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21.7.10

July 2010

Thanks to the following families who helped recently:
• For sponsoring the Baseball Award Ceremony Reception: Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Aaker, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Chavez, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Le.
• For taking photos during graduation: Mr. Rick Belcher, Mr. Brian Tran.
• For helping with the Parent Bucket Brigade: Chavez Family, LeMire Family, Hanson Family, Lakomy Family, Lim Family, Schardt Family, Schroeder Family, Wheatly Family.
• For helping the book return: Mrs. Jennifer Bonello.
• For coordinating the annual cleaning of the school library: Mrs. Cathy Porretta.
• For hosting guests of the school: Mr. and Mrs. Matt Holke, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Porretta.
• For volunteering at summer camp: Mr. Jonathan Bonello, Mr. Michael Martin, and Mr. Marco Saglietto.

The Year in Review

There is no better way to review the successes of 2009-2010 than by looking at the school year from the vantage point of faith, academics, character.

Faith
While classified as being one of the nation’s 50 best Catholic educators, when it comes to Faith, we are in a class by ourselves. We continue to stand out among our peers with the number of daily opportunities students have to participate in the Holy Sacraments. One junior entered the Church; his sponsor was a classmate. One of our seniors took a step to discern a vocation to monastic life. An alumnus is making his final profession with a missionary group in Brazil. When alumni returned to school they are found in the church praying or going to confession.

Academics
By customizing each student’s education, 40% of the classes consisted of five or fewer students; 64% consisted of ten or fewer students. Latin classes wrote and performed a play in authentic Latin. Fourteen students took advanced placement exams in five subjects. All the students who sat for Calculus and Biology earned the highest possible score. St. Michael’s students outperformed their peers on the ACT and the SAT. The 13 graduates in the class of 2010 received 30 college acceptances and 20 different financial awards.

Character
The Senior Reflections are a wonderful resource for reading in the seniors own words how they have matured. One can read these reflections on the June 6th edition of this online newsletter. Students learned the importance of serving others by serving meals to the homeless, assisting disabled adults, and befriending visually-impaired children. A 2009 graduate was able to graduate from St. Michael’s because a benefactor underwrote his expenses. When his younger brother attended St. Michael’s, half of his expenses were paid by the older brother who, while attending a community college, worked a part time job.

For one school year, this is a whole lot of success.


Fourth Quarter Honor Roll, 2009-2010
First Honors (94% and Above)

Joshua Aaker
Jonathan Bonello
Brendan Bowe
Matthew Brooks
Nicholas Cannizzaro
Adrian Chavez
Esteban Gonzalez
Peter Goodwin
Michael Haeuser
Nicholas Hanson
Luke Holbach
Jacob Holke
James Howard
Marc LeMire
Edward Lim
Spencer Manson
Don Nguyen
Joseph Porretta
Ricky Ruiz
Marco Saglietto
Brian Schardt
Scott Schardt
David Suh
Joseph Terlisner
James Tran
John Tran

Second Honors (88% - 93%)

Jay Hipolito
Alan Le
Thomas Nguyen
Hieu Pham
Daniel Lim
Michael Martin
Anthony Guerra
Conrad Lakomy
Michael Porretta
Tuyen Vu


Advanced Placement Summary of Results
14 students took 22 exams in 5 subjects. 82% of tests taken are 3-or-higher.


Student Leadership, 2010-2011

Roomleaders
 Josh Aaker
 Jonathan Bonello
 Jacob Holke
 James Howard
 Daniel Murphy-Dimen
 Christopher Nguyen
 Don Nguyen
 Hieu Pham
 Marco Sagletto
 Charles Sandoval
 Brian Schardt
 Joseph Terlisner
 Vitalyi Tractenberg
 James Tran

Student Government
 Student body president: Jonathan Bonello
 Vice president: Christopher Nguyen
 Senior class president: Nicholas Hanson
 Junior class president: Brian Schardt
 Sophomore class president: Tuyen Vu


