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.
This week, we begin the Year of Parents in the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
The Maria Kaupas Center will be celebrating with some service learning (at Nativity Early Childhood Center) later on this week. Be sure to check back for updates!
Our students were asked about the Blessing-- after viewing the video, read these awesome quotes from students who participated--
"The blessing was great for me because I feel
special and I feel like we should do this more often"
"When the blessing occurred seeing all the Sisters
in the chapel reminded me of how the sisters told the chapel so many
secrets. It felt good."
"Always try new things. Seek wisdom and be creative. Always believe in yourself and others."
"An image I saw was like in 10 years everyone who
comes to the MKC and how they are doing."
"I belonged"
"I liked everything about the peace circle
yesterday. It was very organized and
went well."
"It was great, it was my first time experiencing
something like that."
"I always feel safe in the MKC. The blessing made me feel special."
"I could feel God through Temara's dance"
"My image is a comfortable place"
"I enjoyed the food.
I enjoyed the blessing and all of the praying and conversations"
"I thought the blessing was nice and the message
from the priest. The church is somewhere
we come to talk to God or friends if we need to..."
"The blessing gave a chance for everyone to praise
God"
"I like it that God likes boppers"
"The blessing was very good because I like to see
everybody happy and that the sisters were there too. I will like to be at all the blessings that
we have."
"Meals from the Heart" is a program hosted by the Ronald McDonald House charities. Volunteers come, provide groceries, and prepare a meal for families staying at the house.
For information on this volunteering opportunity, please visit the Ronald McDonald "Meals from the Heart" page.
Here are some photos from our day at Ronald McDonald House in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood.
Our MKC leaders did an amazing job-- and made a difference for the families they served. With direction and help from three adult volunteers, the Team Leaders prepared a brunch for 30 people!
Before we were finished preparing the food, the girls asked if we could come back and do it again soon.
While many celebrate Dr.King's memory of January 20th, many are unaware that today, January 15th is his birthday. If Dr.King were alive today, he would be turning 85 years old.
While he, himself, has left us-- his spirit, work, and legacy live on to guide the future of the world.
The Maria Kaupas Center salutes you, Dr.King. So much of your work is present in our every day.
Pictured, teen leader with Ms.Mel Joy and her Dorcas Project partcipants
Yesterday was the first day back in session for our teens here at the Maria Kaupas Center. With two added cold weather advisories, the students got a break a little bit longer than they'd expected!
We were so excited to see them back yesterday--we could hardly contain our excitement! This sentiment was not lost on the teens. They arrived at 4:00 and were full of happiness, energy, and a renewed sense of optimism.
During Reflection we talked about two positive things everyone did over break.
Many of their shared experiences were simple. Our teens were excited to do things like--
"I got to spend quality time with my dad"
"I went to a movie with my friends."
"I cooked with my brother."
"I hung out with my cousins."
"I slept a lot."
"We bopped every day!"
Simple, right? Nothing too extravagant-- but this is an important note. Teens today face stresses and hardships unknown to the generations previous. While we can empathize, we cannot truly understand what it is to be a teen today. A simple day of stress-free relaxation is what is needed, now and again.
The Maria Kaupas Center aims to be that centering place, that homing beacon. Teens came come after a rigorous day of academics, and just, unwind. There is no mandatory participation here. You are always welcome, and participate as you are able. While everyone attends Reflection every day, the teens are free to seek homework help, play games, watch movies, do puzzles, draw, paint, or any other safe activity that can help them center themselves after a hectic day of navigating emotional and physical growth.
It was so awesome to see their bright, refreshed smiles.
We hope that everyday the time they spend with us will contribute to a more positive worldview, overall.
In turn, we also hope it leads to many days with those same bright smiles.
