To Parents and Friends

January 22, 2012

2012-01-22T09:58:00.000-08:00

Parent Meeting: Sunday, Jan. 22nd; 7:30 p.m.

Financial Aid Applications Due: Please begin submitting your financial aid renewals for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications must be received by PSAS prior to February 1, 2012. The application may be found on our school webpage in the Admissions section or by opening the following link: http://stmichaelsprep.org/images/stories/Admissions/psas_financial_aid_application.pdf

Entrance Exam/Open House
St. Michael’s will offer its Entrance Exam for the 2012-2013 academic year, on Saturday, January 28th. Check-in time is 8:00 a.m.
Pre-registration is required through our school office at 949-858-0222 ext 237.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 4, Section 5

SECTION 5: STUDY DETENTION
Students may forfeit their evening free time 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.

This Week’s Photos: Rome

Sports This Week:
Tuesday: Soccer vs TVT @ STM; 3:00 p.m.
Thursday: Basketball @ Capo Valley; 5:00 p.m.
Friday: Soccer vs. CVC @ Rancho Capistrano; 3:15 p.m.

Birthdays:
None this week

Homily of the Week by Fr. Sebastian Walshe
Among other things, Fr. Sebastian teaches Philosophy in the abbey seminary.

“Though little in your own esteem, are you not the ruler of Israel?...”

With these words the prophet Samuel accuses Saul of a sin unfamiliar to all but a few of the faithful, but well known to the evil one who so successfully entraps men in this sin that even while they are committing it, they suppose themselves
to be acting virtuously. That sin is pusillanimity, “smallness of soul” which disguises itself as humility.

Pusillanimity is the vice of failing to strive for the greater goods which most of all perfect us because we falsely consider ourselves unable or unworthy to pursue them. The pusillanimous man refuses to
strive for holiness: “That’s for saints,” he says, “I’m just a humble man who
just wants to get into a mid-level condo in purgatory.” When a situation demands heroism, the
pusillanimous man excuses himself under the pretence of being unable or
unworthy. St. Thomas Aquinas says that pusillanimity is a sin worse than presumption, since by it many great goods are omitted, and in the Christian life, it is more important to do good than to
avoid evil.

Even saints like blessed Theresa of Calcutta sometimes fail in this way [story about
her not wanting to go to the poor Indians]

Opposed to pusillanimity is magnaminity, “greatness of soul” one of the greatest
virtues of the Christian life. The magnanimous man strives, with the help of God, for the greatest goods. He seeks in all things the honor and glory of God and the saints. St. Thomas teaches
that magnaminity especially produces trust in God: that trust so often recommended in the writings of St. Faustina. The magnanimous soul says with saint Paul: “I can do all things in Him
who strengthens me!”

This trust in divine help is especially exercised through obedience. The magnanimous soul obeys because it trusts in God’s help: God who has given the command will also give the power to
accomplish it. This great-souled obedience unmasks the false humility of
pusillanimity. St. Faustina once said that the Devil can weak the cloak of humility but not the cloak of obedience. Just as faith without works is dead, so humility without obedience is dead.

When the Lord sent Saul to destroy the Amalekites, He wanted absolutely everything
destroyed. but Saul and his men wanted to keep the best livestock, supposedly to sacrifice them to the Lord. We can do the same thing in our moral lives: the Lord sends us to destroy completely from our lives the things which incline us to sin. But then we start second guessing: “there’s nothing wrong with this or that thing, this i-pod, that group of friends…they’re not bad in themselves, I’ll keep them in my life and make them a sacrifice to the Lord.” When we do this we keep the livestock of the Amalekites.

The irony of it all is that often we will make greater sacrifices in order to do our own will than to do the will of God. This is how the scribes and Pharisees of this morning’s gospel
behaved. They fasted while the Bridegroom was present, when it was the will of God that they rejoice.

We can make great sacrifices and carry heavy self-fashioned crosses. But the merit of our sacrifices does not come from the suffering we willingly endure. Our sufferings have no merit. If I hand over my body to be burned, says St. Paul, yet I have not love, it profits nothing.
Our merit comes from union with the will of Christ, it comes from loving Christ.

Once Mother Theresa saw a sister who was going about with a sad countenance, she said to her “Sister, did Jesus say to take up your cross and go before Him or to follow Him?” “To follow Him” she said, and immediately she understood and her joy returned.

When e carry our cross it is to follow Jesus, because it is out of love of him that
we carry our cross. He must always be before us so that we can keep the eyes of our heart fixed on Him and be drawn by love of Him. His goodness is the only
thing that gives meaning to our cross.

If we carry our cross before Jesus, He remains behind us, unseen by our hearts. We live according to our own will, and our endurance of sufferings, no matter how impressive, are no better than pagan virtues. We are no better than pagans.

Beloved in Christ, the Christian soul is great not because it endures great suffering, but because it is open to God’s great mercy. In joy and in sorrow, let us always say: Jesus, I trust in You.

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
● Jodie Meschuk, wife of Coach Aaron Meschuk, who is expecting.
● The paternal grandfather of sophomore Andrew Bonello who is hospitalized
with a broken hip.
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league
president, who has declining health.
● Mr. Glenn Emanuel, a member of the Norbertine Lay Order, who has a serious heart condition.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

January 15, 2012

2012-01-15T09:15:00.001-08:00

College Financial Aid Workshop
Sunday, Jan 15th; 7:00 p.m.

Parent Meeting: Sunday, Jan. 22nd; 7:30 p.m.

Financial Aid Applications Due: Please begin submitting your financial aid renewals for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications must be received by PSAS prior to February 1, 2012. The application may be found on our school webpage in the Admissions section or by opening the following link: http://stmichaelsprep.org/images/stories/Admissions/psas_financial_aid_application.pdf

Entrance Exam/Open House
St. Michael’s will offer its Entrance Exam for the 2012-2013 academic year, on Saturday, January 28th. Check-in time is 8:00 a.m.
Pre-registration is required through our school office at 949-858-0222 ext 237.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 4, Section 4

SECTION 4: SICKNESS AND EXCUSED ABSENCES
It is the parents’ duty to report a sickness which developed over a weekend or vacation. Such a report should be made personally by telephone to either the deans or the school secretary. In case of an accident or sickness occurring during the school week, the parents will be phoned and asked to take their son home. Parents should bring their son back to school as soon as possible upon his recovery. Absence is very disruptive to his academic progress. A doctor’s certificate is required when returning to school after more than three days’ absence or if not returning on time after long weekends or holiday breaks. The only excused absences are: bona fide illness, college visit, court appearance, funeral, and quarantine.
For each day a student is away from school with an unexcused absence, he works a weekend. Regular weekend fees are charged. This regulation applies even when the parents notify the school in advance of the absence itself.

Catholics Get Higher Returns on Human Capital
In Australia, Roman Catholic men earn 6.7% more than men of other religions, according to a study of household data by Michael A. Kortt of Southern Cross University and Brian Dollery of the University of New England, both in Australia. Their findings are consistent with research showing that in the U.S., Catholic men ages 26 to 34 benefit from an estimated wage premium of 7.1%. The researchers speculate that a Catholic upbringing instills attitudes and work habits that employers value.
Source: Applied Economics Letters. Volume 19, Number 10, 1 July 2012 , pp. 943-946(4)

This Week’s Photos: Rome

Sports This Week:
Congratulations to our basketball team on their recent victory over Fairmont!

Tuesday: Soccer vs. Fairmont Prep @ The Trident Center; 3:15 p.m.
Friday: Basketball @ Capo Valley Christian; 4:30 p.m.

Birthdays: None this week

Homily of the Week by Fr. Chrysostom Baer, O. Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Chrysostom is the abbey’s Cantor and teaches Latin in the abbey seminary.

The trouncing of the Israelites which we heard of in the first reading must have been earth-shattering. In the face of an unpleasant rout they apparently redoubled their faith…whereupon they suffered a total catastrophe. The capture of the ark and the death of the priests Hophni and Phineas marked the defeat of almighty God. But we read in the text following today’s passage that the Philistines were only too glad to return the ark, once they experienced plagues reminiscent of what they heard the Egyptians had gone through. Even some of those Israelites to whom the ark was returned failed to rejoice, and they were struck down by God. And so, it took the better part of twenty years before the ark returned to its proper place. But when it finally was, Samuel, now a grown man, compelled the Israelites to renounce their idols and forged with them a renewal of the covenant.

We find something not unlike this whole episode in our own moral lives. It can happen that we think we’re struggling valiantly to conquer a vice, and then we fall anyway. We break out all sorts of spiritual weapons, and we fall even farther. Why? Because we have Hophni and Phineas in our army. For those who perhaps don’t remember, these two priests were the wicked sons of Eli, who cheated on their wives with the women who attended the tent of the Lord, who appropriated to their own stomachs the portions of the sacrifices reserved to the Lord, and who refused to be corrected for their wrongdoing. In other words, they abused their status as priests for self-aggrandizement. They flouted the law of the Most High, and set up their own desires as law. They were proud in their sacrilegious gluttony and adultery, and so God slated them for destruction.

So let us take the clear example of pride and lust. A man may wish to overcome his sins of lust, and he may even resort to surges of spiritual warfare, yet he seems so constantly to fail as to be discouraging, if not downright depressing. He says to Jesus, “If You wish, You can make me clean,” yet nothing happens.

But in the providence of God, just as the armies of Israel were laid low so as to smite the agents of pride, so too our very losses in the moral realm are permitted so as to make a more crucial, more fundamental, more necessary gain. God teaches humility through humiliation, whether this comes from dramatic failures or from quietly persevering in prayer and penance even when no progress can be seen by the human eye. The beautiful tower of purity must be built on the rock of humility. If a man has pride and chastity, he will not long have chastity. If he has humility and lust, he has the wherewithal to repent, and so he will not forever have sins of lust.

Lust is a clear example, but the principle applies to all sins. We might well imagine also a man who, despite acknowledging his lack of discretion in speech, does not gain the restraint he knows he ought to have. He prays in the morning, “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips!” but in his evening examination of conscience he marvels with shame at what escaped his teeth’s barrier—day after day after day. And so he humbly repents and confesses this sin again and again and again, always resolving to do better, regardless of actual results.

God is no fool. If we would share in the redemption offered by Jesus Christ, we must not only become like Him in that humility by which He was obedient unto death, death on a cross, but we must also do so by subjecting ourselves to material elements, things lower than us by nature, for they have the power of God. This intrinsic and necessary link between sacraments and holiness is brought out in the prayers of today’s Mass. In the prayer over the offerings we will say, “May Your people’s oblation, O Lord, find favor with You, we pray, that it may restore them to holiness and obtain what they devoutly entreat,” and again after communion, “Be graciously pleased to grant that those You renew with Your Sacraments may also serve with lives pleasing to You.”

Then, when we have humbly and perseveringly submitted to the means of grace offered by the Church will Jesus be pleased to touch our moral leprosy and say, “I do will it. Be made clean.”

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
● Jodie Meschuk, wife of Coach Aaron Meschuk, who is expecting.
● The paternal grandfather of sophomore Andrew Bonello who is hospitalized with a broken hip.
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mr. Glenn Emanuel, a member of the Norbertine Lay Order, who has a serious heart condition.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

Postcards from Rome and Assisi

2012-01-04T01:30:00.000-08:00

The students of St. Michael's Junior class are having a wonderful and inspiring pilgrimage in the Eternal City.
Here are a few "postcards" of our trip so far. Enjoy!


On the front steps of the Norbertine Generalate


Our Deans show us how to get around Rome.


Fr. Claude shows us beautiful things, both sacred...


...and secular.

The Ruins of the Roman Forum

In the dark of night, we stand together.

Italy abounds in sacred art.

The best way to see Rome is on foot.

Relics of Our Lord's Passion in the Basilica Santa Croce

A teaching moment with Fr. Brendan

We found this image of St. Sebastian.

A unique view of St. Peter's

Entering the Piazza of St. Peter's; notice the Christmas tree.

Fr. Brendan offered Holy Mass for us in St. Peter's crypt.

The Clementine Chapel is right below the basilica's main altar...

...and right above the tomb of St. Peter himself.

Inside the main basilica are beautiful and famous works of art.

We climbed what seemed like seven thousand steps to get the view from St. Peter's Dome.


We saw Pope Benedict XVI in his 21st Century "Sedia Gestatoria".

Yesterday we took the two hour train ride to Assisi.

This is Sta. Maria degli Angeli; the Portiuncula is inside.

Our guide in Assisi is very knowledgeable.

After taking the bus up the hill from the train station, we approach Assisi's old "New Gate".

Latin is everywhere in Italy!

Pink stone and buttresses of the Church of St. Clare.

The front of St. Clare's is still Christmasy.

Looking down upon the old city of Assisi.

The valley surrounding this hilltop town.

No medieval city would be complete without a castle up above.

St. Francis' basilica is on three levels; this is the upper.

In true Franciscan fashion, a life size creche

A closer view of the upper basilica

Our guided tour led through the courtyard of St. Francis.

The entrance to the lower basilica.

Did we mention that Latin is everywhere?

The actual tomb of St. Francis of Assisi himself is in a crypt below the lower basilica.
Excuse the quality; it was very dark, and no flash was allowed.

Merry Christmas from Assisi!

January 1, 2012

2012-01-02T12:31:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

Reminder to all that classes begin on Tuesday morning, January 10, 2012.

Financial Aid Applications Due

Please begin submitting your financial aid renewals for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications must be received by PSAS prior to February 1, 2012. The application may be found on our school webpage in the Admissions section or by opening the following link: http://stmichaelsprep.org/images/stories/Admissions/psas_financial_aid_application.pdf d_application.pdf

Entrance Exam/Open House
St. Michael’s will offer its Entrance Exam
for the 2012-2013 academic year, on Saturday, January 28, from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
Anyone interested in attending ought to contact
Mrs. Pam Christian, the school secretary, ASAP, at 949-858-0222 (Ext 237).

This Week’s Photos: Alumni Barbecue/Basketball Game

Second Quarter Honor Roll
20011-2012

First
Honors
94% and Above

Adam Aeschliman
Christian Aguilar
Faris Alquaddoomi
Samuel Arnold
Nicholas DiNapoli
Stephen Deaton
Thomas Esser
Derek Giap
Moises Gomez
James Howard
Michael Howard
Michael Johnson
Yongkyoo Kim
Yongsoo Kim
Alan Le
Giorgio Navarini
Joseph Porretta
Andrew Rozak
Brian Schardt
Ian Shaffer
Luan Tran
William Warnisher

Second
Honors
88% - 93%

Albert Aragon
Andrew Bonello
Teofil Dabrowski
Jerry Gao
Brett Lenahan
Jack Mikolaycik
Nicholas Munsell
Bryce Pickett
Michael Porretta
Jacob Portka
Marco Saglietto
Scott Schardt
Johann Shoenfeld
Matthew Shelton
Jonathan Tran
Newton Vu

Athletics

Tuesday: Soccer @ TVT; 3:00 p.m.
Thursday: Basketball @ Fairmont Prep; 4:30 p.m.
Friday: Soccer vs SVC @ Rancho Capistrano; 3:15 p.m.

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

With the Christmas Season soon coming to a close and with “Ordinary Time” approaching, we may find ourselves once
again afflicted with those annual “post-Christmas blues,” and all joy trampled underfoot by the return of our everyday
cares, headaches and duties. And so it is fitting that Holy Mother Church should offer us today, through the life and words of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, a little “antidote,” as it were, to help combat that yearly pestilence.

