Over the last few weeks, 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students of the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School participated in the beloved tradition of WITNESS Day. WITNESS Day began two years ago as a day of prayer and community, giving students the chance to enjoy a beautiful day outside and learn about different Witnesses to the Catholic faith. Like many of the school events this year, changes had to be made to make the event safe for all involved. As a result, WITNESS Day became four separate WITNESS Days, split by grade division. The days’ itineraries were altered as well.
Father Daniel Griffin, S.M., ’02, Chaplain of the Latin School, explained, “Normally we would have started the day with the Grandparents Mass and Brunch. And then after the grandparents went home, the students would participate in games and activities with their homerooms. This year we had to limit the program, but we still wanted to give the students a day to get out of the classroom, bond with their homeroom, and spend some time in front of Jesus in the Eucharist.”
The day not only included games but lunch and prayer as well. Father Dan reflected, “I love WITNESS Day because it combines school spirit, love for our faith, and fellowship with classmates, teachers, and Jesus! I remember as a kid always looking forward to Field Day. WITNESS day is Field Day combined with a Retreat Day! It’s a day where we focus on the education of the heart!”
Ryan Papocchia ’25 shared, “I had a very fun WITNESS Day this year, considering all the precautions that needed to be taken. One thing I especially enjoyed was being able to see my friends that aren’t in my cohort. It was such a nice day to get out and enjoy being with one another.”
Tristan Lombardo ’25 added, “I feel that this year’s WITNESS Day was certainly different, but it was such a fun, enjoyable experience. We were able to have a good time while following the guidelines for COVID-19. It gave us a chance to be together and to play games for the first time in over six months.”