November 27, 2010

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success: Bonello, DiNapoli, Saglietto, Schardt, Tractenberg families for coordinating a very successful Fall Sports Awards Ceremony.

General announcements to Parents
● Semester exams are coming soon (Dec 15, 16, 17). The semester exam tests the student’s ability to synthesize large quantities of materials. Semester grades which appear on the formal school transcript as a letter grade (A, B, C, etc.) are calculated from three weighted factors. Each of the two quarter grades weighs 40%. The semester exam itself weighs 20% of the semester grade. For more information about the semester grades and their importance please refer to Chapter 3 of the Parent Student Handbook.

● Volunteering at St. Michael’s.

There are as many reasons to volunteer as there are people who volunteer. However, many of these motives can be clustered around four themes: financial, spiritual, personal, and familial.

Volunteering helps St. Michael’s keep its costs down without scrimping on the quality of the education. Tuition represents only a portion of the real costs of educating one young man. The balance comes from contributed services and fundraising. The Norbertine Abbey community of St. Michael's is the most generous volunteer to the school but there is also a wide circle of parents and friends who support us. For every dollar spent on the young men of St. Michael's, 27¢ comes from fundraising. About 90% of the extra funds raised comes from families who have no children in the school. However, everyone has the satisfaction of not only supporting a very worthy education but also enjoys the tax advantages which philanthropy creates.

The greatest inspiration for volunteering comes from Jesus Himself. The Gospel resonates with the Word who came “to serve, not to be served.” The evangelist Matthew records the final judgment when each believer is to receive his reward based upon “as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.”

There are definite personal benefits when one volunteers. There is a dynamic process about working together for a common goal, Working with others hones skills, broadens knowledge, and develops talents. Pope John Paul II wrote about the redemptive quality of volunteering in his 1991 encyclical, Laborem Exercens. One does not have to be a Catholic to see the personal advantage of service. Robert Greenleaf popularized the concept of Servant Leadership as a successful business strategy in the 1970’s. A generation earlier Helen Keller, the poster child of volunteerism, believed that “Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”

Parents who habitually pitch in to help model a generosity of spirit that has a profound impact on a very unlikely audience – their own children. St. Michael’s provides the clearest evidence. Without a doubt, the family example is an important inspiration for the self-gift which these young men are making now.

Our Heavenly Father who gave us everything, including His only Son , certainly knows the value of giving. God also knows how to reward it.

Admission Matters
● Coffee and Cake Reception, December 4, 6:30 PM, at the home of Jeff and Laurel Aaker, in Apple Valley ● Open House, Sunday, December 5, 3:30 PM

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)–Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA)

● Fr. Victor will soon be sending out to all parents and friends a survey regarding the findings of the school’s self-study and asking for feedback in three areas: 1) Catholic Identity; 2) School areas of strength and growth; 3) School’s Action Plan

This week’s photos: Recent parent volunteers

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 5 Dress and Appearance Code, Section 3
SECTION 3: School Uniform
All students wear the uniform of St. Michael’s Prep, which consists of the following:
A single-breasted navy blue blazer with the emblem of St. Michael’s Prep
Pressed, charcoal gray dress trousers with a dark dress belt
White, long sleeve, dress shirt with a white, logo-free, crew-neck T-shirt underneath; white, short-sleeve, dress shirts may be worn during the warmer seasons
School tie
Plain black socks
Black dress shoes able to be shined (no high-tops, deck shoes, boots, half boots, work shoes or similar).
A solid gray or navy cardigan sweater (front buttoned, without collar and free from logos) may be used in place of the blazer during classes and most other school activities.
A button-less sweater vest may be worn either with the blazer on any occasion or in place of the blazer during classes. The sweaters are dark gray or navy blue.
Each student carries a handkerchief or tissue on his person at all times.
Students arrive at and depart from St. Michael’s in uniform. Wearing the blazer is optional for arrival and departure.
Students wear navy blue, logo-free, gym shorts for Physical Education. The top is a white P.E. T-shirt with the school name. These must be purchased from the school. A white, logo-free T-shirt with half sleeves may substitute for the P.E. top. At those times when students not attending P.E. dress for sports and/or recreation, their clothing must conform to these same standards.
The letterman jacket is optional for all those who have successfully completed a varsity sport and wish to purchase it. The letterman jacket may be worn at all functions and activities with one exception: blazers are the standard when Jesus is sacramentally present (Mass, Holy Hour and Benediction).
The ties, P.E. uniform, letterman jacket, school emblem for the blazer, and sports uniforms are ordered through the school.
Students are always in uniform in the classroom, church, during study period, in the library, or when departing from or returning to school. Students decide individually to wear their blazer or not when the weather is hot. Wearing the tie during study periods or while studying in the library is also at the student’s discretion.
The uniform is also worn by the weekenders when they are taken to the store, and the sports uniform is worn by the sports teams when being driven to and from games. Students attending games, contests, or school sponsored activities wear their full uniform, unless explicitly stated otherwise. All students come in uniform when first reporting to school.
Etiquette Point of the WeekWhen a gentleman receives a favor or a gift from someone, a gentleman not only thanks the gift giver personally at the time the gift is received, but also sends a written thank you note to acknowledge the gift giver’s generosity. Normally, thank you notes should be sent within two weeks of having received a gift. How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press

