DEAD THEOLOGIANS SOCIETY
THE SAINTS OF TOMORROW
Living out Saint Paul's call to be "dead to the world; alive in Christ"
by Mr. Benjamin Russo (adapted from an article by Eric Bui)
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DEAD THEOLOGIANS SOCIETY
Many teenage Catholics have learned almost nothing about saints
For Catholics, seeking the intercession of the communion of saints is a key facet of our faith. However many students know only a handful of saints. As our theology classrooms have shifted towards more philosophical and doctrinal foci, there is less time to discuss St. Joseph of Cupertino, or St Therese of the Little Flower, or St. Maximillian Kolbe. While students may experience a snippet on a saint's feast on the calendar during the Thought for the Day, they are not building a deep connection and learning from these saints' lives.
SO HOW DOES ONE ADDRESS SUCH AN ISSUE?
Each Wednesday night, students from Archbishop Shaw and the Academy of Our Lady can be found in a dim room, untouched by artificial light from cell phones or Chromebook screens, celebrating fellowship and faith. Moderated by the Director of Student Activities, Mr. Benjamin Russo, the Dead Theologians Society celebrates the very essence of sainthood. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., students gather outside Don Bosco Hall for a half hour of games and snacks, and then move to a candle-lit room to hear about the life of a saint, presented by a faculty member or student. The presentation focuses not just on who they were and what they did, but on how we can learn from their example to live a holy life in the modern world.
The pinnacle of the night comes in the form of Eucharistic Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. For many students, being with friends in the presence of Christ in the middle of the week makes everything just a little better.
Since the first meeting of the society, membership has grown steadily. Members are easily identified by DTS hoodies, representing a bond between the modern style of today’s youth and the religious habits of orders within the historical Church.
For a fun, faith-filled time, join DTS on Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m to be inspired, not only to learn about the saints of yesteryear but to become a saint of tomorrow.
Mr. Benjamin Russo grew up as the fourth of six children in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Dallas and earned his Masters in Education from the University of Notre Dame. This is his tenth year teaching at Archbishop Shaw where he serves as Director of Student Activities and Science Department Chair.
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