● The Mikolaycik and Tractenberg families for hosting students over the weekend.
● The Saglietto family for hosting a cake and coffee evening in their home for prospective new families.
● Mr. Brian Tran for his photos of the football game.
General announcements to Parents
● First Quarter report cards will be sent home electronically early this week.
● Student photos will also be send home electronically this week. This electronic format allows parents to determine the size and the quantity of photos they wish to have or share.
Admission Matters
● St. Michael’s participates in the following High School Information Opportunities:
Tuesday. St. Jeanne de Lestonnac School, Tustin
Wednesday. St. Catherine Military Academy, Anaheim
Thursday. St. Mary & All Angels, Laguna Niguel
Thursday. St. John the Baptist, Costa Mesa
First Quarter Honor Roll, 2010-2011
First Honors
Joshua Aaker
Christian Aguilar
Andrew Bonello
Jonathan Bonello
Nicholas DiNapoli
Nicholas Hanson
John Hebert
Jacob Holke
James Howard
Michael Howard
Alan Le
Edward Lim
Hieu Pham
Joseph Porretta
Brian Schardt
Scott Schardt
David Suh
Joseph Terlisner
James Tran
Mathew Vu
William Warnisher
Second Honors
Faris Alquaddoomi
Daniel Dang
Travis Elmer
Derek Giap
Justin Koh
Spencer Manson
Michael Martin
Jacob McDowell
Gregory Minder
Daniel Murphy-Dimen
Christopher Nguyen
Bryce Pickett
Marco Saglietto
Charles Sandoval
Vitalyi Tractenberg
Jonathan Tran
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)–Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA)
Mr. Rick Spicer is the chair of visiting team which will be on campus in March, 2011 to review and confirm St. Michael’s self-study. Since 2007 Mr. Spicer has been the principal of Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto High School in Los Angeles, an all-girls school of approximately 500 students which first opened its doors in 1923. Mr. Spicer has spent close to 30 years in high school education at Bishop Conaty-Our Lady of Loretto filling positions such as French and English teacher, ASB Advisor, Director of Activities, and Assistant Principal.
This week’s photo: The student body of St. Michael’s Preparatory School
Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 4, Section 14
Section 14: WITHDRAWAL
Advice to withdraw comes when all the typical resources that the school uses to support a student have been pursued but there is little evidence of satisfactory progress. This could be represented academically by a consistent neglect of work and behaviorally by an on-going disregard for the well-being of the school community.
It is school policy that students who withdraw must not return to St. Michael’s for one year without the prior written approval of the headmaster.
After this time of separation is completed, the young man may return to school grounds but is limited to his participation as other St. Michael’s visitors. i.e. watch a sporting event, participate in Mass or other special religious or civic ceremonies.
Etiquette Point of the Week
A gentleman always opens the door for a lady, stands up if he is seated at a table when a lady approaches, and offers to carry her packages. Furthermore, when walking with a lady, a gentleman walks on the street side, always allowing the lady to walk on the inside, furthest away from the street.
How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press
Student Birthdays
● Oct. 25 Travis Elmer
● Oct. 31 Christian Aguilar
Athletics
Friday, Oct. 29th: Football vs Eastside Christian @ Lions Field; 7:00 p.m.
Homily preached by Fr. Charles Willingham, O. Praem.
Fr. Charles teaches scripture and hosts the weekenders.
You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky. Why do you not know how to interpret the present time? God really does give extraordinary vocations; calls men or women to become special vessels of God’s grace. A vocation is not a grab bag. It’s not our choice, believe it or not, but our response to God’s choice. Extra ordinary vocations are often signaled by extra ordinary graces which young men or young women recognize in their lives — extra ordinary goodness, love, charm, kindness, prayerfulness or other virtues.
Like St. Therese of Lisieux, sometimes the extra ordinary vocation is signaled by an extra ordinary grace of conversion. It was this way in the case of St. Mary Magdalene, St. Mary of Egypt, and Bl. Charles de Foucauld, all of whom left the world and went out into the desert dedicating themselves to prayer and reparation.
Sometimes it is simply a matter of an extra ordinary need existing at the time and you happen to be an able young man who can help. It becomes a matter of stepping up to the plate. During the two world wars, the posters which read “Uncle Sam Needs YOU” became a call to respond. Lines of guys wrapped around buildings to enlist, many not much older than some of you. By the very fact that the need existed, the able bodied young men felt called, compelled to go off and fight. It is Celine who tells us that her sister Therese decided to shut herself up in Carmel because of the need to save souls, to fight for souls.