Homily preached by Frater Brendan Hankins, O. Praem.
Among other things, Frater Brendan is an Assistant Dean and teaches English. (This is Frater Brendan’s first public sermon as a deacon.)

I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking…

Today we honor St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and martyr. Of all virtuous acts martyrdom is the greatest proof of the soul’s perfection in charity. The martyrs testify by their lives to the faith they professed with their lips. St. Thomas teaches that the perfection of man consists in his despising temporal things and cleaving to things spiritual. The martyr forsakes all the temporal goods of earth for the promise of an invisible treasure in heaven. A foolish bargain in the sight of carnal men, but a wisdom that Christ testified to with His own life and asked us to follow when he said “there is no greater love than to give your life for your friends.” At the point of death Christ guarantees that the martyrs will speak with a wisdom that confounds the kings of the earth with the wisdom of the King of the Universe. Although this wisdom is consummated in deed with a martyr’s crown it is testified to throughout one’s life with his words.
St. Augustine makes the connection between the guarantee of the wisdom of Christ for those undergoing persecution with those who are preaching his gospel. If Christ gives the Gift of Wisdom when speaking to his enemies, all the more is He is willing to bestow it upon His ministers when teaching his disciples; for it is Christ’s aid that we need. As St. Augustine say’s “in regard to every matter of faith and love there are many things that may be said, and many ways of saying them, who knows what it is expedient at a given moment for us to say, or to be heard saying, except God who knows the hearts of all? And who can make us say what we ought, and in the way we ought, except Him in whose hand both we and our speeches are?”

And if it is Christ whose instruments we are then we can expect to receive the treatment that he received. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you” Jn. 15:18. A reading from the prophet Jeremiah for the mass of ordinations gives the same assurance of persecution and assistance; “To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord. Then the Lord extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying, See, I place my words in your mouth!” (Jeremiah 1:7-9).

St. Andrew is remembered as a tireless preacher and was arrested three times before he was finally executed for the faith he preached. So whether it’s the 1st homily after the grace of ordination or the last before the grace of martyrdom may we trust in Christ’s promise to place his words in our mouths so that He may, like St. Andrew before us, place a crown on our heads.

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
● Mr. Thomas Markel, father of our school nurse, who has been battling failing health.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

November 21, 2010

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success
● Porretta, Portka, and Saglietto Families for hosting students over the weekend
● Fr. Benedict, Mr. Aaron Meschuk, and all who helped make the Fall Sports Award Ceremony a success.

General announcements to Parents
● Students are dismissed for the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend on Tuesday, at 12:40 PM.

College representatives visiting this week: None

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)–Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA)
A new section of the WCEA/WASC self-study is dedicated to Catholic Identity. Fr. Victor will soon be emailing all families a brief questioner regarding their thoughts about the school’s Catholic Identity. You may email him your responses.

