2024 REPORT ON Mission Activities
We are Lasallian
“Lasallian” describes a ministry or person fulfilling the mission set forth by educational innovator, St. John Baptist de La Salle. A Lasallian is one who can transform the general Christian call to discipleship into a personal vocation, living out in a specific way the call to make Christ present in today’s world. Lasallians are personally committed to living the gospel values and working to provide a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor. For centuries, boys, girls, men, and women have followed in the footsteps of John Baptist de La Salle to fulfill their God-given potential by impacting the world around them with empathy and love. This report is a glimpse into how Lasallians at St. John’s College High School answered the call to be the body of Christ during the 2023–24 school year.
MISSION
Faithful to the charism of St. John Baptist de La Salle, St. John’s College High School is an independent, Catholic college preparatory school whose mission is to provide a human and Christian education to young men and women from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
St. John’s is a community of faith and zeal with dedicated Lasallian educators committed to the spiritual, academic, cultural, physical, and moral development of the students. Rooted in Christian values, the Lasallian experience at St. John’s prepares young men and women for lives dedicated to leadership, achievement, and service to the community.
THE LASALLIAN MISSION IS INFORMED AND ANIMATED BY FIVE CORE PRINCIPLES: FAITH IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
CONCERN FOR THE POOR AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
QUALITY EDUCATION
RESPECT FOR ALL PEOPLE
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
Cover: Donohoe Hall at sunrise.
Mission and Ministry Program Fundamentals
The mission of St. John’s, rooted in the gospel and the charism of St. John Baptist La Salle, is evident in all areas of community activity, most notably in the classroom. Beyond academics, there are many organizations, events and opportunities that allow for sharing and expressing this mission, specifically in the areas of faith development and service to those most in need.
LITURGY AND PRAYER
The Mass imparts the Sacred Mysteries in an approachable way. We assemble for morning prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and to pray the Rosary.
In addition to daily Mass offered before school, this year we offered weekly Mass to students, faculty, and staff during homeroom. There were also eight liturgies: four class Masses, two holy day Masses, and two all-school Masses.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE
During their four years at St. John’s, our students complete 90 hours of Christian service, with many students extending themselves beyond what is required. In 2024, students completed a combined total of 29,120 service hours.
RETREATS
Freshmen: Our Five Lasallian Core Principles
Sophomores: Jesus and Church
Juniors: The Emmaus Journey
Seniors: The Kairos Retreat
Faculty: Fall and Winter Retreats
Peer Ministry: Community building focused on ministerial work
SEMINARS
An expression of our commitment to educating the whole person, the seminar series focuses on human development and relationships, decision making, academics, and life skills. Throughout the eight-part series, freshmen and sophomores explore topics ranging in diversity from digital safety to health and wellness.
Formation and Education for Mission
FACULTY AND STAFF PARTICIPATED IN THE FOLLOWING:
The Brother John Johnston Institute of Contemporary Lasallian Practice
The Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Faculty Development
Faculty/Staff Retreats
Heritage on Tap with San Miguel School
The Huether Lasallian Conference
Lasallian Social Justice Institute
New Faculty Formation
VEGA Workshop for Young Lasallians
FORMATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR OTHER CONSTITUENCIES:
FRESHMAN PARENT RECEPTIONS
An annual September event for freshman parents started in 2011, President Jeffrey Mancabelli hosted three parent receptions, sharing the life story of St. La Salle and how we live the Lasallian mission at St. John’s.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
During two meetings, formal Lasallian formation was offered to board members.
Left: during Lasallian Social Justice Week, students and staff members volunteer at the Capital Area Food Bank.
SJC faculty at the Buttimer Institute.
Cultivating a Community in Christ
BROADENING CATHOLIC OPPORTUNITIES
The school chaplain, Msgr. John Enzler ’65, offered daily Mass before school in De La Salle Chapel and once weekly during homeroom. With the Peer Ministry team supporting this effort, the average homeroom attendance was 20 to 50 students. Confession was available during class retreats and throughout the Advent and Lenten seasons.
SJC launched the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults “OCIA” program (formerly RCIA) for those who are not baptized or confirmed but eager to grow in their faith in the Catholic tradition. This year one faculty member and four students received sacraments.
• One faculty member received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
• One student received Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
• One student joined the Catholic Church and received Confirmation and First Eucharist.
• Two students received Confirmation.