St. Elizabeth, as you may know, was a convert to Catholicism; she was originally Episcopalian. Some time after her husband died she made a trip to Italy, a trip which was to play an important role in her conversion. Upon her return to America, she wrote to her sister-in-law the following words concerning Catholics: “I don’t know how anyone can have any trouble in this world who believes all that these dear souls believe…Why they must be as happy as angels…” The communion of saints—and the whole devotional life which goes with that, especially devotion to the Blessed Mother--the teaching and direction of the Church’s hierarchy, the 7 sacraments, especially Confession and the Holy Eucharist, all these led this Episcopalian woman to see that anyone who is blessed with such divine gifts must possess a joy which cannot pass away. And so, not long after, St. Elizabeth converted to the true Faith, giving up her almost noble social status, receiving scorn and rebuke from her family and society (which was far from friendly to Catholics at that time), so that she too might possess those divine gifts, the patrimony of Christ’s Church.

St. Thomas mentions as one of the means of curing sadness, indeed the chief means, the meditation on divine things. As Catholics we should meditate not only on the many wonders of God, but on the fact that we actually have them in our possession. The source of all Christmas joy, as well as cause of the many blessings which so impressed St. Elizabeth, is the Word Incarnate; and like the shepherds and the Magi, we possess that same Divine Infant every day at Holy Mass, such that, as one religious Sister once explained in her own simple way, “Every day is like Christmas for Catholics, because we have the Mass.” And if that’s true for Catholics in general, how much more true is it for the priest, “in whose hands,” says St. Augustine, “as in the womb of the Virgin, the Son of God is incarnate.” It makes one wonder whether a priest, if he celebrates Mass daily, can ever really even have a “bad day.”

The Gospel tells us that the shepherds, having seen Our Blessed Lord in Bethlehem, returned glorifying and praising God. May St. Elizabeth Ann Seton intercede for us, so that, having adored the Divine Infant, we may return once again to our everyday cares, glorifying and praising God, as joyful as the angels.

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
● Jodie Meschuk, wife of Coach Aaron Meschuk, who is expecting.
● The paternal grandfather of sophomore Andrew Bonello who is hospitalized with a broken hip.
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mr. Glenn Emanuel, a member of the Norbertine Lay Order, who has a serious heart condition.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

December 18, 2011

2011-12-18T08:54:00.001-08:00

This week are first semester final exams. Students are exhorted to study; parents are exhorted to pray!
School will be dismissed Wednesday, Dec. 21st at 12:30 p.m. for the Christmas/New Year break. Classes resume Tuesday, January 10th.

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
For providing a parent-sponsored lunch: Mrs. Aguilar, her mother, and her aunt on Monday and The Porretta Family on Thursday.
Mrs. Virginia Schoenfeld, for taking pictures and the basketball games.

Financial Aid Applications Due: Please begin submitting your financial aid renewals for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications must be received by PSAS prior to February 1, 2012. The application may be found on our school webpage in the Admissions section or by opening the following link: http://stmichaelsprep.org/images/stories/Admissions/psas_financial_aid_application.pdf

Photographers! When you take exceptional photos of the students doing things noble, virtuous, studious, or fun -- send a copy to the school. This will significantly enrich the treasury of photos available to adorn the electronic and real walls of the campus.

Parent/Student Handbook: FRIDAY AND WEEKEND RULES

All students shall be picked up from St. Michael’s for the Friday dismissal by 1 PM. In the event that a parent or guardian of a student encounters an emergency situation that delays their arrival to the school, the student may remain at the school until 4 PM and will be supervised by one of the Deans of Students or the confrere assigned to weekender duty. In the event that the parent or guardian is delayed past the 4 PM deadline, an additional charge of one day’s boarding cost will be assessed to the student’s account.

With regard to the actual dismissal on Fridays, the parent will be required to report to the supervising Dean of Students who is monitoring student dismissal in the parking lot and sign their student out. At that point, the student will be released to the parent or guardian. Only those individuals who are registered parents or guardians with the Headmaster’s Office will be allowed to retrieve their students.

For those students who routinely stay over the weekend at St. Michael’s they will be supervised by the confreres assigned to weekend supervision. In the event that a weekend boarding student opts out of their weekend status to stay locally with a St. Michael’s host family, the parents of that student and the hosting parents must email the Headmaster’s Office by 12 PM the Wednesday before, giving mutual permission for the opting out of weekend status for that particular weekend. A student will not be granted opt out status of weekend stay by casually stating to a member of the faculty that they are staying over the weekend at another student’s home. If concurrent permission is not received from the concerned parents via email by the stated deadline, the student will not be released to the host family by the Dean of Students.

Oftentimes, students who live locally and return home each weekend are invited to stay the weekend with another local school family. This arrangement will also require notification to the Headmaster’s office via email by 12 PM the Wednesday before so that the supervising Dean will be aware of the arrangement when releasing the student to the host family.

For those students who routinely transit home by train after Friday dismissal, St. Michael’s will facilitate the transportation of that student to the nearest train station for a nominal transportation fee. However, the student’s parents or guardian must confirm the fact that the student will be traveling home by train for the weekend. The parent or guardian will be required to email the Headmasters Office by 12 pm, Wednesday, of each week to confirm their student will in fact be traveling home. They will also provide the departure time of the train their son will be taking home.

This Week’s Photos: Basketball; Christmas Room Decorating Contest

Sports This Week:
To allow our students extra time to study for semester exams without distractions, there will be no athletic competitions scheduled this week, only practices.

Birthdays:
Dec. 19th: James Howard
Dec. 20th: Newton Vu
Dec. 31st: Thomas Esser; Matthew Shelton
Jan. 1st: Faris Alquaddoomi
Jan. 10th: Andrew Bonello; Chimaobim Ejiaga

Homily of the Week by Fr. Abbot Eugene Hayes

This evening with our annual Lessons and Carols service we comply with the church’s admonition to us to rejoice. We have arrived precisely at the midpoint of the season of Advent, the season which prepares for the coming of Christ and the reception of the grace of Christmas, a grace renewed each year, one to be communicated to those who have lived these four weeks well. And through the liturgy and the scriptures of this season we are reminded of the various elements of the program of Advent. Today the element put before us, as I mentioned, is one of rejoicing, in fact this 3rd Sunday of advent was known as rejoicing Sunday, Gaudete Sunday – Latin word – plural imperative, telling, instructing, commanding all to whom it is addressed to rejoice. It is a message accompanied by rose colored vestments and the return of the organ and for us here this evening songs prepared by the choir and particularly its schola members under the expert direction of Kathleen Winters.

At one time this midpoint observance was celebrated in a much more penitential context. In face for many Advent was like a little Lent. So rejoicing at this time included a welcome break in that penitential journey. Likewise in this setting the midpoint of advent and its celebration was a harkening back to the chosen people and their centuries of expectation. The faithful were asked to continue to persevere in their advent program and given a foretaste of joyful sentiments soon to come.

For people of our time the arrival at the midpoint of Advent might elicit much different sentiments. The realization that Christmas is exactly two weeks from today, for many, signifies how quickly the time is passing and how much more needs to be accomplished in an increasingly brief window of opportunity and for some induces a state close to panic. Yet for those too the message is no less pressing than for previous generations. For people of our time the command to rejoice provides a welcome break from hurry and haste. If all we do today is come to this service and be glad in its celebration then we too have heeded the message. This evening draws the focus once more to what the season and its final goal is all about.

The readings we have heard this evening call
our attention to the simple fact that humanity got off to quite a bad start and
yet in the near immediate wake of catastrophic disobedience and disregard for
God’s plan and God’s program, God himself offers the remedy: a future encounter
between the woman’s seed and that of the serpent, an encounter that will see
disobedience transformed into obedience, and the fall reversed into a
resurrection. God’s plan is foreshadowed
in Abraham and made clearer in his promise of descendants as countless as the
stars and a people more numerous than
the sands of the seashore. That people
who for generations walk in darkness in a gloomy land will rejoice in a child,
a son, the wonder-counselor, the prince of peace.

What centuries of listeners heard as
prophecy, we hear as accomplished fact, for the child has been born, the Son is
given to us, His dominion is vast … over his kingdom both now and forever, all
of this more than reason enough, for us this evening to rejoice.

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
● Jodie Meschuk,
wife of Coach Aaron Meschuk, who is expecting.
● The paternal grandfather of sophomore Andrew
Bonello who is hospitalized
with a broken hip.
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league
president, who has declining health.
● Mr. Glenn Emanuel, a member of the Norbertine
Lay Order, who has a serious heart condition.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who
care for them.

December 11, 2011

2011-12-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
● For providing parent sponsored lunches for students and faculty, the Aguilar Family and the Porretta Family
● For all those who donated food and time to the Advent and Carols reception.

Advent Lessons and Carols
December 11th at 7:00 p.m. We encourage the whole family to join us for this beautiful event! A reception will follow.

Financial Aid Applications Due: Please begin submitting your financial aid renewals for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications must be received by PSAS prior to February 1, 2012. The application may be found on our school webpage in the Admissions section or by opening the following link: http://stmichaelsprep.org/images/stories/Admissions/psas_financial_aid_application.pdf
Photographers! When you take exceptional photos of the students doing things noble, virtuous, studious, or fun -- send a copy to the school. This will significantly enrich the treasury of photos available to adorn the electronic and real walls of the campus.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3 , Section 15
SECTION15: HONOR ROLL PRIVILEGES
Rewards and privileges at St. Michael’s are aligned with academic success.
Students who enjoy First Honors (94%-100% grade point average) will be treated by the administration to an off campus dinner once a quarter.
They may also bring their own computer and printer to school to use at their own desk. Personal computers are stored in the school office, checked out by the roomleader at 6:00 pm, and returned at 9:45 pm.During the evening recreation period from 6:00 to 7:00, students on First Honors may play games on their computers, as long as the content of the game does not offend Catholic moral teaching. Watching films or any entertainment shows on one’s computer is strictly forbidden to all students at all times.

If a student plays computer games after the evening recreation, that computer will be confiscated for two weeks with a donation to the mission funds of $100. If any student assumes computer privileges that are not his, that computer will be confiscated for two weeks with a donation to the mission funds of $100. If any student watches a film or any other entertainment show on a computer, that computer will be confiscated for two weeks with a donation to the mission funds of $100. For this reason, students are strongly encouraged to place passwords on their computers to prevent others from unauthorized use. IPods used as movie-watching devices on campus will be confiscated for two weeks and may only be redeemed with donation to the mission funds of $100. All these infractions negatively impact the student’s conduct grade, 10 points “off the top.”
Roomleaders may also enjoy this privilege throughout the week at the First Honors level if they have maintained at least an 88% with no “D” or “F”. Recreational use of the computer (games, etc.) is likewise determined by this scale.
At no time does the school assume liability for loss and/or damage of the computer (hardware, software, information) or the radio (CD player, iPod™).

This Week’s Photos: School choir singing at Mass at St. John the Baptist Parish; Soccer Team; Room Cleaning

Sports This Week:
Congratulations to our basketball team for winning their last 2 games!

*Tuesday, Dec. 11th: Soccer and Basketball @ San Diego Jewish Academy, 3:30 p.m. *Thursday, Dec. 8th: Soccer vs. Emerson @ STM; 3:00 p.m.
*Friday, Dec. 9th: Soccer @ Southlands, 3:15 p.m.; Basketball @ St. Margaret’s,
3:00 p.m.

Birthdays This Week:
Dec. 15th: Moises Gomez; Michael Porretta
Dec. 19th: James Howard

Homily of the Week by Fr. Brendan Hankins, O. Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Brendan is one of the Assistant Deans and teaches American Literature.

Blessed Miguel Pro is an unassuming saint and much is made of his sense of humor and proclivity for practical jokes. But he clearly fits the mold of holy men in at least 2 fundamental areas; he suffered with patient resignation and he died a most holy death.

Like the prophet Daniel, who was forced to leave his home in Jerusalem, Blessed Miguel was forced to leave Mexico due to religious persecution; traveling from Mexico to California to Spain, Nicaragua and Belgium. He then underwent an extended period of poor health and consented to 3 operations which were intended to relieve his pain, but they had the opposite effect. Resigned to it all he wrote “The doctors found three openings, with the wound they made on the 5th of January still open and bleeding, so here I am in bed again, dieting and unable to say Mass, with the prospect of bleeding again as soon as they give me the medicine, which is the rule after the operation. God be praised for it all! He knows the reasons for all these setbacks. I am quite resigned to it, and I kiss the hand that sends me this suffering.”

It was at this point that his superiors decided to send him back to Mexico believing he may die and wanting to give him the comfort of dying near his family. Indeed, death was on the horizon, but it would come after a period of great apostolic activity and under some of the most difficult of circumstances. Within 23 days of returning to Mexico all public worship was suppressed. In the days preceding the suppression Catholics flocked to the confessionals and the still infirm Blessed Miguel heard confessions 10 hours a day and had to be pulled out of the confessional on 2 occasions after passing out. After the suppression the Church then went underground and Blessed Miguel took communion to hundreds each day, organized spiritual conferences, found shelter, food and clothing for nearly 100 poverty stricken families.

Subsequent to being arrested on several occasions and constantly harassed by police he was captured for the last time on false charges. In today’s gospel our Lord tells his disciples that he will give them wisdom that their adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. Blessed Miguel was sentenced to death without a trial or opportunity to defend himself, but his actions spoke eloquently. Led before a firing squad his last request was to be given a few moments in prayer. He then held a crucifix in one hand and a rosary in the other while standing with his arms extended to each side. Photographers were present to capture the execution and put the pictures in the paper in order to deter additional religious activity, but Blessed Miguel’s faith and resignation to offer his life in imitation of his Savior had the opposite result. Following Blessed Miguel’s example there was even greater enthusiasm and devotion and many more offered their lives before the firing squad, carrying the newspaper photo of Blessed Miguel’s martyrdom with them.
Shortly before his death Blessed Miguel wrote this prayer “I believe, O Lord, but strengthen my faith, Heart of Jesus, I love thee, but increase my love; Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee, but give greater vigor to my confidence; Heart of Jesus, I give my heart to Thee, but so enclose it in Thee that is may never be separated from Thee. Heart of Jesus, I am all Thine; but take care of my promise so that I may be able to put it in practice even unto the complete sacrifice of my life.

Blessed Miguel Pro—Pray for us!

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
● Jodie Meschuk, wife of Coach Aaron Meschuk, who is expecting.
● The paternal grandfather of sophomore Andrew Bonello who is hospitalized with a broken hip.
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mr. Glenn Emanuel, a member of the Norbertine Lay Order, who has a serious heart condition.
● Mrs. Beverly Schaefgen who is battling cancer.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

December 4, 2011

2011-12-04T00:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
● For hosting a student over the weekend: Schardt and Unterman families
● For providing photos of school events: Mr. Rudy Aguilar

Advent Lessons and Carols
December 11th at 7:00 p.m. We encourage the whole family to join us for this beautiful event! A reception will follow.

Annual Parent Survey of School: Parents and guardians, please check your email for details from the school office on
how to complete the school’s annual online survey. A link to the survey has been provided in the email. The deadline for
completing the survey is Dec. 9th.