This week’s photos: Students planting new fruit trees; Soccer practice

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 5 Dress and Appearance Code, Sections 1 and 2
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
St. Michael’s maintains high standards for good grooming. Proper grooming demonstrates a healthy self-respect and prepares a student for the larger stage of life where stringent standards of comportment and clothing are prerequisites. The first part of grooming is attention to personal and oral hygiene. The complementary component is how one is dressed.

SECTION 2: NEATNESS IN APPEARANCE
Students are expected to have enough well-fitting, clean and mended clothing to be able to always dress neatly. Each school day a well-pressed shirt should be worn; trousers should be pressed and shoes shined. A coin-operated washer and dryer are provided for the use of the students. A prerequisite of dressing neatly is daily attention to oral and personal hygiene. The important thing about hair is that it is kept in a manner appropriate for a conservative, professional business setting. Normally, this means that it is short, neatly trimmed and combed. It should not touch the ears, shirt collar, or cover the eyes. No bleached or colored hair is permitted. All students must be clean-shaven. Sideburns may be no longer than mid ear. All personal items must be marked for easy owner identification. It is the right of the headmaster and/or his delegate to judge whether the dress code has been followed.

Etiquette Point of the Week
When receiving an invitation, a gentleman always respects a request to r.s.v.p., which is a French abbreviation requesting you to please respond letting your host or hostess know whether you will attend or will not attend the event you have been invited to. How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press

Student Birthdays: Nov. 23 David Suh

Homily preached by Fr. Chrysostom Baer, O.Praem. on the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary.
Among other things, Fr. Chrysostom teaches Latin and Greek

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, whom we celebrate today, was born in 1207 and died in 1231. This solitary biographical fact is itself the source of a great consideration. How many of us who are over the age of twenty-four can say of ourselves that we were canonizable at that age? How many of us who are not yet twenty-four can say of ourselves that the current trajectory of our holiness is likely to achieve the level of heroic virtue by then?

What was it, therefore, that so marked the all-too brief life of this woman that even now, almost eight hundred years later, we still sing her praises? If there is one aspect that shines through her biography, it is intensity. Sure, she started young, being married at age fourteen, but more importantly, her life is filled with so many stories of deeds of kindness and piety that it’s a wonder she ever slept.

To find the secret to her holiness, then, it is not enough simply to notice her intensity; we need to examine the contact point between that intensity of spirit and works of virtue. And in her case, the works of mercy she undertook were predominantly those which brought her into immediate interaction with the poor and miserable. It is necessary for any great work or project of mercy that there be planning and organization, but these can never replace the very human contact of personally handing over food to the hungry. One of the most edifying miracles that God worked to show approval of her corporal works of mercy was when one day she was serving beer to a number of poor men, and when each had had as much as he desired, it was found that the jug still contained the same measure of beer as before. And this is to say nothing of her donation of clothes for the baptism of children, sheltering pilgrims and the homeless behind her own castle, and tending the sick in all their vile needs herself. This kind of generosity of spirit constantly demands the relegation of self and my needs to second place.

Now, this intensity in doing good works is impossible to maintain without a deep and vibrant contemplative life. The almost frantic need to exercise works of mercy would burn itself out and leave behind no reputation for godliness were it not constantly being refueled from above.

But what seals the deal, of course, is the renunciation of all worldly attachments through obedience. Her harsh spiritual director was Conrad of Marburg, who imposed many vexatious and contrary things upon her, and even separated her from her handmaids, who were her closest friends once her husband had died. With a spirit of prompt obedience and limitless patience, she said, “For God’s sake…have I given my obedience to Master Conrad…that I might be bereft of every earthly consolation!”

I’m not recommending that we run out and find a spiritual director of like ilk. Nor is youthful sanctity the point as much as always stretching out for heroic virtue. But that intensity of spirit, which exhausted St. Elizabeth’s young body through all of her charitable labors, likewise crushed her own will through obedience—through embracing what we would find most irksome—and this is to be recommended, so that our self-love and attachments to our own desires can be burned up in the fire of divine love. Through the intercession of St. Elizabeth, may we be graced with that single-minded intensity by which the saints live here below the foretaste of life in the world to come. Amen.