Many students seized the opportunity to meet with Fr. John Monday through Thursday during his morning office hours—7:45 to 10:30 a.m.
Fr. John empowered students to serve as a liturgy team, incorporating their suggestions into liturgical celebrations and increasing lay ministry participation.
A staff member and her son receive their First Eucharist.
ENHANCING CLASS RETREATS
Fr. John:
• addressed the freshman class at each of their retreats from an alumnus perspective of the Lasallian Core Principles. He shared how these principles were the common thread connecting his time at SJC with their experience.
• led a “teaching Mass” at each of the sophomore retreats, so students could learn about the Order of Mass and meaning behind each aspect of the ritual.
• offered reconciliation, benediction, a blessing of holy water, and Mass at each of the junior retreats.
• supported and blessed the seniors making their Kairos retreat.
BUILDING CHARITY CONNECTIONS
Fr. John strengthened SJC’s connection to Catholic Charities. With his help, St. John’s sent students and staff to the Catholic Charities gathering of service coordinators and student leaders and coordinated Catholic Charities’ participation during Lasallian Social Justice Week.
FOSTERING INTERFAITH RELATIONS
In July 2023 and June 2024, Fr. John was a team member of the Faith and Leadership Institute led by SJC faculty, which also included a rabbi, protestant minister, and imam. Each clergy member led one day of teaching about their faith tradition.
Fr. John leads a “teaching Mass” during a sophomore retreat.
Peer Ministers
Peer Ministry is a select leadership and pastoral care student team of faithful senior student leaders. Peer ministers facilitate opportunities for their fellow students to grow together as a faithful Lasallian educational community throughout the year. These servant leaders and role models participate in and help facilitate class retreats, liturgies, prayer experiences, small group faith sharing, personal mentorship, Christian service, and community building activities. SJC peer ministers bear witness to God’s love and take seriously the call to “Live Jesus in our hearts” every day.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE PEER MINISTRY EXPERIENCE?
Peer Ministry is not simply a class or leadership role; it is a community with the ultimate goal of enhancing our school through involvement in school events, academic and student life, and religious journeys. Through Peer Ministry, I have grown in my Christian faith and learned the value of mentorship to others, which I have utilized beyond St. John’s.
—Mary ’24
HOW HAVE WE IMPACTED UNDERCLASSMEN AS PART OF PEER MINISTRY?
Peer Ministry has given me the opportunity to impact the underclassmen at St. John’s by helping them with their faith journey, fostering an environment that challenges them to be vulnerable, and inviting them to form relationships with people they would not normally be able to meet.
—Izzy ’24
HOW HAS MINISTERING TO OTHERS IMPACTED YOUR OWN FAITH?
It helped me redefine and expand my view of how I wanted to live my faith. I had always thought of my faith as a personal thing, but ministering to others forced me to open up, share, and even accept where I was and where I wanted to be. It made me realize that being vocal and open about my faith brought me closer to who I wanted to become. I now wear a cross around my neck to show my faith, which is something I have never done before.
A Community-Centered Curriculum
Faith development at SJC isn’t exclusive to liturgies or religion class lectures; it’s the cornerstone of our curriculum. From the Cadet Corps to the visual arts, our curriculum challenges students to strengthen their faith and commitment to social justice.
CADET CORPS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
CCLP BLOOD DRIVES
• The Red Cross October blood drive yielded 28 units of Blood.
• The INOVA April blood drive yielded 88 units of Blood.
OPERATION CADETS CARE
Led by 33 seniors, the CCLP supported four community organizations by raising funds and collecting items for their annual Christmas drive. In total, they gathered:
• 131 toys for Toys for Tots
• 340 comfort kits containing toiletry items for veterans at the Washington DC VA Medical Center
• 750 articles of clothing collected for Wider Circle
• 723 non-perishable food items for Martha’s Table
Sixteen cadets volunteered 48 service hours at Boulder Crest Retreat in Bluemont, VA, a facility for wounded and disabled veterans and their families. The cadets painted picnic tables, tended the gardens, and spread mulch around the cabins.
DE LA SALLE SCHOLARS
Students created innovative independent study projects, some of which served the local community. Rafa ‘24 raised $50,000 for his project, an endowed scholarship for San Miguel students that provides funds to cover student life expenses during their time at SJC.
A cadet gives blood during the INOVA blood drive.
ENGLISH
Students raised more than $17,000 for the annual San Miguel Drive, and San Miguel students spent a day touring St. John’s.
