing plague may have been a sort of negative cultural contagion in 1518 as John Waller argues, the Church may be the best option to combat negative cultural contagions in the modern world, of which there are many.
Physical, mental, and spiritual health are no doubt interrelated in complex ways, but when a physically fit individual is found mentally competent to stand trial for having committed some terrible crime, it would seem that such a criminal may indeed be afflicted with a sickness of the spirit This physically and mentally sound person committed an evil act. In fact, evil acts can cause a cultural contagion because after a notorious crime has been committed, copycat crimes can follow.
However, once the dark nature of the soul of a troubled individual is observed, guidance in developing a devotion to Jesus Christ and to His Church might lead such an individual away from thoughts of committing terrible crimes and toward a life filled with the love of God and love of others. That is, this could even help individuals who are not helped by medical and mental health treatment In addition, the virtuous and charitable acts of individual Christians can serve as good examples for others to follow. Not just self-destructive behavior and evil can be contagious. Goodness and love can likewise be contagious.
Saint Vitus is considered the patron saint of dancers, dogs, domestic animals, young people, coppersmiths, actors, comedians, and oversleeping. He can be prayed to before you take a nap so that you don’t oversleep and miss a school dance!
For Art’s Sake
Ms. Cindi Ali, Art Teacher & Art Show Orchestrator & Art Show
Heralded as a five-star prospect according to ESPN, out of St. Paul VI Catholic High School
Ranked as the No. 19 player nationally
Ranked as the best player from Virginia by both ESPN and 247Sports
Named to the USA Basketball 2024 Men's U18 National Team
Selected to participate in the Nike Hoop Summit
Helped USA capture the gold medal in the 2024 FIBA Men's U18 AmeriCup (June 2024), averaging 4.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 assists per game, while shooting 66.7% (10 of 15) from the field
Scored 12 points with six rebounds, three assists, and a rejection for USA in a win over Belize during the group phase of the 2024 FIBA Men's U18 AmeriCup
Had a breakout season for Team Takeover on the EYBL circuit, averaging 12.0 points and 7.4 rebounds, including a statement game with a 33-point, 18-rebound and five-assist performance against Phenom University
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 2 p.m. in the dining commons