Weekly Homily by, Fr. Chrysostom Baer, O.Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Chrysostom teaches Greek

Here at St. Michael’s Prep School, the best high school in the whole world, we have a graduate named Angel; and he has little brother Mongo, who’s still a student. Their dad is a real life hero: a firefighter. He saves people’s lives and homes by facing the natural power of fire, keeping natural disaster from becoming personal tragedy. But do you think he’s so stupid as to enter blazing infernos in shorts and a t-shirt? Of course not. He puts on special fireproof jacket and pants as well as a helmet. If he didn’t, he’d be burned to a crisp by the very fire he’s trying to fight.

In much the same way, each of us has to save our lives from the eternal fires of hell. Does anyone here want to go there? Neither do I. But unless we protect ourselves, we will be burned forever by the very fires of the enemy we’re battling against.

Fr. Alphonsus mentioned yesterday that Mary is our spiritual mother. She showed God’s love to God by showing it to her Son, Jesus Christ. Since each of us is another Christ through baptism, she continues to show God’s love to God by showing it to us. And the love of God she shows us through wearing the brown scapular is that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” And His desire is that we be saved through His Mother’s prayers and protection.

Today you will receive the brown scapular from Fr. Patrick, who will then enroll you in the confraternity of the brown scapular. From then on, if you wear the brown scapular faithfully in devotion to the Blessed Mother, then when you die you have the promise of our Lady that she will obtain for you the grace of final repentance and perseverance in God’s grace, which is to say that you will not suffer those eternal fires of hell. The scapular is your fireproof jacket. Wear it, and you won’t get burned.

In publishing this homily, we hope to share a portion of the spiritual treasure by which the students are enriched every day. However, this homily may not be reproduced by the parents or friends of St. Michael’s without written permission of the author.


Prayer Requests
• Mrs. Delores Hasset, godmother of Mrs. Debbi Holke, who is suffering from cancer
• Mrs. Maureen Mitchell, aunt of Mrs. Debbi Holke, who is suffering from cancer
• St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them
• Those who suffer in the current economic crisis
• Those who are in the armed forces.
Repose of the soul of Fr. Hubert Szanto.

25.6.10

For the week of June 6, 2010

We offer our readers the individual reflections of our graduates as they review their many experiences at St. Michael’s Prep which gave shape to their character, depth to their faith, and strength to their understanding.

Jose Esteban Gonzalez
At my first Mass here I asked myself, “What am I doing here?” I knew God had sent me here and that He wanted the best for me. In the beginning I had a difficult time because my English wasn’t good. My brother Bobby, my cousin Ricky, friends and classmates were there to help me. I have met so many people who have become a second family to me while I have been at this school. They have all helped me with my English, my academics, and with my Catholic Faith.

Before I attended St. Michael’s, I prayed very little and never went to Mass. I lived next to a church in Mexico, but I wasn’t close to God. I sinned a lot and had a bad attitude. I never touched the Bible at all! St. Michael’s changed me, especially when I entered ethics class with Fr. Victor and fr. Benedict. I am glad that I have come closer to God. I enjoy reading from the Bible now!

Coming to this school wasn’t easy. I could have stayed in Mexico with my family and friends, but I am happy I came here. It was a great experience to attend Holy Hour and Mass every day, working out every day, and to
have such amazing teachers. I am happy I was obedient to my parents because they made the right choice.

Being here helped me appreciate everything I have. I have become more appreciative of my family and more independent as well. I do my own laundry and I take care of myself rather than needing someone else to do these deeds for me. I remember once in Holy Hour I was reading Ch. 12:1 from the book of Proverbs in the Bible. It said, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” I learned that I have to be disciplined to be smart and if I don’t want to fix my mistakes I am stupid. I would like to thank all of my teachers for helping me with my education, especially, Fr. Gabriel and Fr. Claude.