When God gives special graces (and particularly special vocations) it’s because He has a special love for that person and through him or her plans to show His love for the world. But He always leaves us free. He respects our freedom and invites us to respond. The Fatima children were especially loved by Our Blessed Mother but she invited them to a special relationship with God and to an extra ordinary mission because there was an extra ordinary need – “so many souls falling into hell” our Lady showed them in a vision. Our Lady asked “Are you willing to offer yourselves to God, to bear all the suffering He may please to send you in reparation for the sins by which He is offended and for the conversion of sinners?” To which these three small “kids” answered with a very eager “Yes”. That “yes” meant that they would relinquish a naturally happy life. Jacinta and Francisco suffered and died as children. Lucia consecrated her life to God as a cloistered Carmelite religious in Portugal, persevering to the age of 93.
Even Our Blessed Mother who was most loved by God was still invited. Everything depended on her response which the Angel Gabriel eagerly awaited; she said “Be it done unto me.” In order to do that, she fully realized that she would be radically associated with the One who would be the Suffering Servant of Isaiah’s prophesies – suffering with Him, her own Son, on His way to save the world.
In all these cases: Our Lady, the Fatima children, St. Therese, their responses to their extra ordinary vocations brought extra ordinary graces to the world. In other works, so much depended on their “Yes.” There is something very wrong then in saying “Well, I can still serve God in some other way. I don’t need to respond. What’s important is that I’m happy.”
Many young people, due to their attachment to the world and the flesh, to their vanity, to fun times, keep hanging on to the idea that “I can do God’s work anywhere.” God’s work?!? The work of God for us is accomplished in His plan for us, not necessarily in what makes us feel good, what puts us in the lime light, or what brings us notoriety.
John Paul II followed God’s calling to diocesan life and God used him to bring many blessings to the Church; among these the diversion of a nuclear holocaust which he himself tells us in his last will and testament written in his own hand in his own polish language. St. Maximillian Kolbe followed God’s call into the active religious priestly life and through his Marian spirituality has renewed the world. St. Therese of Lisieux followed God’s call into the obscurity of a cloistered Carmel and her doctrine has transformed the face of western spirituality.
In all these examples, these people kept their eyes on Jesus, not on what others were doing or what others were accomplishing. Neither did they worry about what they would accomplish in the future. They left that up to Jesus on whom they kept their eyes fixed; He was the sign, the portent that they learned to read.
When Jesus told Peter how Peter’s life would end, Peter immediately started focusing on John, wondering what he was going to do. Jesus said to Peter “That’s not your problem! Your concern is to follow me.” In all these examples these saints knew that there would definitely be a cross in their future because they knew they followed the Lamb wherever He would go, and that He was a Lamb of God. In a letter to his confreres, St. Maximillian Kolbe wrote “With the Immaculata’s help, let us repeat constantly that we are prepared for everything; for all kinds of work, suffering, humiliations and even death by starvation.”
My little brothers in Christ, don’t tell yourself and don’t go running around telling other people that God wants you to be happy if you have no idea what happiness is. True, God wants us to be happy, but the happiness that God wants for us is reached by doing His will, carrying your cross, denying self, laying down your life. Hear what St. Paul says: “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking (fun times) but of justice, peace, and the joy that is given by the Holy spirit. Jesus says “My peace I give you, not as the world gives peace do I give it to you.”
My young brothers, life is short, so very short! Time is of the essence. Things have become very urgent. Learn to read the signs. Do not be afraid to suffer. Do not be afraid to respond to Jesus.
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
● Mark Mickelsen, a firefighter and former summer camper, who was critically injured in an auto accident
● Those who suffer in the current economic crisis.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.
● For the repose of the soul of Mike Hills.
A gentleman always opens the door for a lady, stands up if he is seated at a table when a lady approaches, and offers to carry her packages. Furthermore, when walking with a lady, a gentleman walks on the street side, always allowing the lady to walk on the inside, furthest away from the street.
How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press
Student Birthdays
● Oct. 25 Travis Elmer
● Oct. 31 Christian Aguilar
Athletics
Friday, Oct. 29th: Football vs Eastside Christian @ Lions Field; 7:00 p.m.
Homily preached by Fr. Charles Willingham, O. Praem.
Fr. Charles teaches scripture and hosts the weekenders.
You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky. Why do you not know how to interpret the present time? God really does give extraordinary vocations; calls men or women to become special vessels of God’s grace. A vocation is not a grab bag. It’s not our choice, believe it or not, but our response to God’s choice. Extra ordinary vocations are often signaled by extra ordinary graces which young men or young women recognize in their lives — extra ordinary goodness, love, charm, kindness, prayerfulness or other virtues.