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
Students sold items to support the Pulsera Project during lunch, which benefits fair-trade employment, scholarships, healthcare social impact, environmental programs, women’s empowerment, disability, indigenous communities, artisans in secondary education, legal aid, and many programs that benefit hundreds of people in Guatemala and Nicaragua.
PERFORMING ARTS
Sixteen students from Vocal Resonance and three faculty served as music ministers for the Leadership Roundtable Conference Opening Mass raising $1,000 for the performing arts department.
Twenty students from Vocal Resonance and Scarlet and Grey Strings performed Christmas carols for the Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Residence and the Christian Brothers retirement residence.
RELIGION
The Religion Department raised $7,119 for the Child Discovery Center during Lasallian Social Justice Week.
VISUAL ARTS
Art students participated in two portrait activities. Twenty-eight students and three faculty created portraits of students from the Child Discover Centre (CDC) in Kenya, which were gifted to the CDC students. Thirteen students created portraits of children in Malaysia for the Memory Project.
Students and staff sell crafts to benefit Pulsera.
Vocal Resonance performs Christmas carols.
“God’s Time” Kairos
Kairos, adapted from Greek to mean “God’s Time,” is a four-day, three-night retreat program that invites the senior class to consider what it means to live intentionally in “God’s time” before they head to college. It encourages students to carefully examine their relationship with God, themselves, and others. Retreatants are led by both student and faculty leaders. This transformative experience impacts the students, families, and the school community in a positive way.
Each year, the Mission and Ministry team coordinates four Kairos retreats at Loyola Retreat House in Newburg, MD. The Kairos retreat has been available to seniors since 2002.
“Kairos was an experience I didn’t know I needed. From the start, I was reluctant and didn’t take it seriously, but with some encouragement from friends and faculty leaders, my eyes were opened and so was my heart. From meeting new people and seeing them as human, to strengthening my connection with God, the saying ‘the more you put into Kairos the more you get out’ could not be more real.”
—Jackson ’24
“Attending Kairos 83 as a retreatant and then leading Kairos 84, I saw many different perspectives. Kairos showed me how loved I am and how loved the people around me are. I learned it is important to take time for myself and reflect on all I have because each thing in my life, no matter how small, is meaningful. After Kairos, I made the goal to talk to one new person a day because people I never talked to before Kairos became some of my closest friends. Lastly, Kairos revealed to me how God is within all of us and is present with us throughout our lives.”
—Sela ’24
“Kairos helped me realize that the most perfectly presented people are those that are often the most conflicted. It’s important to never compare your state of mind to those around you.”
—Fenan ’24
Lasallian Social Justice Week
In 2024, SJC’s 15-year Poverty Education Week program was renamed Lasallian Social Justice Week (LSJW) to better encapsulate the school’s Lasallian core principle of “concern for the poor and social justice.” The theme was Galatians 2:10, “They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” The augmented weeklong program included interactive presentations, guest speakers, assembly of food and care packages, the annual mission drive, artwork, a day-long tech fast, student-led lessons on social justice, and more.
FRESHMEN
The freshman class learned about SJC’s twinned school, the Child Discovery Centre (CDC) in Nakuru, Kenya, and reviewed the five core Lasallian principles.
Brother Oscar Okoth, FSC, administrator of the CDC, spoke to the students via video. Through SJC’s 2023 mission drive, the Cadets helped the CDC achieve several goals including: paying school fees for all children living at CDC, paying the salaries of the two staff members at CDC, paying for food for the students, initiating an income generating chicken project, and completing the water tank project in the girls’ living quarters. The CDC’s 2024 goals include building a computer lab and providing computers for students, painting classrooms and buildings, and creating a pads project for the female students.
Peer ministers visited freshman scripture classes to speak about social justice for those groups most marginalized by society.
SOPHOMORES
Members from So Others Might Eat (SOME) engaged our sophomores in activities highlighting the causes of poverty and homelessness in the DC community and explained how SOME meets the immediate daily needs of the people they serve.
JUNIORS
Juniors heard from Catholic Charities DC representatives, who reminded them that more people are in need than are visible and shared various ways people can volunteer with the organization. The most popular Catholic Charities volunteer programs in the SJC community are the student-parent opportunities, such as running a
birthday party for a CC client. Two representatives from the National Coalition for the Homeless spoke to religion classes about their experiences with homelessness. Both organizations emphasized the importance of seeing the whole person not just the struggles they are experiencing.
