Washington: The Family Spirit at DBCR

By Fr. Lou Molinelli, SDB

(Takoma Park, MD – November 9) – The bell rings at 7:40 a.m. EST as the students make their way each morning to Savio Hall at Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School (DBCR). The school day is about to begin with the morning convocation. At 7:45 a.m. EST, one of the student leaders calls for silence as the attendance for each house is taken and reported. For those houses with perfect attendance, the community gives a cheer and applause. The pledge of allegiance follows. A student leader then reads the mission statement to remind the community of who we are and hope to be.

The playground then opens up as student leaders and each of the 12 houses participate in a community-building moment of games and activities. From being quiet and somber, the community becomes joyous and alive! One day, it is a game of musical chairs. Another day, students and assistants are dressed according to a theme for the week. Maybe it's a Central or South American dance!

Following the playground, our parish becomes central. The Gospel for the day is proclaimed by a student leader followed by the “good morning” from someone from the educative pastoral community (EPC). The "good mornings” revolve around a weekly theme like gentleness, kindness, hope, or acceptance. Intercessions and a spontaneous prayer conclude this section of convocation.

The final part of the convocation is announcements from the administration, student groups, youth ministry, etc. We conclude the convocation with the saying of St. Francis de Sales: “Be who you are and be it well!”

Each day, one class is not present but heads off to their work. The director, Fr. Lou Molinelli, sends them a prayer by email which is either a videoclip or in writing. As they check in with the corporate work study team, they are given a virtual blessing.

All in all, the convocation at Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School is the lived experience of the Oratory which carries the educative pastoral community through the day as a family.