Like St. Therese of Lisieux, sometimes the extra ordinary vocation is signaled by an extra ordinary grace of conversion. It was this way in the case of St. Mary Magdalene, St. Mary of Egypt, and Bl. Charles de Foucauld, all of whom left the world and went out into the desert dedicating themselves to prayer and reparation.
Sometimes it is simply a matter of an extra ordinary need existing at the time and you happen to be an able young man who can help. It becomes a matter of stepping up to the plate. During the two world wars, the posters which read “Uncle Sam Needs YOU” became a call to respond. Lines of guys wrapped around buildings to enlist, many not much older than some of you. By the very fact that the need existed, the able bodied young men felt called, compelled to go off and fight. It is Celine who tells us that her sister Therese decided to shut herself up in Carmel because of the need to save souls, to fight for souls.
When God gives special graces (and particularly special vocations) it’s because He has a special love for that person and through him or her plans to show His love for the world. But He always leaves us free. He respects our freedom and invites us to respond. The Fatima children were especially loved by Our Blessed Mother but she invited them to a special relationship with God and to an extra ordinary mission because there was an extra ordinary need – “so many souls falling into hell” our Lady showed them in a vision. Our Lady asked “Are you willing to offer yourselves to God, to bear all the suffering He may please to send you in reparation for the sins by which He is offended and for the conversion of sinners?” To which these three small “kids” answered with a very eager “Yes”. That “yes” meant that they would relinquish a naturally happy life. Jacinta and Francisco suffered and died as children. Lucia consecrated her life to God as a cloistered Carmelite religious in Portugal, persevering to the age of 93.
Even Our Blessed Mother who was most loved by God was still invited. Everything depended on her response which the Angel Gabriel eagerly awaited; she said “Be it done unto me.” In order to do that, she fully realized that she would be radically associated with the One who would be the Suffering Servant of Isaiah’s prophesies – suffering with Him, her own Son, on His way to save the world.
In all these cases: Our Lady, the Fatima children, St. Therese, their responses to their extra ordinary vocations brought extra ordinary graces to the world. In other works, so much depended on their “Yes.” There is something very wrong then in saying “Well, I can still serve God in some other way. I don’t need to respond. What’s important is that I’m happy.”
Many young people, due to their attachment to the world and the flesh, to their vanity, to fun times, keep hanging on to the idea that “I can do God’s work anywhere.” God’s work?!? The work of God for us is accomplished in His plan for us, not necessarily in what makes us feel good, what puts us in the lime light, or what brings us notoriety.
John Paul II followed God’s calling to diocesan life and God used him to bring many blessings to the Church; among these the diversion of a nuclear holocaust which he himself tells us in his last will and testament written in his own hand in his own polish language. St. Maximillian Kolbe followed God’s call into the active religious priestly life and through his Marian spirituality has renewed the world. St. Therese of Lisieux followed God’s call into the obscurity of a cloistered Carmel and her doctrine has transformed the face of western spirituality.
In all these examples, these people kept their eyes on Jesus, not on what others were doing or what others were accomplishing. Neither did they worry about what they would accomplish in the future. They left that up to Jesus on whom they kept their eyes fixed; He was the sign, the portent that they learned to read.
When Jesus told Peter how Peter’s life would end, Peter immediately started focusing on John, wondering what he was going to do. Jesus said to Peter “That’s not your problem! Your concern is to follow me.” In all these examples these saints knew that there would definitely be a cross in their future because they knew they followed the Lamb wherever He would go, and that He was a Lamb of God. In a letter to his confreres, St. Maximillian Kolbe wrote “With the Immaculata’s help, let us repeat constantly that we are prepared for everything; for all kinds of work, suffering, humiliations and even death by starvation.”
My little brothers in Christ, don’t tell yourself and don’t go running around telling other people that God wants you to be happy if you have no idea what happiness is. True, God wants us to be happy, but the happiness that God wants for us is reached by doing His will, carrying your cross, denying self, laying down your life. Hear what St. Paul says: “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking (fun times) but of justice, peace, and the joy that is given by the Holy spirit. Jesus says “My peace I give you, not as the world gives peace do I give it to you.”
My young brothers, life is short, so very short! Time is of the essence. Things have become very urgent. Learn to read the signs. Do not be afraid to suffer. Do not be afraid to respond to Jesus.
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
● Mark Mickelsen, a firefighter and former summer camper, who was critically injured in an auto accident
● Those who suffer in the current economic crisis.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.
● For the repose of the soul of Mike Hills.
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