Financial Aid Applications Due: Please begin submitting your financial aid renewals for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications must be received by PSAS prior to February 1, 2012. The application may be found on our school webpage in the Admissions section or by opening the following link: http://stmichaelsprep.org/images/stories/Admissions/psas_financial_aid_application.pdf

Photographers! When you take exceptional photos of the students doing things noble, virtuous, studious, or fun -- send a copy to the school. This will significantly enrich the treasury of photos available to adorn the electronic and real walls of the campus.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 14
SECTION 14: COLLEGE COUNSELING
All St. Michael’s students plan on going to college. College counseling at St. Michael’s, therefore, focuses on college-readiness (in terms of standardized testing); individual and group advisement regarding college choice and financial aid; support throughout the college decision-making and application process.

College readiness/standardized testing: School policy is that all seniors must have taken the SAT Critical Reasoning (formerly called the SAT I), the ACT, and two SAT Subject Tests (formerly called SAT II). Students and parents are made aware of testing dates and registration deadlines through parent meetings and reminder emails. In preparation for the SAT, all 9th, 10th, and 11th graders take the PSAT in October, on-campus and during school hours.

All students who study their course work at the advanced placement level also sit for the AP examination. Other students may take AP exams provided they have permission from their parents and the appropriate faculty member.
From time to time St. Michael’s additionally provides standardized exams of various types. Some of these include: National Greek Exam and National Latin Exam.

Advisement regarding college choice and financial aid: Individual student appointments during the junior and senior years assist students in doing online college searches and in determining a pool of colleges to which the student will apply. Each junior and senior is given a customized “handbook” of relevant information. Group advisement is done as needed. Juniors and seniors go together on a formal visit and tour of a local college, attend the Santa Margarita Catholic High School College Night, and hear presentations by college reps who visit St. Michael’s during the school year. Students have access to continually updated information about individual colleges in the college file and scholarship notebook available in the school library.

Support throughout the college process: St. Michael’s College Counselor is available by email (CollegeCounselor @StMichaelsPrep.org), voicemail (949-858-0222 x 319), and/or face-to-face appointments to parents and students throughout all phases of the college-decision and application process. Two college counselor presentations are scheduled at parent meetings in fall (college decision-making and applications) and early winter (financial aid for college). While targeted at senior parents, parents of students at all grade levels are encouraged to attend.

This Week’s Photos
Weekend students hiking in the foothills of Saddleback Mountain.
Students cleaning their rooms in anticipation of a white-glove inspection.

Sports This Week:
Tuesday, Dec. 6th: Soccer @ Webb; 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 8th: Soccer vs. Crean Lutheran @ STM; 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 8th: Basketball @ St. Margaret’s; 6:00 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 9th: Soccer practice till 3:00 p.m. @ STM
Friday, Dec. 9th: Basketball @ Bethel Baptist; 4:00 p.m.

Homily of the Week by Fr. Victor Szczurek, O. Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Victor teaches Latin and Greek in the school.

There are certain times of the liturgical year which must seem rather strange to the outsider, and maybe even to us. Today we are presented within today’s Gospel the flipside, so to speak, of the Christmas story. It’s the very same God and the very same love which motivates Him (as it were) to do all that He does. The difference between the Christmas Story and the end of the world’s gloom and doom, has more to do with man than God. That is, the God Who is love does not change from a good God to an evil God; what changes is man’s reaction to God’s pure love. The story about the little Christ Child being born in a manger, and that same Christ coming to judge the living and the dead with all power and might, is about one and the same God. It’s even one and the same story; and it’s a love story—a love story seen from two different perspectives. Our own Praemonstratensian writer Adam Scot once expressed it this way: Just as the sun makes the wax melt and the clay harden with one and the same ray, so the same divine will punishes the impious and rewards the just. This weeks’ readings about the final judgment is a story, then, about the power of divine love—a love which can seem somewhat strange to those who do not know Christ.

This divine love, which flows from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that Burning Furnace of Charity, is the most powerful force in the universe—more powerful than any forest fire or tsunami. Strong as death is love, says Sacred Scripture. And when this divine love is accepted into a person’s heart, it works wonders, completely changing their outlook on life, their ways of acting, their thoughts, their desires, their words. It levels in the heart of him who accepts it all sin and vice, like a fire which refines a precious metal, leaving the soul purified and strong; and it will ultimately bring the soul immense peace and joy, even while in the midst of afflictions. In short, when God’s love is accepted into the heart of man, we see the loving mercy of that first Christmas morning. Man’s heart, like that manger, becomes full of light, joy and peace.

But when that same divine love is not accepted, when it is rejected by a cold hard heart, then we become witnesses not of God’s loving mercy, but rather of God’s loving justice. That same divine love which brings such joy when it finds a heart to welcome it, brings divine justice when it meets an obstacle. And this is what we shall see at the end of the world, when the full effects of God’s love are manifested in all: perfect mercy for those who received His love; and perfect justice for those who rejected it. St. Augustine used the analogy of the waters of the Red Sea which both cleansed the Israelites who passed through them, but destroyed Pharaoh and the evil Egyptians [De Cataclysmo]. Divine charity and sin cannot exist forever in the same soul: either that charity will wash away the sins in mercy, or, if that same charity is met by a stubborn will, it will cast the soul from its sight, which is exactly what hell is. God’s love can either purify us and unite us to Him, making us one with Him like two candles melted together; or it can destroy us and cause us eternal suffering. It’s up to us. Do we accept this love or reject it?

Let us ask our Blessed Mother’s intercession, that we might imitate her and open our hearts to the love of Christ, and allow that love to change us completely, and so bring us the peace and joy of an eternal Christmas.

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. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mr. Glenn Emanuel, a member of the Norbertine Lay Order, who has a serious heart condition.
● Mrs. Beverly Schaefgen who is battling cancer.
● Mr. Mike Smith who is recuperating from knee surgery.
● 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 Mrs. Eugenia Brokaw

November 27, 2011

2011-11-27T18:38:00.000-08:00

Beginning November 29th: Jubilee Advent Conferences and Novena “The Mysteries of the Life of Mary, Our Lady”
at the abbey each evening at 7:00 p.m. See Abbey website for more details.

Financial Aid Applications Due
Please begin submitting your financial aid renewals for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications must be received by PSAS prior to February 1, 2012. The application may be found on our school webpage in the Admissions section or by opening the following link: http://stmichaelsprep.org/images/stories/Admissions/psas_financial_aid_application.pdf

60%/40% Tuition Payments Due December 2nd!

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
To the many families who helped with last week’s athletics awards ceremony.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 13; ACADEMIC RECORDS
“The Grade Point Average (GPA) at the semester is based on the semester grades, not the quarter grades. The GPA is the added value of the grades received, divided by the number of subjects taken. The values of grades received in full-year courses are as follows: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. For those University of California approved courses at the Honor and Advanced Placement level, a 5-point scale is used. A=5, B=4, C=3, D=1, F=0. The values of half-year courses are half of the above, and the course is counted as only half a subject.

St. Michael’s uses a 4-point scale to record student achievement on the permanent record. There is no plus or minus (+ or -) on the permanent record. This GPA officially represents the student to other institutions. This GPA is distinct from the quarter report card which uses a 100 point scale.

Transferable credits earned in another school are entered on the student’s permanent record (transcript) and will be accepted toward graduation. Likewise, work completed in summer school is accepted as long as the student can demonstrate appropriate competencies.

The transcript of the grades will be sent to schools and other agencies upon request by the student or his parents.
The School does not accept or transcript remedial work after the withdrawal date. If the student does make-up course, the transcript of that course goes directly to the new school to evaluate.”

This Week’s Photos: STM students attending the LA Opera

Sports This Week:
Monday, Nov. 28th: Basketball @ Saddleback Christian; 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 29th: Basketball @ Crean Lutheran; 3:30 pm.
Wednesday, Nov. 30th: Soccer @ Emerson Honors; 3:15 p.m.Thursday, Dec. 1st: Soccer @ Cream Lutheran; 3:15 p.m.

Birthdays This Week:
Dec. 1: Adam Aeschliman

Weekly Homily by Fr. Abbot Eugene Hayes, O. Praem.
“Give glory and eternal praise to Him” This is the verse which the Church has placed on our lips for the responsorial psalm during the weekdays of this last week of the liturgical year. “Give glory and eternal praise to him.” Beginning with the solemnity of Christ the King she has directed our minds and hearts to the future, how near or far we do not know, but to that future when everyone of us will have to give an accounting for our lives, our deeds, our omissions. And in it all we are exhorted to give glory and eternal praise to God. And perhaps this liturgical setting can give us a context in which we might consider profitably the liturgy of the Eucharist today on this national day of Thanksgiving.

This observance is one which is conditioned on the president’s official proclamation of a day of thanksgiving each year so, in a sense it is not an automatic celebration each year. And so if you go onto the White House website you will find there that it was just a week ago that the President did in deed do just that. In his proclamation he evoked the figure and person of our first president, saying: “When President George Washington proclaimed our country's first Thanksgiving, he praised a generous and knowing God for shepherding our young Republic through its uncertain beginnings.”

History tells us that that very first national observance originated with a request of the Congress at that time to which President Washington responded affirmatively by recommending Thursday 26 November 1789 to the people of the United States “as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of God.” This proclamation exhorted the people “to beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions.” And with this we get back to the liturgy this week which joins praise and glory to God to the reality of our sins and offenses for which we will give answer as individuals but also as citizens of a nation for transgressions both national and otherwise.

Several days ago during the semi-annual meeting of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops more than one bishop spoke of the perception of a gradual wearing away of religious liberty in our land. The media roundly criticized this latest interference of church in state as an attempt to wrap political views on policy issues with the mantel of violation of religious freedom. The bishops’ concern was specifically in regard to now national, that is presidential, policy requiring Catholic and other religious institutions who employ workers not of the faith to provide health insurance that will cover among other things contraceptives and abortions. Weighing in on the controversy in light of the president’s expressed willingness expressed during a meeting with Archbishop Dolan, president of the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference, to revisit and expand an exemption to this policy for Catholic institutions in the form of a wider “conscience” clause, our former Madame Speaker of the House of Representatives addressed the effects such legislation would have on Catholic health care providers, saying: "I'm a devout Catholic and I honor my faith and love it . . . but they have this conscience thing.” Yes, and so we pray today with thanks but also with contrition seeking pardon for past national transgressions as well as those which may be coming down the pike.

This observance of Thanksgiving also takes place within the jubilee year of the founding of St. Michael’s fifty years ago. The Gospel which we usually hear today is the one we, in fact, heard, the narration of the cure of the 10 lepers. I am always struck by the words of Our Lord toward the end of that passage: “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God.” As a community founded by men who were foreigners to this country and who came to this nation specifically because of religious persecution, we recognize that the founding fathers of this abbey more than any of us, most of whom who have been born and raised in this country, appreciated and valued and indeed loved this nation, their adopted home. So, for what they found here when they arrived, for what we enjoy still today, for what we pray future generations of our abbey will enjoy, may we indeed thank and petition God this day, giving glory and eternal praise to Him.
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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mrs. Maria Ferrucci who suffers with a health problem.
● Mrs. Beverly Schaefgen who is battling cancer.
● 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 Mrs. Eugenia Brokaw

November 20, 2011

2011-11-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

Talk for Dads!
Sunday, Nov. 27th at 7:30 p.m.

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
● Our deep appreciation to all the parents who have supported and helped with our Fall Sports Awards Ceremony.
● For sponsoring a lunch for students and faculty: Mrs. Lenahan and Mrs. Schardt
● For helping with carpools: The Aragon, Brokaw, Lenahan, Nguyen, and Tran families
● For hosting students over the weekend: The Gomez, Hierro, Schardt and Wang families.
● For helping out with the first outing of the school’s Surf Club: The Cara Family

Financial Aid Applications Due
Please begin submitting your financial aid renewals for the 2012-2013 school year. Applications must be received by PSAS prior to February 1, 2012. The application may be found on our school webpage in the Admissions section or by opening the following link: http://stmichaelsprep.org/images/stories/Admissions/psas_financial_aid_application.pdf

60%/40% Tuition Payments Due December 2nd!

Thanksgiving Weekend
School will be dismissed for the Thanksgiving weekend at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 12; GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
“St. Michael’s records student progress at two levels. The official GPA is the 4-point scale of the academic record. The more common Honor Roll GPA is the 100-point scale which parents and students read on the school’s electronic grading program. With this second scale, instructors provide a more nuanced report of student progress. This second GPA includes nonacademic subjects such as P.E., and conduct.”

This Week’s Photos: trip to the Nixon Library; visit to St. Michael’s by actor Sean Astin

Sports This Week
Congratulations to Coach Aaron Meschuk on being voted the CIF Express League “Coach of the Year”!
Congratulations to the other football players for the following CIF Express League awards:
-Player of the Year: Brett Lenahan
-Defensive Player of the Year: Giorgio Navarini
-Honorable Mention: Joseph Porretta
-1st Team All League Margo Saglietto (Defense)
-1st Team All League Michael Porretta (Offense)-1st Team All League Moises Gomez (Offense)

Tuesday, Nov. 22nd: Soccer vs. Whitney @ STM; 3:00 p.m.

Birthdays This Week:
Nov. 23: Dominic Salazar

Weekly Homily by Fr. Gabriel Stack, O. Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Gabriel is the Headmaster and teaches English, History and Latin.

This Sunday’s gospel reading from St. Matthew is very appropriate for the feast of Christ the King; it portrays Christ as a king who presides over the scene of final judgment. The sheep, being more valuable than goats, represent those who have been found worthy of final victory and reward. The focus of the story concerns the criterion that will be used. We are told that the decisive factor will be an account of how well we have cared for the less fortunate among us. They are listed twice so that there can be no doubt about their identity: they are the hungry, the thirsty, strangers, the naked, the sick and prisoners. In brief, those who live in need. The primary emphasis is really the unselfish love that animates us to reach out in the first place. This attitude will help us realize that many rich and notable people are desperately in need of God’s love and peace and hope.

How wonderful and mysterious God is to us! In today’s gospel reading, He has also given us the easy way to stay close to our Savior. He has done this by mysteriously hiding himself inside every person we meet, something akin to how He hides himself in the Eucharist. By becoming a man himself, Jesus has identified himself with every human being. And so, whenever we find someone in need, whether family member, friend, colleague, or stranger, we are face-to-face not only with that person, but also with our Lord and King, Jesus Christ.
This is what Jesus meant when He says, Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me. And so, to build our friendship with Christ and, simultaneously, to travel the path to eternal blessing, all we have to do is reach out and serve those around us.

What a wonderful mystery! What a great truth of the spiritual life. St. Augustine once said: "Do not grieve or complain that you were born in a time when you can no longer see God in the flesh. He did not in fact take this privilege from you. As he says: 'Whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.'" And in the words of St. Leo the Great: "No act of devotion on the part of the faithful gives God more pleasure than that which is lavished on his poor. Where he finds charity with its living concern, there he recognizes the reflection of his own fatherly care."

That's how simple Christ has made it; he has given our smallest, everyday encounters an "eternal weight of glory," as St Paul put it in his second letter to the Corinthians. All of a sudden, with Christ, these actions are no longer random acts of kindness; instead, they take on eternal proportions. They increase the everlasting glory of heaven. They reverberate -- forever. May God bless us in our task and guide us along the path of humility and of service as we do His work on earth.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mrs. Maria Ferrucci who suffers with a health problem.
● Mrs. Beverly Schaefgen who is battling cancer.
● Mrs Jean Welke, great aunt of Jack Mikolaycik, who is nearing death
● 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 Mrs. Eugenia Brokaw
● For the repose of the soul of Mrs. Maryanne Pantano

November 13, 2011

2011-11-13T19:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
For providing photos of school events, Mr. Rudy Aguilar
For hosting students over the weekend, the Aragon, Saglietto and Tin Vu Families
For driving carpools, the Aragon and Cacho families
For donating a Papuan Tree Boa to the school, Global Captive Breeders: http://www.globalcaptivebreeders.com/contact_us.html

Thanksgiving Weekend
School will be dismissed for the Thanksgiving weekend at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd.