Anthony Guerra
Everyone at St. Michael’s has helped me in one way or another. I owe thanks to Fr. Gabriel, who was a magnanimous and tolerant headmaster; to Fathers Victor, Chrysostom, and Claude, who were patient and generous deans; to all my teachers, and finally, I thank my mom who sacrificed so much for me to come to St. Michael’s.

The moment I arrived, I noticed St. Michael’s crest and motto gracing the front stair case: “Looking Ahead From the Vantage Point of Tradition.” I had no idea what it meant. Not only did I shrug off tradition, I scoffed tradition. Throughout the months, I observed the older students holding many traditions dearly. Still, I failed to understand the significance. When questioned, older students would respond “It’s a tradition”.

I began to understand the value and importance of tradition as a sophomore when I had both the best of rooms and the worst of rooms. I was pushed to take part in activities that were deemed traditional by my roomleader. Although most were ridiculous, I participated in practices that I once would have criticized. I soon realized our room’s impractical rituals brought us together, thus giving me a newfound respect for traditions and an understanding of the motto. It changed my prospective of St. Michael’s from a school where I lived, to a home I shared with my brothers; where life long lessons are learned.

From then on, I strived to become a roomleader so I could begin and continue traditions with my roommates. Although becoming a roomleader proved to be a difficult task which required much self improvement, it was worth it.
The following year when I became a roomleader, I chose the room in which I had had the best experiences. While this room was not as nice as some of the others, I would continue to have a good time in it with my new roommates. Later that year I was asked, “If you were able to choose any room, why did you choose the worst one?” I responded, “It’s a tradition.”



Michael Haeuser
I experienced a side of Saint Michael's many students never saw: weekends. When I could, I spent weekends at other people's homes, and I thank all those who shared their home with me.

Though I spent more time than the average student here, I returned each year to finish my education. There seems to be a quality about this school which draws those who have been here to return. What is this quality that causes people to come back, not only after their career as a student ends, but also to continue another year? This quality is the culmination of the many things which makes St. Michael’s feel like home.

The members of the Order of Praemontre influence our lives in many ways. These men have given their lives to God. They are our counselors in and out of the confessional. They bring us to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass every day. They find time to help a student or they can just be our friends. Those who are administrators need to be thanked for their patience with the students as well as their many other good traits. I thank Fathers Chrysostom, Claude, and Victor for being our deans. I also thank Father Gabriel Stack for being our headmaster, our arbiter, our watchman at night.

I thank the teachers who have taught me: Mrs. Miller, Mr. Lieggi, Mr. Meschuk, Ms. Winters, and Mr. Tomescu. These teachers dedicate much more than the time we have available in class, some arriving at 6:00 a.m., some sleeping here over night because of a night class.

I also thank the students here, and those who have left before me. You were my family for four years. You are another reason why I returned each year to this school.
Finally, I'd like to thank my family, who sacrificed having me nearby so that I could obtain an education here. I thank you for being there when I needed help and for paying for the school so that I could continue to go here.


Jay Hipolito
As a student at St. Michael’s, I have become a more devout Roman Catholic. This school has given me much more than I ever asked for. God has provided me the means to become a man of God for others.

I was skeptical about entering a place where I knew no one and lived an hour and a half away. My classmates and I have gone through much together. I learned how to make new friends.

When I learned of the junior year trip to Rome, I knew I needed to raise money for the trip. A week after my freshman year ended I began working at a restaurant four days a week earning $6.50 an hour. Two years later I was able to pay for the Rome trip. In Rome we explored sites we had encountered in textbooks. As we visited what seemed like every Catholic Church in and around Rome, I was able to connect history and Catholicism along the way.

Every day I have lived at St. Michaels has shaped me into who I am
today. I will cherish all the memories far beyond my college years. I will remember the afternoons spent at the pool playing Barbarian Ball, the nights spent before the Blessed Sacrament in the church, and the view of the sunset from Calvary Hill. Although it is hard to leave the hilltop, I cannot help but think of the new horizons ahead of me. St. Michael’s Preparatory has given me the best Catholic education and I will never forget that.
I thank God at the end of every quarter here for His divine assistance with my studies. I have gone from a struggling freshman to a First Honors Senior about to begin college. I thank all those who have helped me reach such great heights at St. Michael's, especially my teachers, friends, and of course my mother. I hope to make you all proud of my accomplishments in the years to come. Without your assistance I would not be where I am today.