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
● Mr. Thomas Markel, father of our school nurse, who has been battling failing health.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

● Repose of the soul of alumnus Brent Johnson ‘75

November 14, 2010

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success
● Mr. Brian Tran who took photos of the football game throughout the season.
● Mr. Rudy Aguilar who took photos of the cross country meets throughout the season.
● Ms. Kelly Choi and Mr. and Mrs. Dale Rincon for hosting students over the weekend.
● Mr. and Mrs. Ed Pickett for driving a carpool.

General announcements to Parents
The Fall Sports Award Ceremony takes place Sunday, November 21st at 7:00 p.m. for students who participated in football or cross country. Families are encouraged to attend.

Admission Matters
Monday, Nov. 15th: St. Bonaventure (1:50 p.m.) and St. Cornelius (7:00 p.m.)

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)–Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA)
Our WCEA/WASC visitation is scheduled for March 20-23. During that time the visiting committee will want to meet with all the faculty, members of the school’s Board of Directors, and many students and parents. The tentative plan is for the committee to meet with the parents on Sunday evening, March 20, at 7:00 PM. Mark your calendars now. More information to come.

This week’s photos: Serving disabled adults; PE class hike

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 4, Section 18

Section 18: Items Students May Not Have at Any Time
In addition to those things for which students could be dismissed, students may not have the following items at any time on campus: chewing gum, fireworks, refrigerators, ovens, televisions (or any similar video machines), replica or toy weapons, and cabalistic symbols. The headmaster is the final interpreter of what students may or may have at any time on campus.

Etiquette Point of the Week
A gentleman does not borrow items from friends without good reason. Being prepared to handle one’s own necessities is always preferable to borrowing from others, however, when absolutely necessary, a gentleman always returns borrowed items in good condition and as promptly as possible. How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press

Student Birthdays

None this week

Homily preached by Fr. Victor Szczurek, O. Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Victor is the Assistant Headmaster and teaches Latin.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If you are not watchful, I will come like a thief. I will vomit the lukewarm out of my mouth.

These three passages all taken from today’s Epistle form a sort of decrescendo, as it were—from the best possible state of one’s spiritual life down to the worst possible state. Love, fear, rejection.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me. Our Lord lovingly knocked at the door of Zachaeus’ soul with an initial grace, an invitation. Zachaeus willingly opened the door and welcomed Him; Christ forgave him all his sins, dined with him, and Zachaeus now sits at the eternal banquet in heaven. Love.

If you are not watchful, I will come like a thief. Our Lord wants so badly to save us, that He doesn’t give up on us so easily (and thank heavens for that). Even if we do not accept His initial invitation, His first knock, He not only keeps knocking, He even breaks into our lives, jimmies the lock we fasten onto our hearts. Like a thief greedy for his desired treasure, Christ will try just about anything to capture our souls. He blinded St. Paul, nearly killed St. Norbert with a bolt of lightening, allowed St. Mary Magdalene to come before a firing squad of stone throwers, and has ever since used everything from cancer to car accidents to bring about the conversion of lost souls—whatever it takes. It’s as if our Blessed Lord says to us, “So, you don’t want to open the door to Me when I knock. Alright, I’ll break it off its hinges.” Fear.

But what if even then a person still does not welcome Christ? I will vomit the lukewarm out of my mouth. Rejection. “God, who made us without our consent, will not save us without our consent” said St. Augustine. Even God has only so much patience. He gives us a lifetime to turn to Him. When the time of mercy is over and a soul still has not allowed Him to enter, all He can do is manifest His justice. How sad it will be—to put it mildly—how utterly sad it will be to see the damned going off to their eternal punishment, knowing that not only did Christ knock at their door during their life here on earth, but even tried every last trick He knew to get them to open the door of their hearts to Him, but they would not.
It’s safe to say that most, if not all of us here in this Church, have opened the door to Christ at least to one degree or another. It’s also safe to say that He would probably like us to help Him knock on a few doors today, or even help Him break in, so to speak, to a few lost souls. Let us show our gratitude to Christ for His mercy towards us by praying and offering up sacrifices and acts of charity for those who keep slamming the door on Him, so that they too will finally let Him into their lives, and that He might someday reign in the hearts of us all. Amen.