SENIORS
Two alumni returned to SJC to share their experiences of “leaving to serve” with the Class of 2024. They shared their passion of giving back to this community.
Student-artists create LSJW messages.
SCHOOL-WIDE LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES
THROUGHOUT THE WEEK
• Student volunteers assisted with a FairTrade Caravans jewelry sale to support Lasallian Women of Hope.
• An abundance of students volunteered to make 1,300 sandwiches for Martha’s Table.
• Students assembled 350 snack packs for individuals experiencing homelessness and packed 300 care kits containing toiletries and snacks for Catholic Charities DC.
• The Religion Department collected donations for the annual mission drive.
• Student-artists created exhibits to raise awareness of global social injustices.
Above: alumni speak with seniors about leaving to serve. Below: during lunch, students assemble snack kits and sandwiches, and sell crafts to benefit the Lasallian Women of Hope.
“Lasallian Social Justice Week gave me the opportunity to learn about the experience of poverty and injustice all around the world. I appreciated the classroom lessons that focused on equity. Having the chance to hear from advocates of the National Coalition of the Homeless was a very moving experience.”
—Meghan ’25
Representatives from the National Coalition of the Homeless share their stories with juniors.
Together by Association
Twelve years ago, a teacher from Svendborg Gymnasium contacted La Escuela Preparatoria de la Universidad La Salle de México (La Salle México) to gauge interest in an exchange program between the schools. Then it became a tri-country exchange with the addition of Saint Louis de Gonzague in France.
In 2023, St. John’s College High School joined the group, bringing the number of participating countries and schools to four and marking the first time since COVID-19 that SJC students participated in a student exchange. That fall, five students from SJC’s three highest-level Spanish courses participated in a life-changing educational and cultural exchange. The Cadets traveled to México and engaged with not only their La Salle México “siblings,” but also with peers from Denmark and France. The students attended a quinceañera, watched a Liga MX (pro soccer) game, visited the shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, enjoyed Six Flags, explored the historic center of México City, and viewed the Frida Kahlo Museum.
In April 2024, five students from La Salle México spent two weeks with their SJC counterparts visiting New York City, Hershey Park, Calleva Camp, and the National Mall. During this experience, the students learned firsthand about other cultures and to appreciate that although seemingly different, we have much in common. Given the success of the 2024 student exchange, La Salle México and St. John’s look forward to the next exchange in 2024/2025.
Students and teachers from Svendborg Gymnasium, La Escuela Preparatoria de la Universidad La Salle de México, Saint Louis de Gonzague, and St. John’s.
Mauricio LSM ’26 and Marcus ’25 at the Lincoln Memorial.
Extracurricular Teamwork
BEST BUDDIES
This year, members participated in:
• a banner signing to “spread the word to end the word” (encouraging student not to use the r-word).
• Best Buddies Friendship Walk: a fundraiser at the National Mall to support inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Best Buddies Homecoming, where students attended a dance promoting friendship and inclusivity.
BLACK STUDENT UNION
The BSU prepared more than 50 winter care kits for individuals experiencing homelessness. Members also donated winter essentials including hats, gloves, hand warmers, socks, and health items to Central Union Mission in DC.
BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY TEAMS
The ice hockey teams joined the 2023-2024 Hockey Fights Cancer campaign which unites the hockey community in support of cancer patients and their families. Both teams hosted a Hockey Fights Cancer night and bake sale to raise money for the cause. Additionally, each player campaigned to raise money towards the team goal using social media and emails to family and friends. The teams raised $19,356.
ECO CLUB/S.H.R.E.D
Twenty-five members serve to make SJC a more educated and environmentally-friendly community. S.H.R.E.D (Students Helping Recycle Every Day) oversees the collection of recyclables from the classrooms during homeroom. Working with the Rock Creek Conservancy and National Park Service, the club maintains a portion of Rock Creek Forest, keeping it litter free. New this year is a composting initiative.
GIRLS’ VARSITY LACROSSE
Working with Bigfoot Endurance, 28 team members and four coaches raised $3,000 for Parkinson’s research and awareness.
LASALLIAN YOUTH
Through the Lasallian Youth, 41 students tutored 6th–8th graders at the San Miguel School on a weekly basis. The club also made two visits to The Arc of Montgomery County, where students spent quality time with students with intellectual and physical disabilities.
