Rowing Into the Deep

Schanelle Saldanha

Crusaders Advocate for Social Justice in Washington D.C

From Nov. 4 – 6, eight students traveled to Washington, D.C with religion teacher Sean Fox and Assistant Principal Karen Walker to take part in the 20^th annual Ignatian Family Teach In for Social Justice.

The Ignatian Family Teach In is the largest annual Catholic Social Justice gathering in the United States. Although there were _______ students from across the world attending, everyone arrived with one goal: to educate, network and form advocates for social justice animated through the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Junior Annie Walsh attended the Teach In for the first time. Although she has previously participated in many social justice events, this conference carried a new element for her.

“My first teach in was not like anything that I expected. There were so many people and they were all there for the same thing – helping those who need it most,” Walsh said.

The theme for this year’s conference was “Rowing into the Deep.” This theme was fostered by the ideology that although rowing into new waters can challenge us, it is through that challenge that we move toward a magis, a greater and stronger passion for justice.

 

 

Throughout the weekend, participants had the opportunity to listen to three Keynote Speakers and Six Network Speakers discuss issues on immigration reform and terminating racial bias within the criminal justice system. Senior Kara Schaffnit was one of the attendees and was drawn to one speaker in particular.

“I loved the first Keynote Speaker, Fr. Bryan Massingale. He opened up the conversation to racism, and his talk was hitting many hard points people never like to mention,” Schaffnit said.

While everyone listened to the conference speakers, the most enticing aspect of the weekend were the individualized breakout sessions that allowed students to get more information about specific social injustices.

“I really appreciated the fact that we were able to attend different speakers that we were interested in. Almost all of my speakers were so interesting to listen to,” said Walsh.

After two days of education and discussion, students headed to Capitol Hill to lobby with representatives from the offices of Pennsylvania Senator Toomey and Representative Doyle. They addressed their concerns with the recent DACA termination and reformation within the criminal justice system.

“I love moderating Crusaders for Justice because it provides me the opportunity to see students passionate about social issues and a desire to change the world for the better,” said religion teacher Fox.

As a Jesuit Inspired school, students are instilled with a sense of purpose to “set the world on fire” and see God in all that they think, say and do. Through this conference, they were able to accomplish just that.

“It is very rewarding to put your faith into action, to truly set the world on fire and actually do something about the injustices you see,” said Schaffnit.