Luke Holbach
When I first arrived at St. Michael’s I questioned whether I could survive here. It took several years to realize how blessed I was. It was by God’s grace through the sacramental life here that I came to take my faith in a more serious way. I then grasped a radical truth… St. Michael’s (and life in general) is not about surviving, it’s about thriving.

During the week, St. Michael’s became my home; complete with a family, friends, and even freedom. Who replaced my parents? The Norbertine priests did. They showed me new dimensions of the Catholic Church that reached far beyond my Baltimore Catechism-scope. Besides educating me, they encouraged me in difficult times and challenged me to grow in manly virtues. When I failed, they were there to forgive me and give me wise guidance.

Another essential of life is friends. The friendships I experienced here are unlike any others. I share a deep camaraderie with these students. We lived and learned together. We watched out for one another. We broke rules together, but learned to accept the consequences of our actions, thus, as Joyce once said, “our errors became the portals of discovery.
St. Michael’s gave me another necessity of life: freedom. Many may wonder how I found freedom in an isolated little boarding-school in the hills. St. Michael’s kept me fr
ee from most of the clamor and distractions of the world, free from the drama of public high-school, freedom to mature, and most importantly, the freedom and ease to pursue a deep spiritual life. The structure I once thought was so oppressive became my favorite aspect of this school. Having Mass and Holy Hour as a mandatory part of everyday made me realize just how important they are. I didn’t just survive St. Michael’s Prep I thrived here because I could live a serious spiritual life in the company of holy men and good friends. St. Michael’s has has given me everything that I truly needed.

Conrad Lakomy

Was there something special about this school that I could not see but my parents could? I wouldn’t kn
ow until a few years later.

When I first got here, I was in a strange world. My first year felt like the longest year of my life. Nothing seemed to help me get through. I wanted to get out. That is, until my class started coming together at the end of freshman year.

My class mates and I had been through a lot.. It was during my sophomore year that I learned the importance of my fellow class mates. For me, it wasn’t the traditions that made this school special, or the classes, it was the people. At St. Michael’s, we can become friends with anyone, even our teachers. At what other school could you be friends with your teachers? This school
has truly become more than a school for me. It has become a second home, and, not merely because I live here 5 days a week, but because I have made a second family here. Becoming accustomed to this school would have been much harder were it not for the support of my friends who also went through difficult times. I d
oubt my parents sent me to St. Michael’s because they thought I would make good friends here, but rather, for other reasons.
I know that in the future, there will be things at St. Michael’s that I miss, things that I’ll wish I could re-live, like being able to step back from the world and the guidance of my faith. My time at St. Michaels has been a life changing experience. Although I don’t really understand the full value of attending this school yet, I will someday, and I will always the memories of this place with me.

Marc LeMire
What does the phrase mean to “be a man”? As a result of my years at St. Michaels, I believe I have found the answer. A man is wise, just, strong, virtuous, and much more. A man must surely be wise if he is the perfection of a rational being. By being wise, he shall possess justice, for justice puts everything in order. If a man can make order of things, then he is a leader, but before one can lead others, he must lead himself.

However, there are those passions such as despair, anger, and sadness that are difficult to control. How does a man deal with those? This is where the true strength of a man lies. Even where there appears to be no hope, he continues on. It is important to persevere to the end. If one does not deal with the little frustrations, how shall he deal with the big ones?