November High School Information Events

St. Michael’s will be represented at the following high school information events. If you have a son or know someone who has a son entering 9th grade next year, we encourage you to attend one of these informative events.

November 15th: St. Cornelius, 3330 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach; 7:00 p.m.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3; Section 11
SECTION 12: GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
St. Michael’s records student progress at two levels. The official GPA is the 4-point scale of the academic record. The more common Honor Roll GPA is the 100-point scale which parents and students read on the school’s electronic grading program. With this second scale, instructors provide a more nuanced report of student progress. This second GPA includes nonacademic subjects such as P.E., and conduct.

Fall Sports Awards Ceremony: Sunday, November 20th at 7:00 p.m.
All parents of football and cross country participants are encouraged to support the fantastic success of of our Pioneers at the awards ceremony.

This Week’s Photos: Eric Childs, STM alumnus 2008, who is now a bio-medical engineering major in his junior year at USC and plays on the USC football team; Freshmen trip to the Getty Villa; Weekenders attending a reptile show; First Honors Outing to Pirate Adventure

Birthdays This Week

None

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

Man in his foolishness so often makes the easiest things so difficult. In the Gospel the Pharisees go searching for the Kingdom of God, but are looking with their eyes closed.

Our Lord tells them quite plainly, “What you’re looking for is right in front of you. It is I”; and because even those who already believe in Christ are susceptible to the same blindness, our Lord then turns and gives the same lesson to His disciples: There will be those who say to you, “Look, there He is.” Do not go and follow them. As if to say, “Someday you too will be as foolish as the Pharisees, looking for one whom you already possess.”

It’s rather difficult to go searching for something when it’s right under your nose, even more so when it’s in the depths of your soul. Not only is God present in all His creation, He even sets up His throne in our soul at the moment of our Baptism—that’s what sanctifying grace is, a sharing in His divine life, the beginning of the kingdom of God. As we heard Scripture say, the Kingdom of God is within you.

The man who possesses wisdom can see God everywhere, from in the workings of a hive of bees to the motions of the planets. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. And this wisdom, passing into holy souls...produces friends of God (Wisdom 7:22), as we heard in the reading. The fool, on the other hand, says there is no God, even when God is right in front of him. "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not (Jn 1:10)."

The well-known atheist, Richard Dawkins, was asked not too long ago what he would do if, after all these years spent on trying to show others that God does not exist, he finally gets to the end of life and finds out that God in fact does exist. What would he say to God? Richard Dawkins replied, “I would say to God the same words Bertrand Russell (another atheist) spoke when asked a similar question: ‘Sir, why did you take such pains to hide Yourself?’”

This alleged game of hide-and-seek has been going on all throughout human history. The only problem is that man is the only one playing. God has never hid Himself from us. Quite the contrary. He has manifested Himself over and over again in both natural and supernatural ways; and, as if that were not enough, He even took on our own flesh and blood and worked and continues to work countless miracles—each one like another blinking neon sign saying, “God is here,” “God is here.”

Once again, even we who believe in Him, even we who possess Him in our souls through sanctifying grace, can suffer moments of blindness: “Where were you God when I needed You most? Why did you abandon me? Where have you been these last days or weeks or months?” All the while Christ is beside us, before us, and even within us. Therefore, let us stop searching for what we already possess, and, in the words of St. Paul, "...let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe (Heb 12:28)."

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mrs. Maria Ferrucci who suffers with a health problem.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

November 6, 2011

2011-11-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
● The many families who worked the Bingo Night on Saturday
● The DiNapoli and Unterman families for hosting weekenders
● The many families who donated to the student barbecue

Thanksgiving Weekend
If your student will be flying home for Thanksgiving weekend, please make your airline reservations now. St. Michael’s does not furnish transportation from the school to the airport so please contact a shuttle service and make arrangements for your son to be picked up at school and taken to the airport. Email a copy of the airline and shuttle reservations to Mrs. Christian before Nov. 15th.

School will be dismissed for the Thanksgiving weekend at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd.

First Quarter Honor Roll, 2011-2012

First Honors
94% and Above

Adam Aeschliman
Christian Aguilar
Faris Alquaddoomi
Samuel Arnold
Andrew Bonello
Stephen Deaton
Nicholas DiNapoli
Thomas Esser
Derek Giap
Moises Gomez
John Hebert
James Howard
Michael Howard
Michael Johnson
Yongsoo Kim
Alan Le
Jack Mikolaycik
Joseph Porretta
Andrew Rozak
Brian Schardt
Johann Shoenfeld
Ian Shaffer
Luan Tran
William Warnisher

Second Honors
88% - 93%

Teofil Dabrowski
Daniel Dang
Jerry Gao
Anthony Hierro
Yongkyoo Kim
Brett Lenahan
Nicholas Munsell
Giorgio Navarini
Jacob Nguyen
Marco Saglietto
Scott Schardt
Matthew Shelton
Jonathan Tran
Mathew Vu
Tuyen Vu

November High School Information Events
St. Michael’s will be represented at the following high school information events. If you have a son or know someone who has a son entering 9th grade next year, we encourage you to attend one of these informative events.
November 15th: St. Cornelius, 3330 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach; 7:00 p.m.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 11
Section 11: STUDENTS WHO RECEIVE A SEMESTER GRADE OF “D” OR “F”
A student who receives a semester grade of “D” or “F” must make up the work. A passing grade of “C” is a necessary prerequisite for readmission to St. Michael’s Preparatory for the following academic year. In order to achieve this, the student must repeat the course during the summer.
This schooling can be taken online, at a local school, or with a competent tutor. To properly evaluate the summer work, the student must submit a summer school transcript and a portfolio of work completed during the summer course. Based upon this information the administration, leaning heavily on the advice of the department chair, records a grade on the transcript which represents the level of work as it compares to St. Michael’s expectations. There are occasions when the school administration will require the student to take a written and/or oral competency exam in order to better evaluate his newly-strengthened academic proficiency.
While both the original failing grade and the competency grade are on the transcript, the latter is used to compute the grade point average. The student who earns two or more grades below “C” in the same semester or in combination with the next semester, seriously jeopardizes his ability to return to St. Michael’s.

Athletics
Fall Sports Awards Ceremony: Sunday, November 20th at 7:00 p.m.
All parents of football and cross country participants are encouraged to support the fantastic success of of our Pioneers at the awards ceremony.

Congratulations to Coach Mescuk, Coach Smith and the entire St. Michael’s football team on an excellent season!

This Week’s Photos: students feeding the poor in Santa Ana; student barbecue

Birthdays This Week
Nov. 8: Michael Cara

Weekly Homily by Fr. Brendan Hankins
Among other things, Fr. Brendan is the Assistant Dean and teaches American Literature

“Do you believe that because they suffered they were greater sinners?”

Man naturally desires to know the cause of any effect. Especially when we experience or witness some evil. If we get sick we go to a doctor not only to get well, but also to discover the cause. Did I get sick because I need to eat better, exercise, sleep more, take vitamins. We want to know that we can make adjustments to our behavior in order to prevent getting sick in the future. It’s comforting to believe that we can prevent it. We’re in control. Or if some else gets sick we want to know what was it that they did to get it. We tell ourselves they don’t take very good care of themselves, or I never eat like they do, I get plenty of exercise.

But what if it’s more complicated, more serious. Take cancer for example. There are about 200 different types of cancer. They can start in any type of body tissue. There are many contributing factors. Some are avoidable and some are not. Like the common cold we can take some steps to reduce the risk like eating better, getting exercise but there are many things that are out of our control; our age, genetic makeup, environmental factors. Often doctors cannot explain why one person develops cancer and another does not. Still we tell ourselves when someone else gets sick. They’re older than I am, I’m in better shape, I’m much more careful about what I eat. Essentially, we’re telling ourselves “It’s probably something they did or weren’t doing. We comfort ourselves by assuming we know the cause. We’re no doctors, but in our own minds we are pretty good about make a diagnosis.

In the Gospel those who are speaking with Jesus assume they know the cause, they know the answer. Those Galileans suffered greatly because they were great sinners. Essentially, saying “They must have done things that we would never do. Therefore, we won’t suffer like them.” But there is one who was not susceptible to any sickness, never did or said anything wrong, was in the prime of his life, performed great works and deeds, was perfectly healthy, taught and healed the poor and oppressed yet he bore the most intense suffering, the greatest humiliations, was tortured by the cruelest people. And his Blessed Mother; the purest of heart, preserved from all sin, the most compassionate of all creatures suffered through it with Him.

We know that sickness and suffering are the result of sin, but why one person suffers and another does not we do not know. Why at this moment we have been preserved or why at this moment we are afflicted is beyond our understanding. So where do we find comfort and consolation when we naturally seek the cause of our own suffering and that of others. The comfort, the consolation, ultimately, is not in a diagnosis, it’s in a person. It is found in the first cause, the cause of all that is and that was and that will be. It’s in the life and person of Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother who had the greatest share in his suffering and now has the has the greatest share in dispensing his grace and consolation. When we look to them the effect is the love of him who suffered and died for no other reason than for the love of us, and the consolation that His Blessed Mother will stand by us as she stood at the foot of the cross of Her Son.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mrs. Maria Ferrucci who suffers with a health problem.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

October 31, 2011

2011-10-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped“Thank you to all the parents who came out and supported, with food and cheers! There is no way today would have gone as smooth as it did without you all. The team greatly appreciates it. It was a close and exciting race. It looks like we will be in second place for the league, we have league finals next week, and then CIF at Mt. Sac. Thank you everyone!!” --Isaac DeRobles, Coach – Cross Country – St. Michael’s Prep.

To the Cara and Porretta Families for hosting students over the weekend.
To the Aragon and Tin Vu Family for helping with carpools
To the Aragons and Bonellos for representing the school at the recent St. John the Baptist/St. Michael's Prep Information Night
To the Esser Family for hosting a Cake-and-Coffee Information Night at their home

Thanksgiving WeekendIf your student will be flying home for Thanksgiving weekend, please make your airline reservations now. St. Michael’s does not furnish transportation from the school to the airport so please contact a shuttle service and make arrangements for your son to be picked up at school and taken to the airport. Email a copy of the airline and shuttle reservations to Mrs. Christian before Nov. 15th.

School will be dismissed for the Thanksgiving weekend at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd.
Daylight Savings Ends Sunday, November 6th at 2:00 a.m.Don’t forget to turn your clocks back 1 hour

November High School Information EventsSt. Michael’s will be represented at the following high school information events. If you have a son or know someone who has a son entering 9th grade next year, we encourage you to attend one of these informative events.

November 3rd: St. Anne’s, 32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel; 6:00 p.m.
November 5th: Open House at St. Michael’s Prep; 3:30 p.m.
November 15th: St. Cornelius, 3330 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach; 7:00 p.m.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 9
SECTION 9: GRADING SCALE
St. Michael’s uses the following schedule to record student’s academic achievement.

A+
98-100

B+
88-89

C+
78-79

D+
68-69

F
0-64No Credit
A
94-97

B
84-86

C
74-76

D
66-67

A-
90-93

B-
80-83

C-
70-73

D-
65

P (Passing): credit for having taken course; not included in the GPA. NP (Not Passing): no credit for having taken course; not included in the GPA.I (Incomplete): must be completed within a determined period of time in order to receive a grade. If it is not completed in that time period, it becomes an “F.”
Make-up Grades: The student who has been ill is given the opportunity to make up his grades within a specified period of time. Each teacher states his/her policy at the beginning of the school year.Students suspended from class and/or school do not receive credit on any work due during the time of suspension.

Sports
Nov. 1st: Cross Country League Finals @ Irvine Regional Park; 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 4th: Football vs. Capo @ San Clemente; 7:00 p.m.

This Week’s Photos: Cross Country, Student/Academic Life

Birthdays This WeekOct. 31 Cristian Aguilar

Weekly Homily by Fr. John Henry HansonAmong other things, Fr. John Henry is the school’s College Counselor and teaches English
We have just heard our Lord say: “I have come to cast fire on the earth.” Immediately, we can all think of what it means to be “on fire” for something—to be driven or enthusiastic. Anyone can have this type of “fire.” Anyone can be a fan or an enthusiast. But we Christians are the only people in the world who carry the flame that our Lord is talking about. There is something or someone within us which places us in a position of power and responsibility toward the world. There is a “power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” We share in “the fullness of God,” because Christ dwells in our hearts through faith.

Christ wills to set fire to the earth, but He wills to do it through us. Christians are not only the light of the world, we are also its fire. Jesus can say to us: You are the fire, the light, the heat, the warmth that moves men’s hearts to love God in a cold and hateful world. Such is the Christian vocation. But before Jesus can set fire to the earth, He must set fire to you and me.

What is this fire? We have to admit that the disciples of Christ are not always clear about what it is. On one occasion, the Apostles James and John were frustrated by the opposition of a Samaritan village. They did not want Jesus in their midst, and they did not want His Gospel. They ask the Lord, “Shall we call down fire from heaven to consume them?” And Jesus rebuked them: “You do not know what kind of spirit you have. For the Son of Man came not to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”

They were probably thinking of Elijah, who did call down fire from heaven to consume the holocaust which he had prepared on Mount Carmel to prove that Yahweh is God, not Baal. And all those present, who saw the fire come down, both Israelites and the worshippers of Baal, confessed with one voice, “The Lord is God, the Lord is God.” We want to accomplish that same end: to lead every man, woman, and child everywhere under the sun to confess with one voice that Jesus is Lord. We do not want to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.

Our own fire, our own passionate intensity, cannot accomplish this. Unless we are moved by the Spirit of Christ, unless we allow His power to work within us, we will not attract anyone to Him. And everyone needs Him, even those who already have Him. As Christians, we have just become more aware of our need.

Our culture is full of people who feel unloved and rejected. It is full of people who are trying to draw attention to themselves in every possible way—body piercing, tattoos, dressing in ways that say: I don’t care about me; no one cares about me. People are willing to undergo a fair amount of physical pain and public humiliation just to be noticed. They may not even understand why they are doing it, but they feel compelled to by a fundamentally good desire: to be considered worthy of attention and of love. They have never received love as something free and unmerited. They have no experience of Jesus.

They want to feel within themselves a flame that only we, as Christians, possess. Or, in the words of St Josemaria Escriva, the “children of God bear the only flame that can light up the paths of the earth for souls.” If you cannot give what you do not have, then no one can share Christ except one who burns with His love. It is easy to look at the world and surrender our hope. What’s the point? Why evangelize? No one understands our vocabulary; no one is interested.

It is as St Augustine once said, “Evils abound, and God [permits] that evils should abound. The times are evil, the times are troubled, that is what people say. We ourselves are the times. Let us live good lives, and the times are good. Whatever we are like, that is what the times are like” (Sermon 80, 8). Maybe it is enough to say: Love Christ and Christ will be loved. Share the Gospel, and it will be shared.

If the world is cold and hateful toward God and the Gospel of His Son, it should not be because we refused to let our light shine before men. We are the light of the world because we bear Christ. And if marriages are bad, families are bad, communities are bad; if the world is bad, it is because the light of Christ has no place in men’s hearts—beginning with my own. And that is where the fire must be enkindled first, if we would share in Christ’s mission to set the earth afire with love.

