I’m returning to Bishop Maginn today, the first time since late winter. Maria and  Zinnia are coming with me. We are buying lunch for Mike Tolan (Principal), Sue Silverstein (Theology and Art teacher,  and Christine Cioffi (School Secretary.

I   ordered  Thai food for everyone and it will be delivered to the school at noon. These three are exhausted, these months have been a grinding ordeal for them as they struggled to set up an online teaching program and offer alternative graduation.

We will sit at a table in Mike Tolan’s office, and I am eager to toast these people for the living and heroic work they have done on behalf of their students.

I was gently asked not to come, the school feared for my health and safety.

I am so glad they turned to us for some help. We bought a disinfectant fogger for the school, laptops for the students who needed them, and pens, sashes, key chains,  baseball caps, lawn signs,   books, pens, and candy jars for the students.

We also bought some plexiglass and safety signs and posters required by state officials.

In addition, we raised $20,000 worth of Price Chopper gift cards for the families who lost their jobs and benefits after the Pandemic struck and were struggling to buy food.

So today is a celebration all around, I’m celebrating my return to the school with Zinnia, and honoring the remarkable staff who have worn themselves to the nub caring for their students and putting together a graduation ceremony that will be fulfilling and memorable.

I am so proud of the work we did and grateful to the Army Of Good.

The school is planning to re-open in the Fall, and Zinnia and I will be there, she will resume her therapy work at the high school.

I am mindful that the coronavirus is still with us – I am in the high-risk categories – and will wear a mask, keep my distance – and bring a sanitizer.

I believe in a thoughtful re-opening, we couldn’t go on that way for too long. But I don’t want to be foolish about it either. I am excited to be seeing these people again, they are my friends and we are taking a great journey together.

Today, the journey continues and moves onto another chapter.