Celebrating Faith and Generosity

Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory (CMCP), Hollywood, FL, gathered for its second Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service, giving thanks to God through the prayer service. At the end of the service, the CMCP Girls Volleyball team presented the proceeds from the 16th Annual Cares Volleyball Invitational, held on September 19 and 20, 2025, to Holy Cross Hospital in support of breast cancer research and care. 

Goal #3 of the Marianist Family Encounters Project states that we will listen and educate in Faith. Goal #1 of the Marianist Family Encounter Project states that we will promote Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation. Goal # 5 states that we will empower through Family Spirit.  

On Friday, November 21, 2025, Chaminade-Madonna students, faculty, and staff gathered for our 2^nd Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service.  

This interfaith tradition celebrates our diverse school community. The service was led by Fr. Robert Bouffier, S.M. (CMCP School Chaplain), Rev. Anne Flynn (Episcopalian Deacon, Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania), Rabbi Arielle Shimko (Miami Jewish Health), and Darrin Smith (Chaplain for Athletes in Action). Each minister gave a short reflection on how their faith tradition offers thanks for the blessings God has bestowed on us.  

Our school choir opened the service by singing “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart.” We listened to readings from each minister, followed by a brief reflection on their passage and the meaning of Thanksgiving within their faith tradition. We also had the privilege of hearing one of our students read the Shema in Hebrew. 

At the end of the prayer service, the Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory Girls Volleyball team, with Mr. Jason Johnson, Coach for the women’s volleyball team, and Ms. Caytie Lagrange, Women’s Athletic Director, proudly presented a $6,000 check to Holy Cross Hospital, designated to the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center. Brittany Henson, Holy Cross Health Development Officer, and Jorge Gitler, Executive Director of the Michael and Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center, accepted our donation with grateful hearts.  

The donation represents the proceeds from the 16th Annual Cares Volleyball Invitational, held on September 19 and 20, 2025. Each year, this long-standing tradition brings together local school communities to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and care. This contribution will help provide critical resources for patients and families in South Florida, including advanced diagnostic testing, clinical trials, and treatment. 

Over the past 16 years, our Lions have donated more than $58,000 to Holy Cross Hospital! The CM Cares Volleyball Invitational continues to be a powerful example of Chaminade-Madonna's commitment to service in a family spirit. The Chaminade-Madonna community looks forward to building on this year’s tournament success and continuing to make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer. 

The blending of these two events highlights the goals stated in the Marianist Family Encounters Project. 

Update sent by Bro. Jack Ventura, SM, 

Ministry Lead, Marianist Encounters, 

Director of Mission Integration, 

Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, Hollywood, FL