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 without written permission of the author.
Prayer Requests● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mrs. Maria Ferrucci who suffers with a health problem.
● Mrs. Rosemary Manly, grandmother of Christopher Manly ’06, who has been hospitalized with cardiac difficulties.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

October 23, 2011

2011-10-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped:

● Mr. Rudy Aguilar who took photos at last Friday’s football game and burned a CD for the school.
● The following families for hosting students this weekend: Lee, Saglietto, Schardt and Schoenfeld.

● Christian Aguilar and Jacob Portka, who accompanied Fr. Victor to a high school fair to promote St. Michael’s.

First Quarter Oral Exams
This week the students will be taking their first quarter oral exams. Students are encouraged to study, and parents are encouraged to pray!

Volunteer Opportunity:

Volunteers are needed to help with Tuesday’s home cross country meet starting at 1:30 pm. Leave a phone message with Fr. Alphonsus is you are able to help. (949) 858-0222 extension 208

College Application Workshop - Sunday, October 23rd Place: mobile classroom. Time: 7:00 p.m.
Although parents of each grade level are invited, the information will naturally be more relevant to the parents of seniors and juniors--i.e., to those closer and closest to graduation. The presentation itself should last about 30 minutes, with time left for questions and answers.

The content of the presentation will NOT cover "how to" fill out a college application, but how parents can help their sons prepare to apply. In sum, parents can assist their sons by helping them to meet testing and application deadlines, as well as by helping to fill out applications for financial aid. Information will also be provided as to how parents may help their sons choose a college/university that will respect and foster Catholic faith and morals.

School Pictures
St. Michael’s would like to offer our parents a copy of the student photos the school has purchased at no charge. These photos have been posted on our school webpage. They will be available until Thanksgiving. You may save your son’s photo to your computer or print your son’s photo from this site at no cost to you or you may contact our school photographer, Mr. Rick Belcher if you prefer to purchase alternate photos from his expanded collection. To view your son’s free photo from the school’s webpage, open the following link: http://stmichaelsprep.org/images/large/

To view or to order from the expanded collection of photos from Rick Belcher Photography, open the following link: http://www.seeyourphotos.net/syp/proofing.html?photographer_id=20060516 Once open, click on SMA then on Students 2011 You will see alternate poses from those which the school has purchased. Mr. Belcher may be reached by email at: Rick@rickbelcherphotographt.com

News from the Deans
In order to help prepare our students for the adult world, St. Michael’s has set a number of financial fines for violation of school standards. These fines include, but are not limited to: lost textbooks and other items: $1 per item; not wearing or having a bathrobe as one goes to or from the shower: $100; misuse of phones $10 (second time); $50 and confiscated for 18 weeks (third time); misuse of other electronics (computers, iPods, etc.) $50 and confiscated for 18 weeks (first time).

The monies collected are given to the school’s mission efforts, which are the international charity, Aid to the Church in Need, and the girls orphanage run by the Rosarian Dominican Sisters in the Philippines.
Misuse of phones and electronics are the most common fines. Parents can help their sons by talking to them about meeting their responsibilities for the common good of the school community as well as by checking their sons’ cell use times to verify that the phone is used only during the approved time window: 2:05 pm to 7 pm.

Fines are paid in cash or check . All expenses associated with the school must be paid before a student sits for his quarterly examinations.

October High School Information Events
St. Michael’s will be represented at the following high school information events. If you have a son or know someone who has a son entering 9th grade next year, we encourage you to attend one of these informative events.

● October 23rd: Rush Park Auditorium, 3021 Blume Drive, Los Alamitos; 3:00 p.m.
● October 25th: Mayfield Junior School, 405 S Euclid Ave., Pasadena; 7:00 p.m.● October 27th: St. Mary’s School, 7 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo; 6:00 p.m.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 8
SECTION 8: TESTING AND GRADING
Evaluating student progress is a primary responsibility of the school. It is a task that invites a variety of evaluation methods. The primary purpose of evaluation is to determine the extent to which a student mastered the course standards. This level of achievement is determined through a systematic process. Grades can diagnose, motivate, and/or recognize excellence.
Prior to the quarterly and semester examinations a special schedule is issued. Oral exams conclude the first and third quarters. The exam is conducted by the teachers in that discipline area and carries a weight of approximately 10% of the quarter grade. Oral exams provide the students the chance of thinking and speaking “under pressure.” 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.

The special Semester Test Schedule comes at the end of the second and fourth quarters. The semester exam is a scheduled 90 minute block of time. The semester exam tests the student’s ability to synthesize large quantities of materials. These examinations comprise 20% of a student’s grade for the semester. All students sit for these important exams.

A student whose achievement is not satisfactory (“C-,” “D,” “F” or has dropped more than one letter grade from the last grading period) receives a Progress Report. Such progress reports are sent collated from the online grading program at approximately the midpoint of every academic quarter. Any student who receives an unsatisfactory Progress Report is placed on the Weekly Progress Report list and remains with a weekly Progress Report until the next formal evaluation period. The goal is to alert the student in academic difficulty so that he may improve his study habits and seek help from the available sources on campus. At these times, parental support is also an effective means to assist their son in his renewed academic focus.

Academic grades are certificates of achievement. They are not a system of rewards and punishment for conduct. Grading “on a curve” is not statistically valid in small classrooms. It is neither a customary nor encouraged practice at St. Michael’s.

Sports
● Tuesday, Oct. 25: Cross Country League Cluster at STM on our home course; over 120 runners are expected. First race begins at 2:45 p.m. Parent Volunteers are needed starting at 1:30 pm.

● Friday, Oct. 28: Football @ Avalon (all day). Parents may pick up students at the Long Beach Downtown Landing at 10:00 p.m. or at school Saturday morning.

This Week’s Photos: Academic life

Weekly Homily by Fr. Sebastian Walshe
Among other things, Fr. Sebastian teaches Philosophy in the abbey seminary.

This past week Norbertines throughout the world celebrated the feast of Blessed Jacob Kern, a Norbertine Priest of the Abbey of Geras in Vienna, Austria.

From a very young age, Blessed Jacob experienced a call from God, and at the age of 14 he made a private vow of perpetual chastity. His central spiritual trait was a profound devotion to the Eucharist, and even when he was enlisted as a soldier in the Austrian army, he continued his daily Eucharistic Adoration in the scant free time he had. It was on one of these occasions that Jacob experienced a deep desire to offer himself as a sacrifice – an offer which God promptly accepted. Within a short time he was wounded in battle when a bullet pierced his lung. He would never fully recover, and in a subsequent surgery, he had to have some ribs removed using only local anesthesia.

When he was discharged from the army, Blessed Jacob joined the seminary and was ordained a priest.

After hearing about a Norbertine priest who became a leader in the schismatic Czech National church, Blessed Jacob decided to join the Norbertine order as an act of reparation. He suffered greatly, and eventually would have to undergo another painful surgery. As the surgery began he received our Lord in Holy Communion for the last time, and shortly thereafter, he returned his pure spirit to God.

It is a principle of the moral life that we become like that which we love. And the more intense our love, the more we become like the object of our love. Blessed Jacob loved Jesus in the Eucharist profoundly, and consequently became a living image of the Eucharist and an example for every priest.

Like the Eucharist, he became a living sacrifice, conformed to Christ crucified, even to the point of being pierced through the side.

Like the Eucharist, he became a cause and sacrament of the unity and communion of the Church. And just as God had taken a rib from the side of Adam to form his wife Eve, and just as the Church was born from the side of Christ on the Cross, so too did God accept a rib from the side of Blessed Jacob for the sake of building up his bride the Church.

Friends in Christ, to be a Christian is to love the Eucharist above all things: for the Eucharist is Christ. Jesus said: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. He who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of Me. Jesus also said: “I am the living Bread come down from heaven.” Therefore, we must love this living Bread above all things, even those who are dearest to us. St. John Vianney once said: “The worthy reception of Holy Communion amounts to more than all good works,” for it is Christ himself who works in us.

Jesus came to cast a fire upon the earth, and how He is anguished until it is set ablaze. That fire is the Eucharist, and we are the earth into which it is cast. Today open not only your lips, but also your hearts to receive this fire. Beg the Lord to kindle within you the intense, transforming fire of His love so that you will hunger for Him in the Eucharist more and more and thereby be transformed into His image. Blessed Jacob Kern, pray for us.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mrs. Maria Ferrucci who suffers with a health problem.
● Mrs. Rosemary Manly, grandmother of Christopher Manly ’06, who has been hospitalized with cardiac difficulties.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.
● For the repose of the souls of our dearly departed:
Mr. Kinh Nguyen, grandfather of student Jacob Nguyen
Mrs. Ethel Wright, grandmother of Fr. Patrick Foutts

October 16, 2011

2011-10-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
For hosting students over the weekend: The Hierro Family; the Schardt Family
For providing photos of a school event: Mrs. Amy Cara
For hosting a Cake-and-Coffee Info Night at their home: the Cara Family
For taking pictures at the football game: Mr. Rudy Aguilar

Parent Meeting, Sunday, October 16th; 7:30 p.m.

Agenda: Talk by Fr. Gabriel
The meeting will begin in the student dining room; it will conclude in the abbey church for Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for confession.

First Quarter Oral Exams
The students will be taking their first quarter oral exams next week, Monday, October 24 thru Friday, October 28.

October High School Information Events
St. Michael’s will be represented at the following high school information events. If you have a child or know someone who has a child who will be entering 9th grade or above next year, we encourage you to attend one of these informative events.

October 17th: St. Mark’s Lutheran, 2323 Las Lomitas Drive, Hacienda Heights; 6:30 p.m.
October 18th: St. Catherine’s Military Academy, 215 N Harbor Blvd., Anaheim; 6:00 p.m.October 23rd: Rush Park Auditorium, 3021 Blume Drive, Los Alamitos; 3:00 p.m.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 6
SECTION 6: TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY
The Internet is a powerful learning tool when used properly. All data passing through network resources at St. Michael’s Prep are not private. The I.T. department and/or administrators reserve the right to inspect data and communications across network resources at St. Michael’s. It is within the rights of the school to monitor email or computer usage as it strives to maintain both the virtue and safety of the students, faculty, and staff.

Use of a computer and network system that is shared by many users imposes certain additional obligations. St. Michael’s Preparatory School makes it a violation to recklessly or maliciously interfere with the computer, network resources or data. The school also upholds that misappropriation of data or copyrighted materials may constitute theft.
Internet access is available in the library when there is adult supervision. Academic use of the internet always has precedence to recreational use. Recreational use of the Internet is limited to recreation periods and only for those students not on study detention.

St. Michael’s computer abuse policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff. The use of computers or network systems in no way exempts any member of the school community from the normal requirements of ethical or legal behavior.
Student violations may result in (but not be limited to) suspension of privileges. All on-campus computers are monitored to assure compliance with school policy.

The School works to ensure that students do not access or share Internet material which is inappropriate or offensive and instructs students in the proper and responsible use of the Internet. Yet, due to regular advances in technology and the multiple types of personal electronic devices which receive, store, show, and send data, the School cannot be held liable for the actions of students who deliberately contravene the school’s policies and guidelines.

Sports
Congratulations to our football team, who won their recent game. Their record is now 5-1 for the season.

This Week’s Photos: football; cross country

Weekly Homily by Fr. John Henry Hanson
Among other things, Fr. John Henry is the school’s College Counselor and teaches English.

“You are worth more than many sparrows.” Our Lord insists in the Gospels that God’s care for us is more particular and all-encompassing than we know. In the Sermon on the Mount we hear something similar to what we have just heard today: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” God does not love us in a merely general way, as an anonymous crowd, “trampling one another underfoot,” as the Gospel says. Of the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation, of the “great multitude which no man could number,” He knows the name of each; He numbers them. God is “involved” with us. The Incarnation itself is the ultimate sign of this: The word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

He took the initiative to become involved with men because we do not know how much we need a Savior. St Paul paints a frightening portrait of the human race before the coming of Christ: “We ourselves were once foolish… slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another; but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us.” The Lord Jesus took the risk of dwelling in the midst of a violent world as a meek and gentle Redeemer, so that we would get this message: You (fools, slaves, hateful men) can allow me to be born in a stable, persecute me, reject me, kill me, yet will I love you and save you. We often “love” motivated by some expected reward, flattery, convenience, etc., but that is not God’s way. His love is true and so it completely bypasses “the cunning of men, … [human] craftiness in deceitful wiles and lusts” and so loves even in the face of ingratitude and hostility.

Jesus came to us uninvited and in many cases was unwelcome. Why would He come to a place where his own would not receive him? God so loved the world that He gave His only son, but man does not so love God that we will give ourselves to Him unless we have a very firm sense of being loved, of being cared for. And maybe what is more to the point: seeing our need to be loved and cared for by God. St Thomas says that by Christ’s passion, “man knows thereby how much God loves him, and is thereby stirred to love Him in return.” That is really the point. The fact that we are “worth more than a host of sparrows” and loved in such a particular way that even the hairs of our head are accounted for--this fact should stir us to love God and neighbor in all of the small particulars of life.

Sometimes people smirk when they hear about how Catholics have patron saints for just about every area of human life. There are patrons of lost things, of those looking for a future spouse, of childbirth, of television, computers, cars, animals, etc. Every trade and occupation has its own patron. What is behind an attitude of mockery might be the idea that, after all, God is so “big” and we are so “small” and insignificant; how could He care so much about the little things that we barely think twice about? Or why would He concern Himself with blue-collar workers as much as with heads of state?

We have trouble seeing how God can care about these things because we don’t care about them as we should. Our Lord illustrates His teaching frequently by referring to little things and hidden things. He says that we must become like little children to enter His kingdom. Then He refers to seeds, yeast, hidden treasure, a pearl, broken pieces of bread in the multiplication of the loaves--“gather up the fragments that nothing may be lost”--and today, sparrows and the very hairs upon our head. His providence extends to everything; His salvation comes to us in a thousand largely unspectacular, unobtrusive, varied ways.

The patronage of the saints is not the only sign of God’s involvement in every
detail of our lives. Probably most people here are wearing some sacramental--a religious habit, a scapular, a miraculous medal--something that indicates that we belong to the Lord, to the Blessed Mother, to the care of a saint. What does this fact say about us and our lives? Or the fact that we wear these things practically twenty-four hours a day? These symbols, sacramentals—the cross, the rosary, holy medals, scapulars—are all signs that life is not easy. They are signs that we need God’s care and all kinds of heavenly help continuously. “Man’s life is a warfare upon earth,” says Job. And our Lord tells us: “In this world, you will have trouble.” We do not wear medals or the scapular for “fun,” even primarily to evangelize. It is first a sign to ourselves that we stand in need of salvation.

This life is not easy, but the Savior says “My yoke is easy; my burden is light.” When we think of the sparrows, the lilies of the field, and ourselves, we should become fearless in meeting the evils of this present life: “Do not be afraid,” and this is God’s command to us. He has earned the right to command us by loving us.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mrs. Ethel Wright, grandmother of Fr. Patrick Foutts, who has declining health.
● 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 Mr. Chuck Todd, husband of the Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Mrs. Sally Todd

October 9, 2011

2011-10-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
For hosting a student over the weekend: The Saglietto Family
For helping with carpools: The Pickett Family and the Portka Family
For preparing and serving a pregame meal to the football team: Mrs. Lenahan and Mrs. Park
For coming out and supporting our cross country and football teams

Parent Meeting, Next Sunday, October 16th; 7:30 p.m.
place: student dining room
key topics: a talk by Fr. Gabriel, Announcement & Explanations, Volunteer opportunities. Concludes in abbey church with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity to go to confession.