I thank my soccer coaches for encouraging and helping me all four years, especially the captain of my sophomore year for providing a model of strength and leadership. I never would have gotten so far if it were not for competing with my brother. For that reason I thank him for being that role model in which I competed in almost every way, and thus leading me to where I am today.
What does this have to do with St. Michael’s, a place that demands its students go to daily Mass and Holy Hour? What does this have to do with “being a man”? One thing I do know is that Jesus truly is the Man. For who is considered to be wiser, gentler, more virtuous? Who freely continued to do great works despite being repaid with evil, and bore great suffering but continued to go on to His end when all seemed hopeless? This is what I want to be when I grow up. I may not be there yet, but I do know what it is. I want to be a man.


Daniel Lim

I had n
o idea how much this school would influence me in just two years. Upon arriving at the school, everyone was joyful and I saw that everyone got along. My roommates immediately tried to ease my first week by answering my endless questions. Soon, I felt that Saint Michael’s had become my second home. Roommates I shared a room with turned into friends quickly over the year. I know I will keep in touch with them long after I have left school.

What impacted me most was the religious life that was integrated into our daily schedule. Rising early in the morning, all students proceeded to Mass after saluting the flag. The Norbertine Mass impressed me. Not just one, but many priests celebrated daily Mass with us, a fascinating difference from the Sunday Masses I had attended before. The midday Angelus before lunch was another opportunity for students to come closer to God, as was the evening Holy Hour where we could pray the Rosary after singing Compline with the priests, or we could go to confession. Every class started with a prayer. Classes were taught according to Catholic ethics and morals.

The rigorous class schedule kept me on my feet and ready to persevere through the challenge. My thanks go to Mr. Tomescu, for always pushing his students to excel. Having so many priests at school had other benefits also. Any time a student had a question concerning Religion or the Catholic Faith, a priest was available to patiently explain it to you. Strengthening my Catholic faith felt easy and satisfying.

Sports are also important at Saint Michael’s. Sports, plus
the support of my teammates, encouraged me to perform at my best. I can say with absolute confidence that Father Alphonsus, and our soccer coaches, Mr. Holke, Frater Benedict and Frater Stanislaus made sports challenging and fun for me.
Last, but not least, my greatest thanks and gratitude go to our headmaster, Father Gabriel, for deciding to accept me at Saint Michael’s and thus opening a door for me to becoming a better man, a man of God for others.


Vincent Lu
My formation at St. Michael’s has been a memorable experience. I came to this school to get a good education. Little did I know that I was also going to learn a lot about my faith. The daily masses and holy hours strengthened my faith in God. Always being around priests helped me become an overall better person. I have grown and matured over the four years at this school.

There are many memorable events that I have had while at St. Michael’s. Particularly memorable are the friends I made. Through the bonds with my peers, I learned to appreciate what talents other people have and to learn from them. Our junior class trip to Rome, where I was given the opportunity to explore a foreign country with my classmates is unforgettable. During this trip, I saw beautiful churches, learned about the Italian culture, and had fun with my friends. I will always cherish the experience.

“A man of God for others. This motto is reflected throughout the daily lives of the students. I have witnessed both teachers and students exert that little extra effort to reach out with a helping hand. I appreciate all the help that I have received from my peers whenever I was struggling with homework or with doing a room job. It isn’t likely that I could have experienced such a well knit
environment at any other school.


Faith. Academics. Character. These are among the many values of this school. Having lived in the dorm, I have experienced every one of these. I am happy with how I have been formed and developed here. I would like to thank all my teachers for having been there to support me. I want to thank Mr. Tomescu for all his extra effort to give his students the highest quality education. I would like to thank Fr. Chrysostom and Fr. Claude for patiently putting up with 64 annoying teenagers year in and year out. Finally, I want to thank Fr. Gabriel for his many sacrifices to ensure that this is a great school for all of its students.

Thomas Nguyen
There are a lot of special moments in the world, both happy and sad. They're like bright little snowflakes that slowly descend toward the ground, unique yet so fleeting. It’s those small things that make one smile when reminiscing and make life altogether worthwhile. Because of the dorm life here, my life is full of these unique moments.

When I first entered this school, I was a wallflower. However, because the friends I made here were so true and faithful, I broke out of my anti-social shell. I began to be the type of person that I wanted to be.

