b"I terrifying seconds, everything was in motion. Atn the early morning hours of Jan. 17, 1994, MonicaPHOTO: MATT DAYKALarson was awakened suddenly from her sleep.The ground beneath her was shaking violently. For20the time, she was living in the San Fernando Valley,only miles from Chaminade College Preparatory HighSchool, a Marianist school in West Hills, California.The magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake had justunleashed one of the worst natural disasters in the lastquarter-century in the Los Angeles area. The casualtieswere alarming: more than 60 dead, 9,000 injured, and87,000 homes and businesses destroyed. Monica was reeling.To regain her stability, she fled to her parents homein Philadelphia. I was struggling with the emotionaltrauma of the quake, she recalls. I remember lyingin my childhood bedroom and feeling so helpless andunsafe. I couldn't relax.Then, out of nowhere, a sense of peace came overher. It finally dawned on me that if I put my trust inGod, he would never abandon me, she says. Thatnight, my faith became real.Life-altering experiences, moments that rock ourworlds and create openings for spiritual growth, almostalways show up unannounced, like the angel Gabrielinviting us to follow Marys lead. Some arrive as a Monica. The Larsons now have five children. Three Monica Larson at dinner withpersonal crisisour own or a family members. are graduates of Chaminade College Preparatory- her familyOthers show up as a gentle nudge or a new insight. West Hills and the two youngest, Owen, 17, and Opposite page: Students inDramatic or subtle, they require nothing less than Sean, 16, are a senior and junior at the school.the Marianist LIFE programfull surrender: of the ego, the outcome, a long-held While crises can spark an awakening of faith, they gather in prayer at Chaminadeidea oroften hardest of allcontrol. also are moments when a Marianist school community College Preparatory-West Hills.Some students and their parents at Marianist high springs into action. In November, when the Santa Anaschools have heard an invitation to grow spiritually winds came roaring out of the Western desert, bring- Faith is a livingand engage in a dynamic relationship with God. While ing massive fires to the LA region, the Larsons were thing. It keepstheir stories vary greatly, a few common themes run among the families at Chaminade forced to evacuate brushing up againstthrough their experiences. A Catholic upbringing, their homes. Fortunately, for the Larsons, their home life and is tested. girded by Marianist spirituality, is integral to the was spared. It changes us, keepsprocess, they say. The Gospel teachings, the spiritual As a school family, when a crisis happensa death us growing.traditions and the Marianist community form a home in the family, a kid in the hospital or a natural disasterbase, enabling them to face personal challenges whilewe are among the first responders, says BrotherMonica Larson, parent,venturing outward as a pilgrim on lifes journey. Adam Becerra, fsp, director of mission integration Chaminade College Heres a look at peak moments, events and insights and ministry. We go to their homes or the hospital PreparatoryWest Hillsthat have awakened the faith of those students and to see how we can help. By showing up in a crisis,families, and the experiences that continue to inspire we are saying, we love you. Were here for you. them today. Its what families do for one another, and one waythat faith is fostered at our school.Pivotal moments: crises and celebrations Another is through celebrations. Masses and specialMonica was 27 years old when the Northridge earth- feast days. Middle school and high school graduations.quake hit. As young adults, she and her husband, Eric, Sporting events. Musical and theatrical performances.learned a profound lesson. We realized, wow, we All these activities and academics offer moments whenarent in control of everything. It woke us up, says faith and family are forged. marianist.com/donate 11"