M E S S AG E F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T
Keeping Xavier Vibrant and Strong Dear Parents, Friends and Sons of Xavier: Greetings from 16th Street. I am writing this letter on Gaudete Sunday, the mid-point of Advent. It is a beautiful day. It is in so many ways a perfect day for me to write. The shining sun, the blue skies and the cool breeze all speak to the hope of the season. The Advent readings today anchor us in hope, in the goodness of God among us. Zephaniah tells us with confidence, “The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior…” Not only is he in our midst, he “rejoices over us with gladness, renews us in his love and sings joyfully because of us,” each and every one of us. This is a message I am happy to hear today, and every day. (You are likely reading this in February, in the midst of winter. It is a welcome winter message, too.) It is a message that we have worked to make real at Xavier since Fr. John Larkin, S.J. began this good work on Walker and Elizabeth Streets nearly 175 years ago. The “we” who work to make real the message of God’s love at Xavier is us, and always has been: parents, teachers, students, alumni, friends, Jesuits, and other religious. This message has been made real by our work, our gifts, our prayers, and our holy desires through the years. I have the privilege once again, on behalf of all of us, of saying thank you to each and every one of you for your part in our collective work. Gratitude has the power to transform people and institutions. Many— dare I say most or even all—of the gifts recognized in this Annual Report
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Xavier High School