I love how in this school, someone so unsociable could make such happy memories. On random days, I talk with other seniors about how our years here were so full of “good times.” We talk about how funny it was to interrupt me during my free period power nap or to steal the food that wasn’t on my diet. We recall that fateful day in our junior year when the AP US History students woke up at five in the morning just so one of their very own could take the AP test with them. In the future, I will recount to other people about waking up at six in the morning for morning Calculus class, working out with the same people everyday, or even the smallest ordinary things like daily Mass and Holy Hour.

I want to thank all my fellow students, past or present, for having made high school so enjoyable and worthwhile for me. Each of you has contributed some treasured memory that will not be forgotten. I want to thank my parents, because before I was even thought of, they dreamed about the da
y I would graduate from here. I want to thank the faculty, especially Father Gabriel and Coach Meschuk, for putting up with me and teaching me to be more than anything I could’ve dreamed of. Last but not least, I thank God, for without His intervention and grace, I could not stand here today.

Thank you for all those beautiful times, those sparkling snowflakes that illuminated my world. The events that have occurred will echo throughout my life, calling me again and again to this hilltop, uniting me with old friends and alumni until that one day when we will all be together again in heaven.


Joseph Rivero
I had difficulty identifying what I am grateful for because I always focused on the negative aspects of St. Michael’s. The rigorous school work, dorm life, lack of social life, and structured environment made me wonder if this was the right place for me. As I grew and matured, I realized that not only is this high school a special place for special students, but God has a special plan for everybody and I know He put me here for reasons which I am finally starting to understand. I can truly say that I have benefited from this environment. I learned how to be a young man of integrity, perseverance, dedication, and determination, whether it was on the football field or classroom.

When I first came here, many people, including myself, refused to believe that I would still be here to graduate or to earn Second Honors numerous times. I may not have always made t
he best decisions, but those were mistakes I learned from, which helped me become a better man each and every year. Two people who stand out the most during my high school career are Father Sebastian and Coach Meschuk. They are the most influential positive role models I have ever met. I
went to them on countless occasions seeking personal advice. They were always supportive, gave me great guidance, and made sure I made smart decisions. I cannot thank them enough. As I look back at my high school career, with all its highs and lows, I know God had a special reason to place me at St. Michael’s Prep School. I understand now what I am appreciative of while having attended this school.

As for you underclassmen, I know this is a difficult environment for some to get used to, but you have to put it in God’s hands because He knows what is best for you, and I know St. Michael’s was best for me.

Ricardo Ruiz
When my dad told me that I would be attending his alma mater, St. Michael’s Prep. School, he told me I was not going to regret it. I couldn’t see how. I thought my life was over. I was only in eighth grade. I was in a world that was scary and strange, surrounded by people I didn’t know who spoke a language I didn’t understand. I dreamt of the day when I could go back to Mexico. However, here I am today. By the grace of God, I have persevered throughout these years. Not only that, but I do not regret any of my experience here.

When I left Mexico, I realized I would leave my friends behind. I thought I would have no friends, but I was wrong. Not only did I keep in touch with my old friends, but I also made new ones. I stayed at their homes on the weekends where they welcomed me as a brother. Today, they stand with me as the class of 2010.

I want to thank everyone who has made these past few years possible. I want to thank my parents, because they believed I could thrive in this school. I am a better person because of it. Secondly, I want to thank the teachers and faculty. Without their dedication, I would have give
n up. I especially remember when Frater Benedict would find something nice to do on the weekends. I also want to thank Frater Maximilian for helping me improve my English skills. Last, but not least, I wan
t to thank God because without His grace, I would never have been able to graduate.
After four years at this school, I have come to appreciate this school for the same reasons that my dad sent me here in the first place. If I had to go back to the beginning, I would choose coming here all over again. Now that I see that there is so much good in this school, that in the future, when I have children, I will not forget St. Michael’s Prep School.