PSAT Testing
On Wednesday, October 12, the freshmen, sophomores and juniors will be taking their PSAT’s during the morning hours. The seniors will be attending a talk (on campus) about applying to college. Afternoon and evening classes will meet as usual.

October High School Information Events St. Michael’s will be represented at the following high school information events. If you have a child or know someone who has a child who will be entering 9th grade or above next year, we encourage you to attend one of these informative events.

October 17th: St. Mark’s Lutheran, 2323 Las Lomitas Drive, Hacienda Heights; 6:30 p.m.
October 23rd: Rush Park Auditorium, 3021 Blume Drive, Los Alamitos; 3:00 p.m.

Thank you to those families who have volunteered to host a cake-and-coffee info night at their house!

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 5

SECTION 5: PLAGIARISM, HOMEWORK COPYING, CHEATING
Plagiarism (taking ideas, writings, etc. from someone else and presenting them as one’s own) and homework copying are placed in the same category as test cheating. Any student using material copied from an Internet source under the guise of his own name is cheating. Students have a moral responsibility to themselves and others to work honestly. The consequences for cheating and/or plagiarism are progressive. For the first offence the student receives a “0” and a letter home. The second offence adds a conference with the parents and the loss during that academic year of all co-curricular and extra-curricular privileges and positions. The third offense is sufficient reason for expulsion from school. The record of these offenses accumulate throughout the years the student attends St. Michael’s. In addition to other means, the school does use commercially-available software designed to identify unreferenced sources in student work.
Sports
Congratulations to our cross country and football teams for a successful week!

Tuesday: XC League Cluster @ Mason Park; 2:00 p.m.
Friday: Football vs Southlands Christian @ STM; 3:00 p.m.

This Week’s Photos: St. Michael’s students volunteering at the Blind Children Center

Weekly Homily by Fr. Gabriel Stack
Among other things, Fr. Gabriel is the Headmaster and teaches Latin.

In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul calls Jesus, “the power of God” and “the wisdom of God.” In this morning’s gospel, at the very moment Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit, He thanks His Father saying, “You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned and have revealed them to the childlike.” What are we to understand? What does it mean to be childlike? It means at least three things.

Being childlike means TO BE TOTALLY IMMERSED IN THE PRESENT. A child does not have a past about which to feel guilty. A child knows nothing about the future and its demands. So children live in the present, in the real world, which is their only reality. That is why children can learn so quickly. Adult waste so much and time and energy regretting their past and worrying about their future, they overlook the only thing they do have – the present.

Being childlike means TO HAVE A SENSE OF WONDER. Nothing is dull or common place to a child; everything is new and exciting. Admittedly, children talk about their world in ways which sounds like an excerpt from Dr. Doolittle. Not only do animals talk but also, sunbeams, trees, and ocean waves. Yet, there is wonder and revelation in it all. Children want to know about everything. Their constant question is “why.”

Being childlike means TO EXPERIENCE THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE of parents which is not based on possessions or achievements. Children just want to be held. But we say how can I be childlike? I am an adult. I do have a past for which I feel guilty and a future about which I worry. The only wonder I have is the nagging question, how am I going to get through the day. And most days I feel unlovable even to myself.

Our faith makes it possible to be childlike. The stronger the faith, the larger the possibility. The example of Saint Theresa shows us that we can live in the present and in the Presence. Our faith assures us that each of us has the mercy of God for the past and the providence of God for the future. We can have a sense of wonder because faith ushers us into a wonderful world that is more mysterious and more engaging than the world of the senses. We have a sense of security based on the unconditional love of God because faith tells us that God loves each so much that if there were only one – for that one, the Father would still send His only Son without conditions.

God loves not only us. He love me; and not as I could be but as I am -- with all of my physical warts, psychological quirks, and spiritual idiosyncrasies. On this memorial of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, I encourage you to open your heart to Jesus by the power of the same Holy Spirit in whom He rejoices. You have a holy childhood to gain. For in the power of God and with the wisdom of God everything will speak of one thing – Jesus. And every single thing that you do will be your reply. “And I love you, too.”

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● 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 St. Michael’s alumnus, Peter Berghammer ’77.

October 2, 2011

2011-10-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped
*Making the Vantage Point Gala such a big success: Jorge & Rosario Ragni; Matthew & Vanessa Vu; Carl & Becky Johnson; Dominique Wetzel; Nghai & Elody Hand; Aldo & Maria Saglietto; Rafael & Maria Salazar; Andrew & Tracee Portka; John & Remini Esser; Bryan & Tanya Le; Charles & Toni Aeschliman; Peter & Jennifer Bonello; Cong & Jenny Nguyen; Jesus & Tina Gomez; Rudy & Rozanna Aguilar; Ed & Tracey Pickett; Aileen Aragon; Eric & Mercy Ejiaga; Paul & Cathy Porretta; Thomas & Tracy Giap; Blanca Galicia; Mort & Emee Howard; Seong Hee Park; Dave & Joanne Deaton; Huong & Bay Tran [sister Katie]; Tin & Teresa Vu; Ana Dabrowski
*Thanks also to all the families who brought food and drink to the football
game!

October High School Information Events
St. Michael’s will be represented at the following high school information events. If you have a child or know someone who has a child who will be entering 9th grade or above next year, we encourage you to attend one of these informative events.

*October 6th: Our Lady of Perpetual Help,10441 South Downey Ave., Downey; 7:00 p.m.
*October 17th: St. Mark’s Lutheran, 2323 Las Lomitas Drive, Hacienda Heights; 6:30 p.m.
*October 23rd: Rush Park Auditorium, 3021 Blume Drive, Los Alamitos; 3:00 p.m.

College Representatives On Campus This Week:
A representative from Whittier College will visit campus during lunch Tuesday, Oct. 4th

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 4
SECTION 4: HOMEWORK
Homework assignments have clear and definite purposes. They are designed to meet one or more of the following aims:
*To provide the drill necessary for the mastery of the skill.
*To promote individual and cooperative study and preparation of the course materials.
*To stimulate creative intellectual activities on the part of the student through solving problems, composition work, etc.
Teachers give daily assignments. The typical student, working diligently, should be able to complete the daily assignment within 30-40 minutes per class. Within this time frame are reports, map work, projects done outside of class, etc. There are homework assignments over the weekend. Students working in more advanced classes do have more work required of them. Students should work on their long-range assignments (such as book reports, term papers, maps, compositions, and lab projects) systematically in order to have adequate time for their day-to-day assignments.

Written work should be neatly presented on standard 8½ × 11 white paper, (no pages torn out from spiral notebooks). Written work should normally be completed in pen of blue or black ink or produced on the computer. Written work should always be grammatically correct and have proper punctuation. Clearly title all work with the student’s name, date, and class. Accepting late work is at the discretion of the individual teacher. Correct English, written and oral, is insisted upon in every class by every teacher. An example is set in this matter by the teachers themselves.

After an absence, it is the student’s personal responsibility to see his teachers about making up all work he missed. It is the responsibility of the student to turn in all work and to request any exam on his own.

Sports
Oct. 4: XC League Cluster @ Avalon; 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 7: Fball vs Liberty @ Murdy Park; 7:00 p.m.

This Week’s Birthdays
10/3 Philomene Ragni
10/4 Louis Truong
10/8 Bryce Pickett

This Week’s Photos:
Cross country competing in the Irvine Invitational; college visit/outing

Weekly Homily by Fr. Brendan
Among other things, Fr. Brendan is the Assistant Dean and teaches American Literature.

“Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”
Everyone is searching for something. There are over 200 million searches on Google per day. What should we search for. Some people are searching for the endless summer or for the American Dream, or for the perfect religious community.

How can we find what we are searching for? Do we need to travel the world, or set our hearts on some tropical beach or a beautiful woman on a tropical beach? There are many who go from place to place and from relationship to relationship in an endless search. It is important to know what to search for and how to find it.

In the 2nd chapter of the Gospel of John, as soon as Jesus calls his first disciples, he asks them “What are you looking for?” , What are you searching for? They respond by asking him; Where are you staying? Where are you going?
In today’s Gospel the apostles are still wondering where Jesus is going. “Master, we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?”

The apostles without Christ are lost, all men without Christ are lost. Because Jesus is the way He is never lost. He knows where he is going; “I am going to the Father” to sit at the right hand of the Father.

Jesus is the way. When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan the heavens were opened. St. John Chrysostom says that “at the baptism of Christ the gates of heaven were opened… and after He had vanquished the tyrant by the cross; since gates were no longer needed for a heaven which would never again be closed, the angels said, not “open the gates,” but “Take them away”(III q.39 a.6).

The truth is that our return to the Father is demanding. There are many trials and difficulties that we must endure along the way. Jesus, who said that his food was to do the will of his Father, and that the Father loves him because he always does what he asks of him, but Jesus also asked his Father to take the cup from him and cried out from the cross asking “Why he had abandoned him.”
But if we pass through the crucible of suffering we are destined for a life of glory. The glory of the only begotten son.

St. Thomas says the Father’s words at the baptism of Christ were not said for Him, because he was always united with the Father, but they were said for us. “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased”. On Mount Sinai Jesus was transfigured before the apostles and clothed in the glory of the Father “This is my beloved son, listen to him”. He was transfigured before them so that they would desire his glory and persevere in the faith after the crucifixion. The crucifixion removing the obstacle of sin that prevented us from returning to the Father, and the resurrection leading us to share in His glory. Dwelling with Christ at the right hand of the Father. Beloved sons of an all powerful, all loving Father.

There are some good young men here who will be leaving the Hilltop in just eight months. There will be many paths to choose from and many roads to follow, but there is only one way to eternal glory. But do not let your hearts be troubled Jesus has prepare a place for you. And if you are determined to follow Him, no matter how difficult the road or how many times you might fall along the way or stray from the truth, if you keep getting up and returning to Him you will reign with Him forever and ever. 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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests

● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them

September 25, 2011

2011-09-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped this week:
To all the parents who worked at the Gala
To all the parents and grandparents who contributed to the reception following our Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences.
For driving carpools: Mr. Rennie Allen, Mrs. Eileen Aragon, Mr. Brokaw, Mrs. Chelsey Lenahan, Mrs. Anna Dang, Mr. Andy Portka,

Student-led Parent Teacher Conferences, September 25th: a face-to-face meeting between parents, their son, and the teachers.

Time: Freshmen 6:30 pm; Sophomores 6:50 pm; Juniors 7:15 pm; Seniors 7:40 pm.
Begin: in the mobile classroom where Fr. Gabriel will distribute name tags,
Continue: the yellow classroom and the recreation room.
End: Behind the school for a reception coordinated by Mrs. Christian.
Note: Three minute timeframe. If parents have more than one student attending, the conference is "private"
and the other son should wait for his turn to lead his presentation about his learning.

The objective is to help your sons accept more of the responsibility and ownership for their learning. To demonstrate to what degree you son has accomplished this objective, he has prepared a sampling of his classwork to show you. During your meeting with the various teachers, your son will succinctly:
· Introduce you to his teacher;
· Tell you the basic academic habits (note taking, summarizing reading, using complete sentences) that he is good at;
· Tell you the specific things (knowledge, skills, abilities) in each class that he is good at;
· Tell you the things he is going to improve in (growth areas);
· Tell you the strategies/steps to achieve his goals;
· Tell you how you, his parents, can assist him to achieve his goals.

The parents' role is to:
· Look at your son’s online grades before coming to the conference. This is easy when you log in at http://www.teacherease.com/
· Listen to son when he speaks about his strengths/weaknesses and goals for each of his classes;
· Briefly confirm (or correct) your son’s self-identified strengths/weaknesses and goals. Don’t plan on saying anything more than a few words – not more than one or two sentences
· Send a note to your son during the week which summarizes your view of the conference. Praise. Encourage. Exhort. Love.

Having a caring audience for learning gives students a powerful reason to continue to learn and to work hard. It gives extra value their efforts at school. Listening well is the most important role of parents at the conferences. We’ll see you on Sunday!

September High School Information Nights
St. Michael’s will be represented at the following high school information nights. If you have a child or know someone who has a child who will be entering 9th grade or above next year, come to one of these informative events:

Tuesday, Sept. 27th: Our Lady of the Assumption, 611 West Bonita Ave., Claremont, CA 91711; 7:00 p.m.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 2, Sections 7, 8, 9
SECTION 7: COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME
Regular contact between school officials and parents fosters dialogue and understanding for the benefit of the individual and common good. To this end the school provides an online calendar, online grading program, a weekly electronic newsletter, the abbey quarterly, and other items. Informally, contact with the school administration is welcome either when picking-up or when dropping off a student or by a telephone call. Formal communication either by school officials or by home should be established by appointment and written letter.

SECTION 8: TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from school is the responsibility of the parents. Carpools are useful if the driver is on time. Since carpools are entirely the option of the parents, problems or difficulties arising from these arrangements cannot be referred to the school. Teachers may not provide transportation for any student without the expressed permission of the headmaster.

SECTION 9: DROP OFF AND PICK UP OF STUDENTS
Students report to school every Sunday between 7 pm and 7:30 pm. Students arriving late will stay the following Friday afternoon until 4:30 pm. Pick up time is Friday after room inspection which is typically about 12:40 pm. Drop-off and pick-up location is exclusively in front of the school. Students should know before they return to school who will pick them up the following Friday.
Students will not be excused during school hours (from Sunday night to Friday afternoon) for vacation or other non-school functions unless special arrangement is made with the school office. Those who do receive this authorization to leave St. Michael’s when school is still in session are required to spend one weekend for each day of “leave.” During that compensatory weekend fees are charged and the student will work for the on-going needs of the school.
Doctor’s appointments should be made only for non-class time. The pick-up can be no earlier than 2:30 p.m. The student must be back on campus by 8:00 p.m.
Students always arrive and depart in their uniform.

Sports
Tuesday, Sept. 27th: Cross Country @ Mile Square Park; 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1st : Football vs Pacific Lutheran @ Daniels Field Sports Center; 3:30 p.m.

This Week’s Birthdays
9/28 Michael Howard

This Week’s Photos: First Honors Outing

Weekly Homily by Fr. Benedict
Among other things, Fr. Benedict teaches Religion.

“They were afraid to ask him about this saying.” The disciples believed that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God, and now He tells them that He will be handed over. Being the Messiah and the Son of God didn’t seem to be compatible with being vulnerable and dying, so they didn’t understand. The Blessed Virgin was told that she would conceive and bear a son. This, however, did not seem to be compatible with her vow of virginity. Unlike the disciples she was not afraid to ask how it was to be done. Mary asked the Angel Gabriel and He told her.

We are also given commands which seem incompatible. We are told to pray always by Jesus, to be recollected and at the same time we have to care for our families, teach classes, work, or go to class. But what is our reaction to these seemingly contradictory commands? Do we like the disciples just assume that it is some mystery and not bother to think about it? Do we become content with just assuming that it is impossible? Or, like the Blessed Virgin do we ask our angel “How?” How are we to pray always and go about our daily duties?

If we are not afraid to ask this question, our angels will show us how we are to pray always. They will point out to us all those times in-between our duties where we could be recollected. They will remind us to pray. Our angels will even remind us in the middle of our duties, but we have to ask with the trust of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who trusted in the words: “I will be for her an encircling wall of fire, and I will be the glory in her midst.”

Jesus wishes to be the glory in our midst as He was for the Blessed Virgin. We, however, need to be brave enough to ask “How?”

