This is the last story in the five-part series on Donahue Academy’s identity (Part V).
Over the last month, we have explored the Catholic, classical, artistic, and athletic facets of Donahue Academy’s identity. Today, we take its last, but by no means least, domain of activity: community building. Donahue Academy’s comprehensive educational program forms the whole student in faith, character, artistic sensibility, and athleticism precisely so that the student blossoms into a good citizen of the various societies – small and large – that she or he will be an active participant in.
In a way, the whole enterprise of Donahue Academy rests on what sacred Scripture, sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium teach us about life in communion and the common good. To be precise, the Catechism teaches that: “Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the principle that ‘everyone should look upon his neighbor (without any exception) as ‘another self’’… No legislation could by itself do away with the fears, prejudices, and attitudes of pride and selfishness which obstruct the establishment of truly fraternal societies. Such behavior will cease only through the charity that finds in every man a ‘neighbor,’ a brother. The duty of making oneself a neighbor to others and actively serving them becomes even more urgent when it involves the disadvantaged, in whatever area this may be. ‘As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’ [Matthew 25:40]” (CCC 1931-32)
Thus, each domain of activity not only yields, but also reinforces faith, character, intellectual, artistic, and physical formation, while also attaining citizenship formation. The school, through its myriad offerings, helps students to recognize their culture-making role as active participants in project groups, musical ensembles, drama casts, sport teams, classrooms, the school… Gradually, these spheres of influence radiate outward to encompass one’s parish, town, and, ultimately, broader society. Indeed, Donahue Academy touches and is touched by the many families, friends, benefactors and yet-to-be community members who are drawn by the light of Christ, which emanates from His body, the Church.
We hope you have enjoyed this series about what sets Donahue Academy apart and makes its offering particular within the universal mission of Catholic education. Next week, our students return to school and the school will welcome dozens of new families in an expanded campus. It is our prayer that our community, like “Jerusalem built as a city which is bound firmly together,” (Psalm 122:3 RSVCE) meets this moment as a breath of life from our Lord, who never ceases to draw souls to Himself.
