World Religions Students Explore Different Faiths
Barb Dawson • March 20, 2025
It was a beautiful day for a field trip!
Every semester, in an effort to increase religious literacy, Montini Catholic's World Religions class visits several houses of worship. On Friday, March 14th the students visited Congregation Etz Chaim Synagogue in Lombard, BAPS Hindu Temple in Bartlett (photo attached) and the Islamic Foundation in Villa Park.
Accompanied by Theology teacher and Assistant Campus Minister, Kelly Davis, the students enjoyed their tours of each location. "We were able to learn more about the religions and experience their prayer firsthand," said Davis. "It was a great opportunity to really see other people's religious ideas, beliefs and practices. Engaging in perspectives and traditions of other religions helps us to make connections to our own faith," she said. "By gaining an understanding of what others believe we can appreciate the differences, but also come to realize the similarities we have." Next week, students will take part in an Interfaith Prayer Service during Belongingness Week at the college preparatory high school.
Montini Catholic's Theology Department exists to help students arrive at a mature, living, and vital faith. The Theology program integrates the message of the Gospel of Jesus with the lifestyle of Montini students, communicates the significance of this message and gives students the tools to make the Gospel of Jesus a living reality in today's world.
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Montini Catholic in Lombard proudly congratulated this year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award recipient from their Class of 2025. The prestigious award was announced on Friday, May 16th, during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Celebration of Excellence Award Ceremony. This year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award went to senior Daniel Sherman . Each year, this esteemed award recognizes a Bronco student who has devoted him/herself to God by working in the Lasallian tradition of serving others and building a heritage of faith in the Montini community. Daniel is a two year member of Montini's Peer Ministry Team - a faith-based team whose Christian mission is to inspire and motivate by example. He also earned his Eagle Scout rank which recognizes those who have a strong record of voluntary service to their community. He is a member of Montini's Lasallian Youth as well as a member of Montini's Student Government Exec Board. Academically, Daniel was most recently recognized as an Academic All Star at Montini's Academic Awards on May 1st. The honor is awarded each year to seniors attaining a 3.95+ GPA during their time as a Bronco student and/or earning Illinois State Scholar status. He is an Illinois State Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor. He is a member of Montini's National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and earned a Commendation Toward Biliteracy Award (Spanish) this year. During his time as a Bronco he enjoyed Chess Club, Math Team and History Club. Athletically, he was a four year team member of both the Cross Country and Track teams, earning Academic All Conference in both all four years. Daniel was also awarded the St. John Baptist de La Salle award during the Celebration of Excellence ceremony. "Daniel is a wonderful example of someone living our Lasallian mission," said Campus Minister Michael Blanchette. "He truly deserves this award as he has shown himself to be a dedicated young man who truly demonstrates dedication, reliability, and a commitment to his education and personal growth." Daniel, a graduate of St. Scholastica School in Woodridge, is headed to University of Wisconsin (Madison) this fall.
On behalf of the Considine Family Memorial Fund , Montini Catholic proudly awarded the 2025 Colleen Helen Considine Memorial Scholarship to senior Lily Spanos. The award, given to a senior who has demonstrated impressive academic and leadership achievements along with creativity and writing talent, was presented on May 1st at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's annual Academic Awards Night, and again, in front of Montini's entire student body, during their Celebration of Excellence Awards ceremony on Friday, May 16th. Lily, who served as President of Montini's Student Government this year, was most recently named an Academic All Star and was awarded the President's Award for Academic Excellence. She is a member of Montini's National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. She also served her fellow students as a Peer Tutor and represented Montini to potential Broncos as a Student Ambassador. Lily also received Montini's St. Pope Paul VI Award for her service to the Bronco community as a member of Peer Ministry and the Gold Academic Medal for her work as President and Exec Board member of Student Government. Athletically, Lily was a two sport athlete (golf and basketball). Her final year on the Girls Basketball Team proved to be her best, as she helped to take the Broncos to a 3A State Championship celebration, earning an All Conference selection and IBCA All State Honorable Mention honor in the process. "We couldn't be more happy for Lily," said Montini Catholic President Kevin Beirne. "From the moment she became a Bronco, she has shown herself to be a true leader with a passion participation. She will be missed here at Montini, but we can't wait to hear about her many successes beyond our doors." At the age of 33, Colleen Helen Considine's life was tragically cut short. In an effort to honor her memory, the Considine family established an annual scholarship for Montini Catholic senior girls exhibiting many of the personality and leadership qualities that Colleen possessed. Colleen's mother, Mrs. Joan Considine, was the English Department chair and faculty member for twenty-eight years at Montini Catholic. In the years prior to her death in 2015, Mrs. Considine chose the recipient of the scholarship each spring based on her experiences as a teacher with her students. Today, students hoping to receive the $2,000 scholarship are asked to submit a written essay describing an event that touched them and inspired them to pursue excellence. Of the applications received this year, Lily's best captured the essence of the award. Since its inception, over thirty talented young Bronco seniors have received this special scholarship. Lily is a graduate of St. Petronille School in Glen Ellyn and a member of St. Petronille Parish. She will be attending Dickinson College in Pennsylvania and pursuing a Business and Management degree. Image above: Lily Spanos with Colleen's niece and nephew, Maryfath Considine '27 and Peter Considine '25
Montini Catholic, on behalf of the Karl Weiger Family, announced the twelfth annual Johnathan Weiger "Johnny Always Wins" Memorial Scholarship recipient, William Howenstein, from the Bronco Class of 2028. William is a graduate of Gregory Middle School, Naperville. William received recognition from the Weiger Family at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony on May 16th. Each year, members of Montini's incoming freshman class are invited to submit an essay in order to be considered for the scholarship. The Weiger Family selects a student displaying high moral character, a deep commitment to their faith, and achieving academic excellence at the grade school level, to receive the scholarship. William will receive a scholarship of $1,000 per year during his four years at Montini Catholic. Johnny Weiger joined Montini's school community for the 2011-12 school year as a member of the Class of 2015. He was also a member of Montini's football team with aspirations to continue his football career at Notre Dame. During Johnny's freshman year, he was diagnosed with leukemia. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant, his leukemia was cured. As Johnny was preparing for his sophomore year, however, he was hospitalized with a rare blood disorder commonly referred to as TTP, which can be caused by a bone marrow transplant. He passed away on November 4, 2012 due to complications from the TTP. Throughout his battle with leukemia and TTP, Johnny displayed the spirit of a champion. He always showed great courage, fight and a deep commitment to his faith." The legacy of Johnny Weiger is celebrated every year at Montini Catholic's annual Johnny Football Game. Fans wear orange to spread awareness for those battling leukemia. Eighth grade students accepted to Montini Catholic (after taking Montini's December 6, 2025 Placement Test) will be invited to submit an application for the 2026-27 Johnny Weiger Memorial Scholarship in January of 2026. Image above: William Howenstein '28 with Karl and Fran Weiger (Johnathan's parents) and Johnathan's sister, Lauren
