"HAVE FAITH IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS," a symposium presented on March 30 at Saint Joseph's University.

The women in these photos are remarkable leaders of Catholic schools in Philadelphia. Their schools provide an alternative for families of limited means who live in troubled neighborhoods. Their schools are among the many in Philadelphia and surrounding communities meriting the commitment of all of us. The women took part in a panel highlighting the efforts of the Gesu Institute calling us all to sustain, support and strengthen our struggling schools.

Welcoming the presenters to Saint Joseph's University were Timothy Lannon, SJ, President, shown here with Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.

Cardinal Rigali and John DiIulio (pictured above with Sister Contance Touey, IHM of Saint Francis de Sales School) of the Fox Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania discussed the work of such Catholic schools. Rigali noted that among the young the love for the poor is one of the most appealing aspects of the Catholic Church. He quoted Paul's Letter to the Galatians where Paul reports his instructions from the Council of Jerusalem: "Be mindful of the poor." (Gal 2:10).

Community Scholars Sophomores at Camden Catholic High School...College Class of 2013

Academic Protege Group at Saint Joseph's University....College Class of 2010

Young Scholars at Gesu School....College Class of 2017

Board Members of Summerbridge of Philadelphia, A Breakthrough Collaborative

(preparing middle and high school students for college. This group finds all the resources to energize the academic interests of over 200 students every year.)

Leadership and volunteers at Gesu School planning session. These men and women plan the future of a school for 450 undeserved children in North Philadelphia.

Whenever I am feeling a little blue, I look at these faces and they encourage me and fill me with a hope for a better world. I am blessed to know these young people and the adults that reach out to them.

Father Venance Ndalichako is from Tanzania and is studying at Saint Joseph's University

Here we are prepared for Mass at the Medical Mission Sisters.

Father Venance studies in preparation for teaching at Saint Augustine's College in Tanzania. He will graduate with a Master's degree in Business and Finance in May.

He preached on the story of the Prodigal Son. And exhorted the congregation to reconciliation.

The story is captivating and moves especially men in any congregation who think about their fathers and their brothers, too, if they have any.

There was a light snow falling when I took this in February

Check out the blue sky!

More winter weather.

This photo is in the midst of the coldest spell of the winter.

Last Saturday I thought we had broken through to spring. Not so.

The winter walks to Merion Park are fine enough but we need a little more color in our lives. In fact I need to get out on the track and prepare for a spring fun run or two.