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● John Ramsey, who struggles with health issues.
● 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 Donna Beckman
● For the repose of the soul of Florence Lussi.

September 18, 2011

2011-09-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Parent Gala Meeting
This Sunday, September 18th, 7:00 p.m., there is a Parent Gala Meeting in the student dining room. All parents working at the Gala next week must be present for this important meeting.

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped this week:
For hosting weekenders: the Dang Family; the Porretta Family; Saglietto Family
For bringing refreshments to the football game: the Schardt Family
For taking pictures for the school at the football game: Mr. Jesus Gomez

Student-led Parent Teacher Conferences, September 25th: a face-to-face meeting between parents, their son, and the teachers.
Time: Freshmen 6:30 pm; Sophomores 6:50 pm; Juniors 7:15 pm; Seniors 7:40 pm.
Begin: in the parking lot near the library where Fr. Gabriel will distribute
name tags,
Continue: the yellow classroom and the recreation room.
End: Behind the school for a reception.
Note: Three minute timeframe. If parents have more than one student
attending, the conference is "private" and the other son should wait
for his turn to lead his presentation about his learning.

The objective is to help your sons accept more of the responsibility and ownership for their learning. To demonstrate to what degree you son has accomplished this objective, he has prepared a sampling of his classwork to show you. During your meeting with the various teachers, your son will succinctly:
·Introduce you to his teacher;
·Tell you the basic academic habits (note taking, summarizing reading, using complete sentences) that he is good at;
·Tell you the specific things (knowledge, skills, abilities) in each class that he is good at;
·Tell you the things he is going to improve in (growth areas);
·Tell you the strategies/steps to achieve his goals;Tell you how you, his parents, can assist him to achieve his goals.
Your role as a parent is to
· Look at your son’s online grades before coming to the conference. This is easy when you log in at http://www.teacherease.com/
· Listen to son when he speaks about his strengths/weaknesses and goals for each of his classes;
· Briefly confirm (or correct) your son’s self-identified strengths/weaknesses and goals. Don’t plan on saying anything more than a few words – not more than one or two sentences
· Send a note to your son during the week which summarizes your view of the conference. Praise. Encourage. Exhort. Love.
Having a caring audience for learning gives students a powerful reason to continue to learn and to work hard. It gives extra value their efforts at school. Listening well is the most important role of parents at the conferences. We’ll see you on September 25th !

9/22 John Michael Mikolaycik

Weekly Homily by Fr. John Henry Hanson
Among other things, Fr. John Henry is the school’s College Counselor and teaches English.

“Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,… and many others who provided for them out of their resources.” The implication is that these women were “accompanying” our Lord because they had received healing from Him. They had been “cured” of evil spirits and infirmities of body and mind--which probably means, moral problems and physical or emotional ills. Then began their time of recovery.

After we have encountered the Lord in this way, and have decided to surrender ourselves to Him, our lives are in a state of recovery. Our resources become His resources. We put ourselves in His hands totally and completely. Blessed Columba Marmion even uses the expression with both eyes closed, or blindfolded. And from that time on, everything we have, every resource of mind and body, is His. Our past is His just as much as our future.

In Christianity, recovery has to mean conversion. And conversion must mean Christ reclaiming us for His own. Our resources become His resources. This process is one of complete submission of ourselves to Christ. He says, “Take my yoke upon you.” It can be very hard and painful to submit to His love when our poor, wounded selves want to have some say over how our resources are used. Gradually we must learn that this cannot be. Our healer must be the Lord and Master of all we are and have.

To speak of recovery means that we are recovering from something. We are passing from an old life to a new, from an old frame of mind to a renewed mentality--an extremely important change for us to undergo. What is more important than receiving physical healing is how our perspective changes on everything. If we still have physical or emotional problems, we can begin to see something we could never see before: God has a purpose for this. Converted people can go from asking “Why me? Why these inconvenient and painful troubles?” to seeing that maybe my acceptance of these things plays a crucial role in my spiritual and moral recovery.

St Paul’s example sheds light on the experience of every Christian: “…to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me…. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” St Paul accepted that and then learned to rejoice in it.

Our frame of mind must change like that, so that we can belong entirely to the Lord and confidently submit ourselves to His care for a lifetime. As Scripture says, “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” That is how we see all things now--including the hardest thing to accept: our sins.

The women who accompanied Jesus needed to be forgiven. And as they traveled with Him and the Apostles, they probably remembered their sins, and felt shame, as they heard Jesus speak and interacted with Him. And very often they were probably astonished that He was accepting their help, using their resources--the resources of former unconverted sinners. Now they were converted and would still need the Lord’s forgiveness, though maybe not in the same ways. What was Jesus saying to them and what is He saying to us, about their recovery and ours?

We have to see how the failures of a moment or the accumulated failures of a lifetime cannot keep us back from God. A bad moment we may have had within the last hour, cannot be an excuse for present inertia. We will have our bad moments, and we have to be responsible enough to accept the unpleasant consequences when we have been thoughtless, impulsive, or unmortified. But our recovery cannot come to a standstill because we see something wrong in ourselves. The same Jesus who helped us once is still helping us now. He saved us from one kind of problem then, He can save us from other kinds of problems now. There was something in me that Jesus healed. There is still more that needs to be healed.

Our perspective needs to change: From the time we commit our lives to Jesus Christ, everything we have, every resource of mind and body, is now His. Our past is His just as much as our future. We can claim nothing for ourselves. Mother Teresa once said, “I have given Him everything, even my sins.” What do we have left to give? Today, is there something, some part of us, some resource, that we are hesitating to put at His service? And are we using our sins as a barrier or an excuse against being generous?

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● John Ramsey, who struggles with health issues.
● Mrs. Beverly Schaefgen, whose thyroid cancer has returned after having been in remission
● 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 Donna Beckman
● For the repose of the soul of Florence Lussi.

September 11, 2011

2011-09-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Parent Talk: Sunday, Sept. 11; 7:15 p.m.

September High School Information Nights
St. Michael’s will be represented at the following high school information nights. If you have a child or know someone who has a child who will be entering 9th grade or above next year, come to one of these informative events.

Monday, Sept. 12th: St. Callistus Catholic School, 12901 Lewis St., Garden Grove, CA 92840; 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 14th: Serra Catholic School, 23652 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, 92688; 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 27th: Our Lady of the Assumption, 611 West Bonita Ave., Claremont, CA 91711; 7:00 p.m.

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped this week:
For hosting students over the weekend: The Schardt Family
For assisting at the football game: Mr. Ralph Martin

Sunday Night Drop-off
This year the school is making a temporary change in its rule for the Sunday Night drop-off. For the remainder of the 2011-2012 academic year, whenever a student does not have any Sunday evening school obligations (i.e. class, meeting, etc.) and when there is no parent obligation either (parent meeting, etc.), he may return to school on Monday morning, in time for his first period class. Of course, all students are welcome to return on Sunday evening if they so wish. The same applies to Monday evening/Tuesday morning when there is a 3-day weekend. The school will review and evaluate this procedure at the end of the school year. Your feedback is welcome.

Parent/Student Handbook: CHAPTER 2, SECTIONS 1,2, AND 3
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

The success of everyone at St. Michael’s depends on the active cooperation of the Norbertine confreres, students, parents, lay teachers, staff and benefactors in working toward the common good of this unique community. St. Michael’s Prep believes that for harmonious living, academic growth, and wholesome personal development of the student, a well-regulated life is fundamental. Like any community, a school must establish certain standards and rules which express the school’s philosophy in a variety of circumstances. Likewise, it must enforce the same so that its every member might be

SECTION 2: HEADMASTER’S RIGHT TO AMEND
In developing the policies and rules for St. Michael’s, this handbook is written as clearly and as explicitly as possible. Nevertheless, during the school year new and unusual situations might arise. Therefore, the headmaster reserves the right to amend school rules and regulations as necessary during the school year. Parents will be promptly notified by mail of any such amendments. The ordinary means of this notification is the To Parents and Friends. The Headmaster is the final recourse within the school and may waive any regulations in this handbook if deemed in the best interest of fairness and justice. He is the final interpreter of all regulations and policies in this handbook.

SECTION 3: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
St. Michael’s Preparatory High School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs. Non- Catholic students are welcome and participate in the religious celebrations and rites of the school within the guidelines established by the Catholic Church.
In those cases where the number of applicants exceeds the number of students the school can enroll, Catholic students are given precedence over those who are not Catholic, and this without regard to race, color, or national origin.

Sports
Congratulations to our football team on winning their first game!
This week’s game is: Friday, Sept. 16th, STM vs. Noli Indian School @ Noli, 6:00 p.m.

This Week’s Photos: Football team; Cross Country team

This Weeks Birthdays

9/16 Scott Schardt

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

There’s something about the tears of a mother that just breaks one’s heart. It’s been said that even the most hardened of criminals, someone who could walk to the executioner without even flinching, cannot bare to see his own mother cry. If you’ve ever done something wrong to make your mother cry, then you know the feeling. If you haven’t, then thank God.

This week we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, Mater Dolorosa. So, what is it we’re celebrating? Are we celebrating while our Lady is weeping? Or even, the fact that she is weeping? The day before is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—Christ’s victory over death and sin; but it was a victory that came only through much sacrifice, the sacrifice to end all sacrifices, the perfect expression of God’s love for us sinners. This feast is a sort of echo of the Feast of the Holy Cross. As water and blood flowed from the side of Christ, so tears flowed from our Blessed Mother’s “eyes of mercy”—and all for us sinners, and all because of us sinners.

So what we are celebrating is our Lady’s love for us, evidenced by her tears. The fact is that she is all done crying, as our Lord is all through with His suffering. They are both in heaven, in perfect happiness; but every tear that she poured out at the foot of the Cross was poured out because of our sins. Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange reminds us that our Lady shared in all the sufferings of her Divine Son, suffering (as He did) from the time she conceived until the act of Redemption was consummated on Calvary; and just as Christ by His sufferings merited graces for us and made reparation for our sins, so she, albeit not in strict justice, did the same by her tears.

Now while we can rejoice that our Lady’s sufferings helped save us, united as they were to the sufferings of her Son, we ought not to forget that it was we who made our Blessed Mother cry—you and me; and just the thought of it should break our heart. So the next time you are tempted to let fly that unkind word or judgmental thought; the next time your tempted to sloth or impurity, dishonesty, avarice or envy; the next time your tempted to even the smallest sin, think of our Blessed Mother’s tears. Has she wept for us in vain? Is a sin worth adding another tear, so to speak, to our Blessed Mother’s eyes. Wouldn’t it be better instead to shed some of our own tears for our past sins and so change her tears of sorrow to tears of joy?

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mrs. Mary Fischinger, grandmother of Ian Shaffer, who is recovering after some difficulties with her heart.
● Mrs. Beverly Schaefgen, whose thyroid cancer has returned after having been in remission
● Those who are in the armed forces.

● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them

September 4, 20122

2011-09-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped this week:
● For hosting students over the weekend: the Bonello Family, the Hierro Family and the Schardt Family
● For all those participating in school carpools

Sunday Night Drop-off
This year the school is making a temporary change in its rule for the Sunday Night drop-off. For the remainder of the 2011-2012 academic year, whenever a student does not have any Sunday evening school obligations (i.e. class, meeting, etc.) and when there is no parent obligation either (parent meeting, etc.), he may return to school on Monday morning, in time for his first period class. Of course, all students are welcome to return on Sunday evening if they so wish. The same applies to Monday evening/Tuesday morning when there is a 3-day weekend. The school will review and evaluate this procedure at the end of the school year. Your feedback is welcome.

Successful Opening Day

Thank you to all the parents and students for participating in the school’s Opening Day events. This was meant to help all students and their families help ease into the school year. Overall it was a very successful and enjoyable day. Below are some of the results from a recent poll taken by the parents who participated in the Opening Day 2011-2012:

Parent/Student Handbook: CHAPTER 1, SECTIONS 1-7

SECTION 1: SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Drawing upon a tradition of over eight centuries in education, the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey govern and serve St. Michael’s Preparatory School. They are assisted in this mission by dedicated lay people who share the same philosophy and vision. The formation of a St. Michael’s student integrates faith, academics, and character. These advantages will continue to form him throughout life, long after he has left his school days behind.

Faith: St. Michael’s welcomes young men who possess the aptitude and commitment both to receive and to enrich what its school community has to offer. The heart of our unique school’s identity is the Catholic Faith, from which flow the truths on which we base our approach to education. The person and teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ are the source and fulfillment of true happiness. The experience of Catholic Christian living leads the student to Jesus through a liturgical and sacramental life, supported by prayer, teaching, guidance and example. The sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist are available to students every day. The bishop confers Confirmation on eligible students every other year.

Academics: Our program consists of challenging academic courses for the college-bound student. These courses endeavor to communicate knowledge in fidelity to the Catholic intellectual tradition, and so to form our students as men of insight and integrity, qualities which will enable them to be discerning, responsible citizens in a world which has great need of them. Our scholars center their efforts on preparing for college and fulfilling life work. While emphasizing the Western heritage of theology, humanities, the arts and the sciences throughout our curriculum, we seek to round-out a young man’s education through athletics as well.

Character: As a boarding school, St. Michael’s offers significant opportunities for a consistent and wholesome growth toward maturity. Much of the responsibility for the day-to-day running of the school is shared with the students who learn to cooperate with their peers and with those in authority in attaining common goals. A positive but realistic self-knowledge along with an attitude of respect for others is the foundation of a young man’s moral character. The cultivation of individual dignity guides students to accept self-discipline and responsibility as essential aspects both of personal freedom and of participation in a community. St. Michael’s fosters this character development in all areas of student life.

SECTION 2: MISSION STATEMENT
St. Michael’s Preparatory School witnesses to the fullness of the Catholic faith and teaches in fidelity to a sound Catholic intellectual tradition. St. Michael’s is exclusively a boarding school for boys, grades nine through twelve, who are capable of benefiting from and contributing to its spiritual and academic community. The School provides the academic attainments necessary for acceptance to a four-year college or undergraduate program at a university in the United States of America. St. Michael’s is served by Norbertine priests and seminarians and by a committed lay faculty and staff.

SECTION 3: ACCREDITATION
St. Michael's Preparatory School is jointly accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA).

SECTION 4: CEEB/ACT CODE: 052273

SECTION 5: SCHOOL SHIELD
The school shield closely parallels that of the Abbey. The wing which appears on the left represents St. Michael the Archangel, the heavenly patron of the school. The fleur-de-lis on the opposite side represents the Norbertine Order which was founded in France. The ribbon surrounding the shield is the motto of the school. This practice of “looking ahead from the vantage point of tradition” has taken its character from the educational philosophy of the Norbertine Order; it receives its spiritual moorings from the very roots of the Catholic Church itself. The “tradition” St. Michael’s seeks to embody is truly timeless. Such a tradition affords one a “vantage point” without equal. The value of this tradition is proportionate to our fidelity to it.

SECTION 6: SCHOOL COLORS
White, Blue and Gold.

SECTION 7: ALMA MATER
Purity of purpose, values and ideals,Wings of St. Michael guide us through the years.White, blue, and gold, a fleur-de-lis, a cross,Prepared for all good works, no matter what the cost.
Friendships are formed, tradition’s found its home;Deeply rooted people the world to ever roam.White, blue, and gold, a fleur-de-lis, a cross,Prepared for all good works, no matter what the cost.

This Week’s Sports
Friday, Sept. 9th: Football vs Concordia @ St. Michael’s; 3:30 p.m.

