I would like to tender my apology to the entire junior class who attended the JPW brunch this weekend. Through a misunderstanding on my part, I arrived too late to offer the invocation that I had been invited to give. I consider it a great honor to have been invited. It was an inexcusable oversight to arrive late, for which I apologize, particularly to Anne Reser and Zach Reuvers, who worked hard to make the weekend and the brunch a lovely, successful event. I thank University President Fr. John Jenkins for graciously stepping in to fill the gap much more ably than I could ever do. Nonetheless, I herein offer my unread, but heartfelt prayer for the juniors and their parents:
Gracious God, we are grateful for the presence of these loving parents who came to share in and experience our community of learning and faith at Our Lady's University this weekend. We who are blessed to walk alongside their children in their journey of faith seeking understanding thank them for their sacrifices and their trust in us to lead them along the paths of scholarship and love of God and his Son, Jesus Christ. May we continue to be true to our mission to foster in the young people in our care the disciplined habits of mind, body and spirit that characterize educated, skilled and free human beings. Let us live in peace, speak the truth, give thanks each day. Let us respect the earth and her creatures, live simply and be of service to others. Let us be guided by our faith and not our fear. Let us go lightly on our paths, walking in the way of God.
Ava Preacher
Assistant Dean
Office of Undergraduate Studies
Feb. 21
