July 6, 2022 at 4:15 p.m.
It is an honor to teach theology and art in a Catholic school, it’s a gift. I have always thought of teaching as walking with the students on their faith journey. Maginn has been an oasis, a refuge from sometimes troubled places, a faith community where the belief that we are here to help each other and be stewards of our community permeates everything.
In 24 years, I have seen many changes. Changes to the location, changes to the enrollment, changes in faculty and administration, but never a change in mission. The mission remains the same. From the words of Jesus … Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
There are so many memories I could write about. The pure joy of that opening night performance of “The Wizard of Oz” to a sold-out crowd! The excitement or heartbreak of winning or losing sports seasons. The first vegetables harvested from a garden to feed the hungry. Decorating the gym for a prom, praying together, working together, being a family. The devastation of losing those who meant so much to the history of BMHS. I have worked with so many caring and compassionate people, people who have changed lives for the better every day of their lives. I learned by watching them and I hope that younger faculty can learn the same way. By watching people who make a difference, even when life gets hard, or a pandemic hits and the way education happens turns totally upside down.
My children are graduates of BMHS. I am a graduate myself, the first class in 1978. I can’t help but feel the void that will be left in this community by the closing of this place that has been home to so many. This I know, the spirit of Maginn will live on in the lives of all who have been a part of the rich history of this amazing institution. They will make the world a better place. Once a Griffin, Always a Griffin.
Sue Silverstein-Gilligan is the director of Campus Ministry and Community Service and the Theology Department Chair at Bishop Maginn. In the fall, she will be working at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons in the art department and community service.
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