- I am reminded of the many ways that my life is touched by the grace of God. Some of these things are long-standing graces. First and foremost are the gift of the love of my family, my friends, and my fellow Marianist religious. Although both of my parents are deceased, I realize that what I am today is a result of their love and guidance. They taught me by both word and example. For this I am thankful not only in 2024 but each day of my life.
- I serve and minister at the University of Dayton. On this past Saturday, we had our winter commencement ceremony. The many graduates receiving their diplomas committed to their faith and to service arouses again gratitude in my heart. There are so many examples of service I could recount. I am hopeful, for example, because of the many students who are committed to stewardship and care for the earth. Through their various projects they manifest the kind of stewardship to which Pope Francis has called our Church and all the world. Also, the commitment to concrete social justice projects in the Dayton area and beyond gives me much hope for the future.
- In recent years, we have become much more aware of the fragile mental health of some of our youth. Again, I could give many examples. One example, is the commitment of Anthony Grant, the UD basketball coach. After Jayda Grant, his daughter, died by suicide in 2022, Anthony and his wife, Chris, announced they planned to “advocate for more comprehensive mental health care and to do all that we can to increase awareness around these issues.” They have sponsored a program these last two years to highlight this issue. I am grateful for them and for all those who are working to care more deeply for our troubled youth.
What brings me hope for 2025 are some of the same things for which I am grateful in 2024.
- The students I serve at the University of Dayton bring me hope. Their commitment to learn, lead, and serve not only while they are at the University but after they move on to another part of their life journey gives me hope. An example is the Mission of Mary Cooperative — a partner for sustainable urban development in the east side of the community of Dayton created by University graduates.
- I am hopeful for the future of the Church as we work to break down barriers between people and as we especially work to empower the laity. Pope Francis exhorted those gathered at World Youth Day in 2023, to build community and break down barriers. The same spirit was part of the recent synod gathering in Rome (an important meeting to plan the future of the church). All were encouraged to listen and to enter into encounter and mission. Lay persons were included in the meeting. In our Marianist institutions, we have lay people who have stepped up boldly to sustain the mission of these institutions. In a culture of contempt that we often experience, the growing commitment to encounter and participation is a sign of hope for me. We may have a long way to go but what gives me hope are the efforts being made to break down barriers between people and to empower the laity in our church.
- The violence and war in our world deeply distress me. But what gives me hope is the desire among many people, especially among the young whom I am privileged to serve, to build a community and a world where the dignity of each person is upheld and respected and all people join in the search for peace, justice, and love.
Rev. James Fitz, S.M. is the Vice President for Mission and Rector for the University of Dayton.
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