John Tran
Transferring to this school happened so quickly that I didn’t have a chance to look back at what I left behind. Readjusting was difficult. However, despite the sudden shift in surroundings, I didn’t regret leaving what I had left behind. Even though I may have had second thoughts about staying at St. Michael’s, it seemed that this was the experience I had been looking for: self discovery.

I didn’t know what to expect of dorm life. I just took things as they came. Rather than dwelling on negatives, I sought the positives. I would ask myself, “What can I do to make my time here worthwhile?” After a year of simply “going with the flow” I was able to enjoy what I eventually came to love: music and the piano.

My parents had always encouraged me to do what I liked, but I didn’t know what I really enjoyed when I was young. They enlisted me in extracurricular activities and hoped for the best. I hadn’t realized my parents’ intentions when they signed me up for piano lessons, martial arts, Boy Scouts, art classes, etc. They wanted me to discover my talents and what I enjoyed; they wanted me to become a well rounded person.

As I am about to graduate, I have learned to appreciate the things I possess rather than seek what I can’t get. My teachers, the weight room, the games of barbarian ball at the pool, and the piano are but a few things I am glad to have had at this school. I would like to thank my parents for seeking what they thought was best for me and supporting me every step of the way even though I lived away from them. I would like to thank all my teachers for having taught me very valuable life long lessons. I would like to especially thank Mr. Tomescu for having sacrificed endless hours to help so many students with their math. Finally, I would like to thank Fr. Gabriel for all of his efforts in making this school a wonderful environment for the students.


Thanks to the following families who helped this week:
· For sponsoring the Baseball Award Ceremony Reception: Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Aaker, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Chavez, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Le
· For taking photos during graduation: Mr. Rick Belcher, Mr. Brian Tran

Baseball Awards for 2010
· 2nd Team All League - Daniel Murphy-Dimen

· Defensive Player of the Year - James Howard
· Honorable Mention All League - Joshua Aaker
· Impact Player of the Year - Daniel Murphy-Dimen
· Most Improved Player - Alan Le
· Offensive Player of the Year - Joshua Aaker
· Pitcher of the Year - Matthew Brooks
Weekly Homily by, Fr. Sebastian Walshe, O.Praem.Among other things, Fr. Sebastian teaches philosophy to the juniors.

We have been reading for our daily table reading at the mid-day meal a book on the virtue of fortitude in the priestly life. And so it is providential that the remainder of this week we shall be reading from the second letter of St. Paul to Timothy each day at Mass.

According to St. Thomas, all of the epistles of St. Paul consider the power of the grace of Christ, but the specific consideration of the second epistle to Timothy is the power which the grace of Christ gives to the pastors of the Church to endure persecution. St. Thomas goes so far as to say: “In this second epistle, St. Paul treats about pastoral solicitude being so great, that the pastor should sustain even martyrdom for the care for the flock.” Put succinctly, this epistle is about fortitude in the life of the priest.

Last year was a year specially dedicated to St. Paul, but we still experience the grace of that year reaching forward into this year of the priest, hearing, as it were, an echo from that past year speaking in our hearts now: “I admonish you: stir into flame the grace of God which is within you by the imposition of my hands.” Given the vast missionary labors of St. Paul, and the Church’s practice of consecrating each bishop by the laying on of hands of at least three bishops, it is very likely that each priest ordained in this church can trace their ordination back to the hands of St. Paul. These words are for us therefore, today: “I admonish you: stir into flame the grace of God which is within you by the imposition of my hands.”

Commenting upon these words, St. Thomas says:

“The grace of God is like a fire, which, when it is covered over with ashes does not shine. So grace is covered over in man through sluggishness, or human fear. Wherefore, even Timothy, having become pusillanimous, had grown sluggish with regard to preaching. And therefore, he says ‘stir into flame the grace of God’ which has been put to sleep…And he adds, ‘by the imposition of my hands’ for in this imposition of hands, the grace of the Holy Spirit was given to him.”

