For the week of October 18, 2009

Thanks to the following families who helped this past week
● For the Holke family hosting the cross country team for a pool party after Thursday’s meet
● For hosting students over the weekend: The Brooks/Garvey family, the Manson/Rincon family, the family of Thomas Nguyen, and the Dimen, Porretta, Rivero, and Hanson families.

Admissions
This week Fr. Gabriel participates in a three High School Information Nights. If you know any families who would enjoy finding out more information about St. Michael’s, please let them know about these events.
● Monday, October 19. St. Mark’s in Hacienda Heights. 6:30 – 8 pm
● Tuesday, October 20. St. Pius X in Santa Fe Springs. 7 – 9 pm
● Thursday, October 22. Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Downey. 6:30 – 8:30 pm
St. Michael’s next Open House is Saturday, November 14. 3:30 – 5 pm


Visits from College Representatives this week
● Monday: University of Dallas
● Tuesday: Thomas Aquinas College

Thanksgiving Break
Students will be dismissed at 12:40 pm on Tuesday, November 24th for Thanksgiving break. Parents are encouraged to make flight and train arrangements as early as possible. Please email our school office a copy of the flight or train ticket confirmation. We can help with transporting students to the train station after school on Tuesday. Trips to the airport require parents to arrange for shuttle transportation. Again, shuttle confirmations should be emailed to our school office.


Student Birthdays
10/20 Thomas Nguyen

Academic Updates
● Oral Exams conclude the first quarter. The exam is conducted by the teachers in that discipline area and weights approximately 10% of the quarter grade. Oral exams provide the students the chance of thinking and speaking on their fee. This skill is very important in effective communication, logical thinking, and all forms of public speaking. Oral exams also provide another medium through which student progress is effectively assessed.
● Students in an Advanced Placement (AP) class must earn at least a “B” by the end of the first quarter in order to continue that accelerated level of study.

Congratulations to our students
● Josh Aaker for the best time in Thursday’s cross country meet hosted by Saddleback Valley Christian.

● Joe Rivero as MVP in Saturday's football game against Capo Valley Christian.

Upcoming Athletic Events
● Monday, Oct. 19th: XC vs TVT @ STM; 3:00 p.m.
● Friday, Oct. 23rd: XC @ Mt. SAC Invitational; time TBA
● Friday, Oct. 23rd: Fball vs Liberty Christian @ Murdy Park; 7:00 p.m.

Weekly Homily by Fr. Gabriel Stack, O.Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Gabriel is the headmaster of St. Michael’s Prep.

It is so easy to see others' mistakes. It’s so easy to point that accusing finger. We can not only see others’ mistakes, but also quickly solve them.

If we are present at the beginning, we start with …Well, if I were you. And if we only come in after the fact, we are always able to add… Well, I told you so! It's so easy to be an armchair quarterback or a backseat driver.

Today, Jesus tells us (in His charge against the Scribes and Pharisees ) that there is more to others’ mistakes than we think. We bear the consequences of their misdeeds. The most significant consequence we suffer from other’s is the original sin brought about by Adam and Eve.

We all suffer each day on account of fallen human nature – both our own and that of others. We see (and experience): weakness of character, bad habits, half-heartedness to good resolutions.

Jesus knows better than anyone the nature of sin. He took upon himself all the evil of the world. And yet when we sin, He seeks us out. He is never angry. Here are four examples: He told
· the Samaritan woman, who had six husbands, simply. Give me to drink.
· the woman caught in adultery, go and sin no more.
· the paralyzed man, whose friends lowered him through the roof, my son your sins are forgiven.
· the good thief, truly I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.

Jesus draws near to the sinner with real respect. His words always an expression of love for the individual. Christ knows what the human soul can become; it can be a reflection of God himself. What possibilities!

I use this morning’s gospel to state unequivocally - failures are important. Because of them we turn to Our Lord asking his pardon and help. With Our Lord’s help we learn to draw good even from weaknesses and sinfulness – our own and that of others.

If only we could realize how much He wants us to return to him. With what great love Christ awaits us. For God's pardon does not consist only in forgiveness. This would certainly be a great deal. But along with remission of our sins God infuses new life and vibrancy into the soul.

This is most evident in the sacrament of confession. Yet, it is no less true in the worthy reception of Holy Communion.

This daily struggle should keep us close to the Lord. Whenever we begin again, Jesus’ heart fills and overflows with joy. Every time we allow Jesus into our life, we please God immeasurably. When we bring another with us, the joy doubles.

So instead of pointing that accusing finger, we’d be much better off to fold it in with the other four. And with that closed hand to beat our breast, acknowledge our faults, and to ask for forgiveness.


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
● Marilyn Enciso, mother of alumnus Fred Enciso ‘99, who is recovering from an illness.
● Dr. Joseph Gloudeman who suffers from the reoccurrence of cancer.
● Mrs. Jodi Meschuk for a healthy pregnancy.
● Mrs. Betty Vaughan who suffers from declining health.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.
● Those who suffer the effects of the current economic crisis.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Repose of the soul of Jose Encarnacion, maternal grandfather of alumnus Fred Enciso ‘99


School events are regularly updated. Please check the school calendar. StMichaelsPrep.org/calendar Contact the school office for more information: PamChristian@StMichaelsPrep.org (949) 858-0222 ext 237