Patrick Lillis, DDS, is a CEF Board member and founder of Overland Park Dental Design
Every year we gather in October to celebrate the gift of Catholic education, and year after year I am continually moved by the experience of Gaudeamus. This year’s celebration again proved to be a wonderful and memorable evening, and I found myself pondering the great blessings CEF bestows on everyone involved from the families who receive scholarships and financial assistance to the people who choose to give their time, talent, and treasure to such a worthy cause. “For it is in giving that we receive” is indeed true when you are a part of CEF.
Over the last year and half I have had the privilege of serving on the CEF executive board, and I feel like I have received infinitely more than I have given. Board meetings are usually at one of our CEF schools. We are greeted by the principal and given a tour of the facility. As we walk through each school, we meet and talk with students, teachers, and parents. I have noticed a common theme on these tours… smiles. Maybe being a dentist makes me more aware of smiles, but not in the way you would think. I am continually struck by the pure joy and gratitude reflected in the smiles. I can feel the presence of Christ in the warmth of these smiles. The Holy Spirit is truly present in these schools.
I saw that same joy the night of Gaudeamus… in the amazing Bishop Ward student who spoke so eloquently, in her proud family as they watched her speak, in the Catholic school teachers who gathered on stage together, and in the Angels Among Us Honorees who clearly treasure their experience being a part of CEF.
All of us gathering together at Gaudeamus reminds me of what our mission really is about as Christians, as Catholics, and as CEF supporters- to help each other get to heaven. Can you think of anything more important? I can’t… and that makes me smile.