The fact of our ordination makes it absolutely certain that we have this grace indelibly fixed within our souls. This grace is like a second nature, and can turn even men timid by disposition into bold shepherds. At a college I used to attend, a young man was, for a time, keeping an Irish Wolfhound for a pet. Irish Wolfhounds are immense dogs bred for the express purpose of hunting wolves, it’s part of their nature. Well, this particular Wolfhound was the most cowardly and timid dog you could ever meet. It would cower and whimper under the table even when small children would come in. It was afraid of its own shadow. But one day, it happened that a student brought a dog which was half dog, half wolf. And when that Wolfhound got one whiff of that wolf-dog, it could barely be restrained from tearing it to pieces. By the grace of our ordination we priests are Wolfhounds, by nature ordained to protect the flock from the wolves.

We priests have not been given a spirit of cowardice, but of power, of fortitude. And therefore our preaching must not be silenced by the fear of the world, by shame of the Gospel. Be not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. For the Lord says: “He that shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him the Son of man shall be ashamed.” (Lk. 9:26). Be not afraid of ridicule or of chains. For, as St. Peter teaches, “if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.”

A brief glance at the front pages of recent newspapers and major magazines reveals that the world is telling the pastors of the Church that they ought to keep quiet. That they should speak only when apologizing, and that they should be ashamed of their priesthood. The world tells priests that they no longer have moral authority because of the failings of a few. But the truth is that our moral authority never came from ourselves: our moral authority comes from Jesus Christ and Him alone. As priests we do not speak in our own person, but in the person of Christ. Now, therefore, is the time to stir into flame the grace which is within us; to speak boldly the truth of the Gospel, to live that truth heroically, and, if necessary, to witness to that truth unto chains and death.

It may seem far fetched in our country, the land of the free, to speak about imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel, but the signs of the times leave little doubt that the powerful of our nation are taking steps to strip the Church of her freedoms. One of the Gospel truths which has always drawn the animosity of the world is the Church’s teaching about the sanctity of marriage. John the Baptist and John Fisher both lost their heads over it. The Lord was hated by the Pharisees and the Sadducees because of it, for He always was accusing them of not being able to stay married because of their lusts.

Today the world’s hatred is once again directed at those priests who clearly preach the unadulterated truth from Jesus Christ about marriage. Consider, for example, the recent decision of the California Supreme Court which held that religious freedom and free speech are not guaranteed when it comes to the State’s newly created right to unnatural unions. In that decision, the Court stated: “Do the rights of religious freedom and free speech, as guaranteed by the federal and California constitutions exempt a medical clinic’s physicians from complying with…the prohibition against discrimination based upon a person’s sexual orientation? Our answer is: No.” Notice, the target of the decision was freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Why freedom of speech? Do not think for a minute that the Court did not intend to set a precedent which would eventually render preaching against such unnatural vices a crime.

So the signs of the times are unmistakable. Priestly fortitude is in season at all times, but especially times like ours when it seems that all the kings of the earth are rising up against the Lord and His anointed ones. In the face of such opposition, our fortitude must be more than natural, human fortitude. When St. Paul admonishes Timothy he says: “Bear your share of hardship for the Gospel,” but not by his own strength, but “with the strength that comes from God.” Christian fortitude is a gift from God, exceeding all human power. Priestly fortitude, therefore, does not rest upon our own strength, but upon the power of God.

St. Paul knew what he was saying. After all it was that same divine power which had in an instant converted him from the most grievous of sinners into the greatest of saints, from a destroyer of the building of the Church into a wise master-builder, and from a wolf into a fearless shepherd.


In publishing this homily, we hope to share a portion of the spiritual treasure by which the students are enriched every day. However, this homily may not be reproduced by the parents or friends of St. Michael’s without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
· Mrs. Delores Hasset, godmother of Mrs. Debbi Holke, who is suffering from cancer
· Mrs. Maureen Mitchell, aunt of Mrs. Debbi Holke, who is suffering from cancer
· St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them
· Those who suffer in the current economic crisis
· Those who are in the armed forces.