Our Lady of the Angels Academy - Angelican Yearbook (Enfield, CT)

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Prologue We are America’s youth. The year 1968 has been a chapter in our growth, one filled with progress, struggle, and an increasing awareness of the world around us. The rapid pace of the Atomic Age has not allowed us to sit back and relax, but to become involved and prepared to face society. The world which we will inherit is vastly different from that which our parents faced; there is a growing awareness that involvement is a necessary part of our daily lives. The advancements that have been made are only a beginning. We hold the future in our hands; whether it brings war or peace, we are responsible for molding it for our children. It is our participation and experience in today’s world that will one day aid us in serving as leaders. Indeed, 1968 has been a year of events and awakenings which have broadened our intellectual horizons. The megaversity has been the latest innovation in higher education. Institutions, com¬ posed of undergraduate colleges, graduate schools, and research centers are scattered throughout the country, closed-circuit television rapidly replacing the teacher. The stand¬ ard grading system has been widely abolished, and students may now work at their own pace. Despite problems accompanying these innovations, the field of education has taken great strides in development. Man’s interest has broadened to include not only the shrinking world but also the reaches of space. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is spending more than one hundred million dollars to improve the first manned Apollo flight, still a goal of the future. An increasing number of satellites, rockets, and experimental aircraft fore shadow “traffic jams” in the ionospere. The Soviet Union and the United States remain contenders for first place in the space contest. An unfortunate result of technological advancements has been the tendency to forget the importance of God. A recent theory proposed propagates the “death of God”. The phrase “God is Dead”, introduced by Friedrick Nietzsche in 1882, has propounded a new, controversial philosophy, preached by such theologians as Paul Van Buren, Thomas Altizer, Gabriel Vahanim, and William Hamilton. The relatively small number of disci¬ ples of this movement, rejecting the world’s idea of the Creator, have chosen a radical approach to redefine the concept of God. As a result of Vatican II, the Liturgy has taken on a more personal meaning, especially to youth. The birth of the folk Mass, with its guitars and appropriate folk songs, as well as community Masses celebrated in the home, are a testimony to the sincerity and the enthusiasm of today’s worshippers. The numerous changes in the Mass itself allow for more active participation by the people, and ecumenical services have increased the feeling of unity among the different religions. The growing rapport among the churches, however, has not yet influenced interracial relations. The anger within urban ghettos that boils over into destructive riots has brought foreboding among both whites and blacks that the American society could be sliding toward a violent racial showdown. The problems of the American Negro are closely linked with other major United States issues: the population shift to the cities, the growth of urban rot, and the instability of economy in the wake of rapid technological changes. The present generation of Americans, attempting to end these crises, sees the “American dream” as a nightmare to persecute minority groups. The untimely assassi¬ nation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Crusader of nonviolence, brought with it the realiza¬ tion that complacency was no longer a solution to the problem. Coupled with the strife between the races, the war in Vietnam also illustrates man’s unsuccessful struggle for peace. It is the most divisive war the United States has ever fought in, with large segments of the academic and intellectual community arguing its merits. The courage and hope of the young men who are fighting, and of those who have already given their lives is a testimony to the faith that mankind may some day live in peace. 1968 has been a memorable year—one of progress, but seasoned with turmoil. We

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Our brothers... plucked from the dreams of youth... and cast into reality, into the hell of war. Searching O for meaning in the cruel and bloody battles of men. Captured in spirit- imprisoned in flesh. the ideal of freedom they stand sanguine in the jungles of Viet Nam, considering not themselves but mankind. Surrendering their youth, souls and lives. They are concerned.

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have witnessed fruitful endeavors for peace and regressive battles of war. This year has thrust us, America’s youth, out of our glass houses and into the real world. Space explo¬ ration, ecumenism, and poverty, and rioting have made us more aware of our moral and social obligation, and have sparked the fire of concern to a true burning flame. Unde¬ niably, this year has marked a great step in our development as members of society. This was 1968.