Fr. Martin Shaughnessy, S.J. to speak at Fairfield Prep Graduation

Fairfield Prep is pleased to welcome back Rev. Martin G. Shaughnessy, S.J., as the featured speaker at the 71st Commencement Exercises to be held on June 2, 2013, in Alumni Hall. Fr. “Marty” Shaughnessy served as a theology teacher at Prep for 42 years, until his recent assignment in 2010 to Boston College High School as Minister of the Jesuit Community. During his time at Prep, he became a living legend, utilizing his intelligence, oratorical prowess, and humor to teach and engage young men in theology class. Fr. Shaughnessy has influenced thousands of students passing through the halls of Fairfield Prep, and the graduating Class of 2013 was the last Prep class to experience him as a teacher during their freshman year. At Fairfield Prep, Fr. Shaughnessy was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1985, served as chaplain to both the football team and wrestling teams, and moderated several clubs including the Senior Key Club, Current Events Club and Weather Club. In 2011, Prep instituted the annual Rev. Martin G. Shaughnessy S.J., Ignatian Educator of the Year Award in his namesake, which is awarded to a Prep staff member who demonstrates the highest qualities of an educator following the Jesuit mission, ideals and teaching tenets. He assisted in the spiritual ministry at Prep, and also worked within the Diocese of Bridgeport training catechists and providing pastoral ministry in parishes. He spent much time serving at Notre Dame Parish in Easton, where he celebrated the Children’s Masses regularly and helped in the formation of catechetical teachers.