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
● Mr. Thomas Markel, father of our school nurse, who has been battling failing health.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

● Repose of the soul of alumnus Brent Johnson ‘75

November 7, 2010

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success
● For coordinating a barbeque after the football game: Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Schardt, Mrs. Elizabeth Tractenberg.
● For hosting cross country runners for a cookout after the final cross country meet: Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bonello.
● For hosting a cake and coffee evening in their home for prospective new families: Mr. and Mrs. Philip Dardaine.

General announcements to Parents
● Fr. Godfrey Bushmaker, O. Praem. will be our guest speaker on Sunday, November 14th at 7:00 p.m. for the second in a series of Parent Talks focusing on “Raising A Man Of God For Others”
● All room leaders will be trained in CPR by Capt. Matt Holke this week

College representatives visiting this week:
Wednesday: Whittier College

Admission Matters
St. Michael’s hosts an Open House in our library on Saturday, November 13th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.. Any families interested in finding out more about our unique academic and spiritual experience are encouraged to join us.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)–Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA)

The WASC/WCEA Self-Study Report concludes with a school Action Plan, that is, several tasks/goals which the school sets for itself over the next 6 years. This Action Plan is formed from the input of all the school’s stakeholders (Board Members, Parents, Students, Faculty and Staff).

This week’s photos: Serving the poor in Laguna Beach; Cross Country

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 4, Sections 16 and 17
Section 16: Discipline Review Board
A Discipline Review Board is called for consultation when those student offenses could conclude with a decision for dismissal. The Board is composed of an odd number of persons (ideally 5) who called together on an ad hoc basis and would typically include the dean, assistant dean, and several faculty members. Any appeal of the Board’s decision must be written and submitted within a two-week time frame to the headmaster whose decision will be final.

Section 17: Borrowing, Lending, Etc. Among StudentsStudents are discouraged to sell, lend, buy or borrow anything without the written permission of their parents and the expressed consent of the dean. St. Michael’s is in no way responsible for the loss or damage to any student’s personal belongings which he loans to or borrows from another student, leaves unattended on school property, or loses on a school outing. Individual items of value which students bring to the school (such as personal computers) must be insured under the parents’ policy.

Etiquette Point of the Week
A gentleman does not try to make himself appear important or try to call attention to himself by using crude language. This includes using the Lord’s name in vain as an exclamation of astonishment.
How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press

Homily preached by Abbot Eugene Hayes, O.Praem.

“Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.” Each evening we pray this invocation as the last of the divine praises offered by us to God the most holy, in the presence of the most blessed sacrament exposed on this altar. “Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.” Again, this evening, God-willing that invocation will be prayed once more by us but maybe after our celebration of the solemnity of All the Saints, it will be prayed with just a little more awareness of who God is and how he can be known and loved ever more and how he offers us each day and in so many ways the means by which we too, one day, and again God-willing, can be among those in whom God is blessed.
Once more we have heard and prayed the liturgical texts so familiar to some of us who are blessed each year to do precisely that, to hear them and pray them and be instructed and lifted up by them. And as we have done and are doing throughout this day we become aware once more just how close they are to us. For even now, the preface reminds us, this assembly, this crown of brethren, this circle of the elect, praises God, wonderful and holy in those who offer this praise. These brethren, that same preface recalls for us are brethren to us, a crown of our brethren, who at this moment in a state transcending the limits of time, even now right now praise God. As our brothers and sisters they know us and are involved in our lives particularly to the degree that we invite and allow them. As sons and daughters of God now confirmed in their salvation, having received a victor’s crown for the contest which is human life, these same brothers and sisters of ours are concerned about our salvation, care what goes on in our life, plead for our victory likewise, especially accompany us in all the ways and at all the points when we invoke their names and enliven even more the mission they carry out on our behalf as they praise God, holy in his angels and saints.
May each of us rejoice this day in the assistance of all the saints given us in our weakness and in the example given for our instruction, and the goal to which we hurry in faith, spurred on and assisted by the vast assembly of witnesses who await us and long for our coming more than we can imagine.

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. Betty Vaughan who suffers from declining health.
● Sr. Mary Vianney, Principal of St. John the Baptist School, who is suffering from declining health.
● 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.
●Repose of the soul of alumnus Brent Johnson ‘75