PARENT CLUBS
MEN OF ST. JOHN’S:
• helped with operational aspects of the annual Admissions Open House.
• held their annual Citrus Fundraiser to benefit SJC students.
• ran concessions and donated the sale proceeds for the girls’ lacrosse tournament in support of a volunteer coach.
• ran the concession stand for home athletic events
MOTHERS’ CLUB:
• assisted with annual Admissions Open House.
• contributed to the Marge Gasser Memorial Award for teachers.
• decorated the school for Christmas.
• contributed to the Mancabelli Endowment Fund.
Hosted:
• Mardi Gras party for the school community.
• Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day.
SIGNUM FIDEI
Sixteen faculty members who have had significant formation in the Lasallian charism met throughout the year to plan and analyze mission-focused initiatives, such as mission education, Lasallian Social Justice Week, and faculty retreats.
SJC CANCER KIDS FIRST
Dedicated to the mission of supporting children enduring cancer, the club’s 20 members strive to bring some normalcy to their childhood. This year, they raised $300 through a bake sale. They also embraced their mission by interacting with partner hospitals through Zoom calls, cards, donations, and activities.
SOFTBALL
The varsity and JV teams and their coaches supported St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital by volunteering at the Rock N Roll DC Half Marathon and 5K finish line. They raised $800 for the softball program via a volunteer grant.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
SGA organized a December toy drive to benefit Children’s Hospital. The donations were delivered before Christmas break.
TRI-M MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY
Members of TRI-M shared their talents with San Miguel students.
VOLLEYBALL TEAM
In support of Catholic Charities, 19 members of the team ran a coat drive.
Right: SGA members deliver toys to Children’s National. Above: members of TRI-M perform for San Miguel students.
St. John’s Christian Youth Group
St. John’s Christian Youth Group is a club that to explores faith and connects students. The club met throughout the year and hosted special activities such as Lasallian Trivia during Founder’s Day.
“All I wanted when creating SJCYG was to give students a relaxing, fun space to explore faith and connect with others. I am so grateful for the way in which the club has exceeded this goal and the overwhelming support I have received. I hope this club continues for many years to come and is able to help students feel loved and held by God.”
—Mckenna ’24, SJCYG club president and founder
Left: SJCYG members run Lasallian Trivia during Founder’s Day. Right: SJCYG members use teamwork during a club meeting.
Above and Beyond
Many students choose to serve beyond the curriculum requirements and embark on service opportunities across the nation and abroad. During these immersion trips, they relinquish creature comforts and stereotypes in favor of Christian service and self-discovery. These experiences are made possible by members of the SJC community, who donate generously to the Lasallian Christian Service Fund.
Sacred Heart Southern Missions, Walls, Mississippi: During two trips, 16 students and four faculty members cocreated safe and functional housing structures for residents of the greater Memphis community by tearing down and re-installing house frames and ceilings. They also volunteered at the community food drive, cooked for the team, and led the daily prayers and reflections.
De La Salle Blackfeet School, Browning, Montana: Eight students and two faculty members empowered children on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation by facilitating science labs and assisting in English and math classes. The group also participated in the school remodeling project by helping to remove furniture and install, sand, and paint drywall.
Oscar Romero Center, Camden, New Jersey: Ten students and two faculty members aided the urban poor by assisting Neighborhood Collaborative Community Gardens, Cathedral Kitchen, St. Joseph’s Cathedral School, and Urban Promise. Students worked in the gardens, prepared and distributed food, assisted teachers in classrooms, and painted low-income housing.
The Brother David Darst Center, Chicago, Illinois: Eight students and two faculty members traveled to the Brother David Darst Center, which is rooted in the Lasallian tradition and offers groups the opportunity to explore many social justice issues through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Students volunteered at a local food pantry and prepared dinner at the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen among other service activities. They also learned about Street Wise, Inc., the Chicago Coalition to end Homelessness, and the Kolbe House Jail Ministry and Bond Court.
La Salle Educational Center, Homestead, Florida: Eight students and two faculty members helped organize and run the first session of summer camp at the La Salle Educational Center in the South Dade community. This center serves low income and migrant agricultural families, provides a safe and nurturing environment, and offers integral programs in education, faith formation, vocational skills, and sports. NEW!
Clockwise from top left: students serve in Chicago, Homestead, Walls, and Camden.