This local Catholic high school wants everyone – especially its students – to get along.
St. Raymond High School for Boys in Parkchester has made its theme for this school year the “Year of Respect.”
It will be incorporating everything from Jewish-Christian relations to the effects of bullying, in lessons in its various departments.
Students will be getting the lessons largely thanks to Christian Brother Richard Lalime, who attended a workshop this summer on Catholic-Jewish relations.
The weekend gathering by the Anti-Defamation League brought together 20 educators from New York City July 30-August 1 for the intensive program at St. Ignatius Jesuit Retreat house in Manhasset, L.I.
Workshop topics included the Holocaust, anti-Semitism and contemporary issues of Catholic-Jewish relations, such as diversity, prejudice and bigotry.
“This was truly an invaluable experience as a religion teacher, and as a human being,” said Br. Richard. “The weekend was truly inspiring.”
Besides discussing the topics in his freshman religion classes, he said they will also find an equally important place for students being shared in St. Raymond’s History, Religion and Psychology departments.
“While the emphasis at the Anti-Defamation program was on the Holocaust and anti-Semitism, that can easily be applied to bullying and stereotyping,” said Br. Richard.
The next phase of the Anti-Defamation League’s Bearing Witness program will offer educators across the nation the opportunity to travel to Israel.
That program will include discussions on various issues with scholars there, as well as visits to a number of sites sacred to both Jews and Christians.
Br. Richard said he’s more than eager to apply for the program.
“If I am accepted,” he said, “I’m hoping to immerse myself totally in the Holy Land.”
Kirsten Sanchez can be reach via e-mail at ksanchez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3394
