Dear Friend,
Take time to be aware that in the very midst
of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient
Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives.
~ Fr. Edward Hays
Fr. Hays, a Roman Catholic priest and prolific writer on
prayer and contemporary spirituality, suggests that perhaps the most intimate
Christmas joy comes not from celebrating a birth that occurred some two
thousand years ago, but rather from experiencing Christ’s rebirth in our own
Bethlehems: our homes, our families, our communities.
The Maria Kaupas Center (MKC) is indeed a little Bethlehem.
In this space Christ is reborn on a daily basis as we introduce Him to the
scholars of Catalyst-Maria School, some of whom are meeting Him for the very first
time. As a Catholic community center, we share with these young people the
beautiful traditions of our Catholic faith and introduce them to the many ways
a relationship with Jesus will improve their lives. In this way, we carry on
the mission of St. Casimir Academy and Maria High School and of the Sisters of
St. Casimir.
As a past supporter of that very same mission, we are asking
you to take a few minutes out of the whirlwind of Christmas activities to learn
about the Maria Kaupas Center; then, after prayerful consideration, we hope you
will choose to support our efforts.
The MKC opened to the students of Catalyst-Maria High School
in September, and in just three short months close to 33% of the students have
become registered members. We have transformed the former convent that sits at
the south end of the school building into a vibrant, colorful space that echoes
with laughter, a place where kids feel safe and valued.
Daily after-school attendance at the Center averages between
30 and 50 students. Each afternoon begins with Daily Reflection, a 15 – 20
minute spiritual exercise in the chapel that touches upon topics as varied as
the traditions of Advent to bullying to a Q-and-A with Christ. The rest of the
afternoon includes the options of scheduled programming, homework, and hanging
out with friends.
Just this month, we have extended our outreach to include
sixth graders by inviting them to participate in either a jewelry-making
entrepreneurship program facilitated by a dedicated volunteer or a sewing service
learning project directed by Sister Elizabeth Ann Yocius, SSC.
We have come far in a short time, but the reality is we have
much work to do, or much work we want to do. We want to offer
sacramental prep classes to younger students, establish a conversational
English class for Spanish-speaking parents, and put in place mentorship
programs pairing Catalyst high school students with college students from University
of Illinois, Chicago and Lewis University. We want to offer community outreach where our
students can teach community members basic computer skills. We are blessed with
an energetic, creative staff that is bursting with ideas for making the MKC a
place the Sisters and the community can be proud of.
Turning these dreams into reality, however, will require
others to invest in our vision. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it
takes a community to create a community center. The Catalyst organization has
been generous to us as have the Sisters of St. Casimir, and we have been
successfully pursuing funding from outside organizations. The United States
Council of Catholic Bishops has officially recognized our mission.
As a past friend of SCA/Maria, we would like to invite you
to join this community of believers - individuals and organizations who trust
that offering the scholars of Catalyst-Maria a safe space defined by faith,
love, and opportunity will reap dividends not only for the young people who
take advantage of it but also for their families, their communities, and
society.
As in so many things, we turn to Mother Maria, foundress of
the Sisters of St. Casimir and namesake of our center to inspire and fortify
us. Her words capture our own conviction
that faith and hope will light our way and guide us to the realization of our
goals:
What will sustain us . . . and
encourage us . . ., if not FAITH in God’s Providence and the HOPE of a better,
brighter future?
Please consider
supporting our little Bethlehem here at 67th and California.
Gratefully,
The MKC Staff and Supporters
P.S. If you are able, please
insert your tax-deductible gift in an envelope and submit to:
Maria Kaupas Center
2740 W 68th Street
Chicago, IL 60629
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MISSION STATEMENT
The
Maria Kaupas Center is a Catholic space where spirituality, community and
leadership merge,
creating
opportunities for people of all faiths to grow and develop as effective
agents of God's love.
The Maria Kaupas Center formally adheres to the
Church teaching and practices
as determined by the Church leadership of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
