During the Advisory mod on Thursday, January 7, Principal Tom Durkin addressed the John Carroll community regarding Wednesday’s events at the Capitol in Washington, D.C.  After beginning with a prayer, Principal Durkin offered the following remarks:

I would like to address my comments directly to our students.

Students, please know that it is normal to be upset and concerned by what we witnessed yesterday. Please know that our counselors, advisors, teachers, coaches, and all adults are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please talk to your parents about how you feel because your feelings have legitimacy.

Yesterday, we witnessed disturbing acts of violence in our nation’s capitol. We as a community must condemn all acts and actors of violence. This isn’t about blue or red, democrat or republican: it is about right and wrong, and we must always choose what is right. It is about fundamental human decency and civility. The very foundation of our Catholic beliefs teaches us that peace must and will always triumph over violence. The greatest tragedy yesterday was that there was loss of life. There are family members today mourning the loss of their loved ones.

But remember this: yesterday’s violence did not triumph – violence never does. When your children are in school and they study history, they will learn about January 6, 2021 as a day of infamy. But you make sure to tell your children that on January 7, 2021, the sun rose again, our legislative bodies came back to work, and they completed their constitutional requirements.  In short, our democracy survived, and our system of government continued its work. Tell them that we gathered as a community to condemn violence and embrace peace.

Allow to me to conclude with words from an email I received from a current parent. He wrote, “The ethical behavior that will guide the lives of our children, and ourselves, should adhere to the following:

1. Do no harm.
2. Contribute to the betterment of others.
3. Consider how I want to be remembered at the end of my life.
4. Act the way I want others to act towards me.
5. Admit my mistakes and move on.”

Wise words

May God bless all our students, parents, teachers, and staff.  God’s love, as always, will carry us forward.

Thank you.