Newest Class of Knights Look Ahead To Bright Future at CM
The Class of 2022 prepares itself to grow into men of faith and character after CM's Freshmen Experience Retreat.
West Roxbury, Mass.— Catholic Memorial School’s Class of 2022 ended their Freshman Experience Retreat with a final gesture on Wednesday afternoon. Over 125 freshmen left envelopes in the Ronald S. Perry Gymnasium, not expecting to read their self-authored letters until their graduation day.
When freshmen begin classes at CM next week, they will expect the hopes and fears expressed in those letters to surprise them in four year’s time.
When freshmen begin classes at CM next week, they will expect the hopes and fears expressed in those letters to surprise them in four year’s time.
“The decisions that you make, the classes that you take, and the work that you’re going to put in will take you closer to, or further away from, who you’re supposed to be,” said President Peter Folan at the retreat’s closing ceremony.
“The agency, the ability to choose, that is yours and it requires that you begin to see life with new fresh eyes.”
Through team-building exercises and small-group conversations, CM’s Peer Ministry program provided the freshmen with skills and advice that will help guide them over the next four years.
On the first day of the retreat, senior football captain Lucas Folan left practice early and explained his own growth as a Knight. He told the incoming freshmen about how the faculty empowered him to choose his own path at CM. This allowed him to grow into a man of faith and character during a formative time of his life.
“I will always keep on working to be the best version of myself,” said Lucas.
"It doesn’t matter what happens. I know that I always be there for the people who were there for me. I hope through this, you’ll learn how special CM can be if you immerse yourself and open up to the community.”
Freshmen took the first step in building trust in their community when they put their phones away for 24 hours on Tuesday. They bonded early during a ropes course at the Hale Reservation in Westwood, MA.
Putting their bond to the test, the freshmen teamed up to beat their senior group leaders in dodgeball—a nice start to their CM careers. Before bed, students gathered in the Perry Gymnasium for a viewing of Remember the Titans.
On Wednesday morning, the freshmen continued building trust when they traveled to the Blue Hills Reservation. Freshmen hiked the hills alongside their senior leaders. Amid the herd of students, a red and white “CM” flag cut through the heavy humidity. The flag passed through the ranks of upperclassmen and freshmen amidst its ascent.
Apart from brush and boulders, the sun added another obstacle. Every step up the hill felt more challenging. However, the students stayed present with one another.
They passed the flag amongst themselves and kept spirits high. An opening greeted the students 30 minutes later. The horizon displayed a familiar sight across the summit’s open field. Boston spilled across an uneven landscape below. Charging into the clearing, the boys celebrated with a rendition of the CM fight song and held the flag higher.
When the group returned to campus, senior Ben Chipman introduced the freshmen to the dozens of opportunities waiting for them at CM. Ben and the seniors hosted a student activity fair in the Kennedy Commons that gave freshmen a chance to sign-up for clubs and teams ranging from a cappella to rugby.
The fair put the finishing touches on the busy 24-hour retreat.
"For those you who are new to CM, you have this opportunity to try new things and pursue interests that you may not have had in the past,” said Chipman.
“If you’re scared of stepping out of your comfort zone, don’t be. What is unique about the environment at CM is the sense of brotherhood that comes with being a CM Knight.”
Become a Man of Action at Catholic Memorial
CM prepares students for the rigors of college and beyond. While here, boys embark on service-learning opportunities, leadership development, and character formation programs inspiring them to become confident, courageous young men motivated to do good in the world.
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Catholic Memorial
Catholic Memorial
235 Baker StreetWest Roxbury, MA 02132P. (617) 469-8000F. (617) 977-5689
About Us
Catholic Memorial, the Christian Brothers School of Boston, prepares boys for college, manhood and a world full of unknown challenges, ambiguity and complex problems and the importance of relationships.
