For taking the time to be supportive of their sons’ learning by attending Sunday Night’s Student-Lead Conferences;
For helping with hosting students over the weekend: The Bowe Family;
For tutoring students, taking photographs and cleaning: Frater Alan Benander;
For hosting our reception which followed the Student-Lead Conferences: Mrs. Pam Christian.
General announcements to Parents
All parents are encouraged to attend our first Parent Talk, which will be given by Fr. Augustine Puchner, O. Praem., on Sunday, Sept. 26, at 7:00 pm (in the mobile classroom): “Raising a Man of God for Others”.
To read what Pope Benedict XVI said to Catholic school students in the UK, click here.
This week’s photos
Cross Country Team running their home course during this week’s practice; Youngkyoo Kim playing Korean Drum.
Announcement from the School Deans regarding student conduct.
In order to find their son’s conduct grade parents can check Teacherease, under personal conduct. For further information, parents may call Mr. Mike Smith, Dean of Students (ext. 271) or Fr. Claude, Assistant Dean (ext. 298).
Students who have a conduct grade of 60 or below must serve a half-day detention to be served on Friday afternoon or Saturday. Students who have a conduct grade of 20 or below must serve a full-day of detention, also served on Friday and/or Saturday. VIP points may not be used to remit demerits incurred for visiting in other student’s rooms.
Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 5, Sections 5 and 6
Section 5: Study Detention
Students may forfeit their evening recreation periods when they have a grade of 73% or less in any class until the next progress report proves the grade to be satisfactory, or when they fail to complete their homework properly, or when their academic work is unsatisfactory. Teachers may request the administration to intervene so that the student will complete whatever work is necessary. If academic performance is unsatisfactory, a student may be required by the administration to stay on Friday afternoon(s) or over the weekend to study. Weekend fees are charged. If academic performance is chronically unsatisfactory, a student may be required to withdraw.
Section 6: Conduct Grades
Conduct grades are given each quarter. The formula used to calculate a conduct grade is the following: RoomGrade - Demerit Deduction + V.I.P points.
RoomGrade: The RoomGrade is the average of the “RoomCheck” grade and the “RoomJob” grade. Each dorm room is inspected daily for order and cleanliness, and the room is then given a weekly “RoomCheck” grade. Each room is also given a weekly “RoomJob” grade based upon the thoroughness of completing an assigned evening cleaning job (e.g. vacuuming the dorm hallway). Each occupant in a given room receives the same RoomGrade.
Demerit Deduction: With regard to the conduct grade, the Dean will determine the exact deduction to be made for demerits received by a student in a given quarter. Factors considered include the number, gravity and frequency of the demerits.
V.I.P. Points: (V.I.P.=Virtue Incentive Program). For charitable deeds done for fellow students and for the school, students may be nominated to receive VIP points. The nomination may be made by teachers, administrators, or student leaders. The determination of how many VIP points to be awarded will be determined by the Dean of Students. VIP points do not take the place of “school service hours,” i.e. ordinary labor that each student is expected to contribute each quarter to projects like school thank you notes, home athletic events, Open House events, etc.
A student’s conduct grade, as his academic grades, is available online by means of the school’s internet-based grading program.
Etiquette Point of the Week:
In the midst of a dinner conversation – or in any conversation – a gentleman does not attempt to make himself the center of attention. A gentleman also does not reach or grab for food. Instead, he waits for it to be passed to him by a fellow diner, or to be served to him by a server. “A Gentleman at the Table” by Bridges and Curtis; Rutledge Hill Press.
September Birthdays:
9/22 John Michael Mikolaycik
9/28 Michael Howard
9/29 Jacob Holke
Athletics
Sept. 21st: Cross Country League Cluster @ Mason Park; 2:30 pm
Sept. 24th: Football vs. Warner @ STM; 3:00 pm
Homily preached by Fr. Adrian Sanchez, O.Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Adrian works as chaplain in the prison ministry of the Diocese of Orange.
Our two saints of the day, Pope St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian, are joined on this date for a number of reasons: first the closeness of their heavenly birthdays, St. Cornelius passed to his reward on this day in 252, and St. Cyprian six years later on the fourteenth.
But that is the least of the aspects in which their lives coincide because both these saints were great shepherds; Cornelius the bishop of Rome, and Cyprian of Carthage. They knew each other and collaborated in the defense of the church. Both guided their flocks through times of schism and heresy, and both ended their careers giving witness to the sincerity of their faith with their own blood.
Time is too limited to go into the fascinating details of their times and the great work they performed for the Church. Of all the things for which they fought perhaps the one most relevant to our times is the value they placed on the unity of priesthood, and in particular to the Roman see.
In our times we see a similar confusion, a practical if not manifest schism, a willing deafness to the voice of the See of Peter, whom St. Cyprian acknowledged as the source of priestly unity, and this within the Church.
Outside the Church we see a real hatred for the Popes, recalling what St. Cyprian wrote about the emperor Decius, responsible for the terrible persecution which claimed St. Cornelius: he would prefer a rival to his throne than another bishop of Rome.
And in that vein we may take heart in the observation made by St. Cyprian that the persecutions of his time never fell as hard on the heretics and schismatics as on the Catholics. In a letter to St. Cornelius he asks, “Who are the servants of God whom the devil so molests? Who are truly Christians whom antichrist with all his might opposes? For the devil did not trouble himself with those whom he has already made sure of, nor does he labor to conquer those that are now in his power.”
So let’s be encouraged by the knowledge that when we are opposed for our faithful adherence to Christ or the good we do it puts us in good company.
Let us ask the intercession of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian for the success of the Holy Father’s apostolic visit to Britain which he begins today, and for his personal safety. And let us be aware that if he is hated and persecuted by schismatics and by the enemies of Christ, it is because they recognize in him a true pastor, such as were Saints Cornelius and Cyprian.
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. Maria Alquaddoomi for a successful biopsy.
• Mr. Joseph Augustine, as he struggles with cancer.
• Mrs. Betty Vaughan, as she struggles with her declining health.
• 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.
• In thanksgiving for a healthy baby girl, Cora Gertrude, born to Mr. and Mrs. Abe (Casey) Cook.
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