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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This month, Montini Catholic's Band is celebrating a National Champion (Class A) title in the National Catholic Band Association's national band competition. "We are incredibly proud," said the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Music Director Donnie Glowinski. "This is the first time in school history that Montini Catholic has earned this title." Each year, Catholic high schools from across the country are invited to submit performance recordings to be adjudicated by a panel of expert judges. "This prestigious honor is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our student musicians. Their commitment to excellence has brought great pride to our school community," added Glowinski. "Every year, we work on becoming better musicians, and every year, the band rises to the challenge. I am so unbelievably proud of the work this group has done this year and everything they have accomplished. I am really looking forward to the future to see what these students will be able to do!" In the summer of 1953 a small group of concerned band directors, led by Director of Bands Robert F. O’Brien, met on the campus of the University of Notre Dame to discuss the Catholic School Band, its particular problems, and what might be done to further its development. Fr. Theodore Hesburgh Notre Dame President, gave the welcome speech. Mr. O’Brien then proposed goals for the organization and the NCBA was born. Today, NCBA's office is located at Villanova University Office of Music Activities. The NCBA recognizes the value of music within the Catholic school community. Their mission is to establish high musical, educational and ethical standards in Catholic schools' band programs. Image Above: Montini Catholic band members front row l to r: Olivia Marin, Kayli Gergen, Maggie Cyze, Miranda Meier, Sarah Gudmundson, Camile Arnold and Abby Milas; Second row: Roberto Williamson, Margaret Palkoner, Chris Reyes, Michael Patacsil, Maddy Aguilar, Lailah Stubblefield, Simon Poulin, Raphael Patacsil, Mason Maldonado, Cristian Alcantara, Kevin Barrett and Andrew Shin; Back row: Colin Murray, Tyler Whitlock, EJ Schicker, Lucas Van Witzenburg and Oghosa Idemudia Not pictured: Julia Gergen and Eric Hu