This Week’s Photos: Football practice

This Weeks Birthdays
9/5 Luan Tran

9/8 Brian Schardt

Weekly Homily by Fr. Brendan Hankins, O. Praem.
Among other things Fr. Brendan teaches American Literature and is one of our assistant deans.

There are 403 photos of St. Michael’s Prep School alumni from 40 different graduating classes hanging on the walls in the high school dorms. And our current high school students spend a lot of time looking at those photos. But they do more than just look at them. They study them, compare them. Even students who rarely study anything else devote a great deal of time and thought to these photos. They try to find which alumni resemble students who are currently enrolled in the school. They see something of themselves in those photos. Students who have endured the same trials, slept in the same dorm rooms, etc. Upper classmen pass on the history of the school, the history of the students to the under classmen as they move from year to year and from frame to frame. The first week of school freshmen were already pointing out where their class picture will be hung.

We might look at the scriptures in a similar light. St. Augustine speaks about reading our rule of life as if we were looking in a mirror. “that you may see yourselves in this little book, as in a mirror, have it read to you once a week so as to neglect no point through forgetfulness.” As often as we hear the scriptures read we should be doing more than simply listening, but studying them, comparing them. Are our actions motivated by the hope reserved for us in heaven, in accord with the Colossians before us? Is the Gospel bearing fruit and growing among us.

Do our words and actions preserve or defend the unity of the Church or the unity of our own community as St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians was intended to do. When we encounter Christ in Holy Communion or in the Confessional are we moved to do works pleasing to Christ. The Church Father’s commenting on Christ healing Peter’s mother-in-law and how she promptly rose to minister to him say “For when He (that is Christ) has visited us, we carry Him in our heart and mind; He will then extinguish the flames of our unlicensed pleasures, and will make us whole, so that we minister to Him, that is, do things well-pleasing to Him.”

Despite the 403 alumni whose portraits adorn the walls of the dorms, there are many who lived in the same dorm rooms, even for several years, but whose portraits never made it to the wall. Graduating from the high school doesn’t exactly guarantee the Beatific Vision, but it certainly can be a means by which God trains and prepares you to persevere in your commitments in life ; through the good and the bad alike. Because, most likely, there will be other commitments which, believe it or not, will be even more challenging than graduating from St. Michael’s Prep.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
● Mrs. Mary Fischinger, grandmother of Ian Shaffer, who is recovering after some difficulties with her heart.
● Mrs. Beverly Schaefgen, whose thyroid cancer has returned after having been in remission
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them

August 28, 2011

2011-08-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped this week:
● Matt and Debbi Holke (parents of 3 alumni) who hosted the weekenders on Friday night.
● Mrs. Chelsea Lenahan and Mrs. Mary Shelton for driving carpools.
● Mr. Ralph Martin and his son, Michael, who helped prepare for the school’s Sunday luncheon.
● Mrs. Elizabeth Park for picking up students at the train station on Sunday evening.
● Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Schardt along with their sons, Brian and Scott, who helped host the school’s Sunday luncheon
● Mr. John Shaffer and his sons, Will and Ian, who helped prepare for the school’s Sunday luncheon.

School PicturesSchool pictures will be taken Tuesday. Please be sure your son returns to school with a well groomed haircut.

Labor Day WeekendReminder that this coming weekend is a 3-day weekend. Students return on Monday evening.

Parent/Student Handbook: PROCEDURES FOR FRIDAY DISMISSAL AND WEEKEND STAYSAll students should be picked up from St. Michael’s for the Friday dismissal by 1 PM. In the event that a parent or guardian of a student encounters an emergency situation that delays their arrival to the school, the student may remain at the school until 4 PM.

With regard to the actual dismissal on Fridays, the parent or guardian must report to the supervising Dean of Students, who is monitoring student dismissal, and sign their son out. Only those individuals who are registered parents or guardians with the Headmaster’s Office will be allowed to retrieve their students.

For those students who routinely stay over the weekend at St. Michael’s, they are supervised by a Norbertine confrere assigned to weekend supervision. In the event that a weekend boarding student opts out of their weekend status to stay locally with a St. Michael’s host family, the parents of that student and the hosting parents must email the Headmaster’s Office by 12 PM the Wednesday before, giving mutual permission for the opting out of weekend status for that particular weekend. A student will not be granted opt out status of weekend stay by casually stating to a member of the faculty that they are staying over the weekend at another student’s home. If concurrent permission is not received from the concerned parents via email by the stated deadline, the student will not be released to the host family by the Dean of Students.
Oftentimes students who live locally and return home each weekend are invited to stay the weekend with another local school family. This arrangement will also require notification to the Headmaster’s office via email by 12 PM the Wednesday before in order that the supervising Dean will be aware of the arrangement when releasing the student to the host family.

For those students who routinely transit home by train after Friday dismissal, St. Michael’s will facilitate the transportation of that student to the nearest train station for a nominal transportation fee. However, the student’s parents or guardian must confirm the fact that the student will be traveling home by train for the weekend. The parent or guardian will be required to email the Headmasters Office by 12 pm, Wednesday, of each week to confirm their son will in fact be traveling home. They will also provide the departure time of the train their student will be taking home.

This same procedure shall be followed for those students who will be flying home for the weekend. The parent or guardian must arrange for a shuttle transport for their student from St. Michael’s to the airport.

Weekly Homily by Fr. Benedict Solomon
Among other things Fr. Benedict Solomon teaches religion to freshmen, juniors and seniors.
“…That each of you know how to acquire a wife for himself in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion…not to take advantage of or exploit a brother or sister in this matter, for the Lord is an Avenger in all these things.”

Men are either protectors or predators. They either exploit others for their own pleasure, are selfish, or they go out of themselves and make sacrifices for others, without expecting anything in return.

At this school you students have the opportunity to grow in holiness like nowhere else. By going to confession, Mass and Holy Hour you have before your eyes the greatest protector and example of all, Jesus Christ. How you respond to God’s will for you here, which is your holiness, will affect how you go about your life here at school.

Will you exploit others for your own amusement, or like Christ, will you teach others by your example? Later you will start a family of your own, if you don’t become a priest. How you respond to God’s will for you now will affect how you choose a wife and what kind of father and husband you will be.

A man who is a protector is one who looks out for the physical and spiritual good of those in his life. Pornography, impure relationships, impure thoughts and acts – these are acts that exploit others-these are acts of a predator. This issue is so important not only for your lives but also for society, that God Himself swears that He will avenge those who are exploited.
In other words, every act of lust and exploitation of others will be avenged. “Whoever disregards this, disregards God, who also gives the Holy Spirit to you.”

Here at the Abbey you are given an abundance of grace. Keep the flame of divine love burning within you not only by prayer, but by the oil of Charity for your fellow students. So now, prepare for your future, your wife, children, or flock, by making sacrifices and helping those around you.

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 without written permission of the author.

This Week’s Photos:● Freshmen busily working to complete a project.
● Matt and Debbie Holke (parents of 3 alumni).

This Weeks Birthdays8/28 Kevin Nguyen-Tran
9/5 Luan Tran
9/8 Brian Schardt
Prayer Requests· Mrs. Marge DeClue, past parent-league president, who has declining health.
· Mrs. Mary Fischinger, grandmother of Ian Shaffer, who is recovering after some difficulties with her heart.
· Those who are in the armed forces.
· St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them

August 26, 2011

2011-08-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

As summertime turns to school year, St. Michael’s Prep finishes highlighting its Graduates of 2011.

JAMES THANH-LONG TRAN

I heard my first senior reflection as a freshman. Reflections, for the most part, were all the same: the seniors talk about their gratitude for the faith, the strong friendships they form, the memorable experiences they had, and the people who helped them. Everything those alumni said sounded so cliché. As the years went by, I tried to understand what those seniors were saying. I honestly felt like this school seemed like any other school, plus a lot of spirituality. I did not know why previous students said that they were grateful for the time they spent praying.

It was not until the last quarter of school that I finally came to appreciate all the time that I spent in church. Living with other seniors helped show me the importance of prayer. It may seem ridiculous, but praying for my friends to get into college was the reason I took praying seriously. By deepening my prayer life, I started to receive Communion with a deeper appreciation. Now, even praying the rosary is a daily habit. For bringing me deeper into my faith, I am truly thankful.

I thank my friends for their constant support and encouragement. I also thank my teachers for their continual help and understanding. Lastly, I thank my family for their never-ending love and countless sacrifices.

As my time at St. Michael’s comes to an end, I can honestly say that everything that the seniors before me said was true. I have had a great time at this school, both with my friends in the classes and, at last, in the faith. Despite my efforts to not sound cliché, I realize that this consistency in forming men of faith and strong friendships is what makes this school such a special place. Likewise, it is for this reason that I am so grateful to have attended St. Michael’s Prep.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Speech and Debate (2007-2011)
Football (2009, 2010), Captain 2010
Soccer (2007- 2011)
Cross Country (2007-2009)
Room Leader
Eagle Scout
Published poet
Altar Server
Bethesda Project
St. Michael’s Summer Camp, volunteer

Awards
Bank of America Award in the field of English
Latin Scholar, Magna Cum Laude
California Scholarship Federation, Life member
National Honor Society
President’s Scholarship
Torero Pride Scholarship

James has chosen to continue his education at the University of California, Irvine.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Marge DeClue who struggles with cancer.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel over the summer.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

August 26, 2011

2011-08-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

VITALYI TRACTENBERG

I had gone to St. Michael’s summer camp. I thought that coming to this school would bring lots of fun, leisure, and friendships. As my first year began I began going through the longest, hardest year of my life. Freshman year was full of trials that I had to overcome. In that year I developed the virtues of perseverance and hard work. It was the year I had to learn self-control, time management, and maturity, which I lacked as a freshman. I started to believe that St. Michael’s was not for me, but encouragement from the priests and teachers provided wonderful examples.

The priests provided spiritual counsel and instruction of the faith. They fostered a true spiritual life and deep longing for God. Daily prayer, holy hour, and Mass became meaningful as I entered into a deep spiritual union with the Lord. These priests were not only there for me in church, but also in my daily life. They were my coaches, teachers, and deans. As I proceeded with my everyday life, I saw their deep love for Christ in the daily work they did.

The lay teachers were also wonderful Christian examples. At times, I was ready to quit but my teachers at St. Michael’s always pushed me and encouraged me in my darkest hours. They would take time out of their personal lives to come help me with schoolwork and developing my character.

Another important thing I gained from this school is the priceless friendships I have formed. My friends are like none other. They go out of their way to help me just as I do for them. The bonds I have formed with my fellow classmates are sure to last a lifetime. As the years progressed, I see the great benefits of this school. Four years at St. Michael’s has made me into the man I will be in the future.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Football (2008-2011), Defensive Player of the Year
Hungarian Boy Scouts
Volunteer at the Blind Children's Learning Center

Awards
Bank of America Award in the field of Physical Education

Vitalyi has chosen to continue his education at the University of Dallas.

Prayer Requests
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel over the summer.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

August 19, 2011

2011-08-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

DAVID SUH, JR.

The reason my family and I chose St. Michael’s Prep was so that I could receive a prestigious education to prepare me for college. I quickly learned that there is much more involved than receiving good grades. It is about becoming a man of good faith and becoming closer to God through daily Mass, Holy Hour, and Confession. However, it took me a while to realize the importance of Mass and Holy Hour.

Because I received spiritual formation in the previous schools I attended, I thought I was a devout Christian. During my first religion course I noticed that there was so much I didn’t know and so much I needed to learn. The religious at St. Michael’s taught me what it meant to be a good Christian. After learning so much about Catholicism and realizing there was so much more to learn, I decided to convert to Catholicism. I give much thanks to Father Claude for all his help and dedication. I also thank classmate Daniel Murphy-Dimen for being my confirmation sponsor.

St. Michael’s has given me something no other school has offered, which is the consistent availability of teachers before and after classes. It still amazes me how dedicated all the teachers are to being available for help. I would like to thank all the teachers for their dedication and hard work in maintaining the prestige of the school, especially Mr. Tomescu.

I never realized that I would make such close friends that I hope to keep in touch with for as long as I live. I will always remember the adventures I have shared with them, from late nights talking to snowboarding over winter break. I would also like to thank my mom for all the things she has done for me. I will always remember the weekly visits for food, and the constant encouragement she gave me in order that I would succeed in my studies. Now as I prepare to leave, I am closer to God than ever. And for everything else St. Michael’s has given me, I am truly grateful.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Speech and Debate Team (2007-2011)
Football (2007, 2009, 2010), Offensive Play of the Year 2010
Soccer (2008-2009, 2010-2011)
Bethesda Project
Room Leader
Published poet

Awards
St. Augustine Award, St. Michael’s Prep School
Valedictorian
California Scholarship Federation, Life member
National Honor Society
Torero Pride Scholarship

David has chosen to continue his education at the University of California, Irvine.

Special thanks to those families who helped prepare for the opening of the school year:
Mrs. Jennifer Bonello, Mrs. Tracey Pickett, Mrs. Cathy Porretta, and Mrs. Tracee Portka.

Prayer Requests
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel over the summer.
● The participants in World Youth Day, 2011
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

August 12, 2011

2011-08-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

CHARLES VINCENT ARANAS SANDOVAL

Going to St. Michael’s changed me forever. It was here I learned how to be responsible for myself, grow as a leader, push myself to the limits, and most importantly, become more devoted to God. It was a place where friendships were made, and a strong sense of camaraderie was formed.

When I first arrived at the hilltop I was apprehensive. I doubted that I would be able to make it through my first year. Fortunately, I was wrong. By the grace of God, I felt a sense of accomplishment and built confidence in myself. I also made a lot of good friends that year. Most importantly, my faith grew.

As my sophomore year approached, classes became more demanding. More was expected from me. It was during my junior year when I asked myself, “Is this place really for me?” I was struggling with several classes, a rigorous schedule of tests and quizzes, and completing all my homework assignments. It was during Holy Hour when I asked God whether I should stay or leave St. Michael’s. Thankfully, He answered. And so I decided to stay for Him and for my parents.

Being a part of the cross country team and choir helped me grow as a person. While running helped me become mentally stronger, choir helped me discover my talents and build my self-confidence. Going to Mass, Holy Hour, and confession everyday also helped me grow as a Catholic. I cannot think of any other school that would provide such spiritual support.

There were ups and downs along the road. Despite hardships my classmates and I have had at the hilltop, they helped us grow as young men of God. We were a brotherhood. It made this school unique over other high schools. I did not regret my choice to stay here. It truly was an investment of a lifetime.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Cross Country (2007-2010)
Roomleader (2010-2011)
Altar server (2007-2010)

Awards
Bank of America Award in the field of Religious Studies
B. Braun Medical Scholarship

Charles has chosen to continue his education at the California State University, Fullerton.

Mark your calendar now for Sunday, August 21st and reserve the day for returning to St. Michael’s. The opening day of school is an open invitation to all the families, new and returning, for a day of prayer, food, socializing, and fun. The schedule is:

Opening Day - - - August 21, 2011
• 11 am Sunday Mass in Abbey Church
• 12:45 Buffet Lunch & Set up Dorm Rooms
• 1: 45 Parent Meeting for Mom & Dad
Student Meeting
Fun Activities for Younger Children
• 2:30 Games Together for Fathers & Sons
Getting to Know Each Other for Mothers
• 4 pm Dessert, Ice Cream and Formal Good-byes
• Option: 4:30 pm Rosary; 5:00 pm Vespers

Prayer Requests
● William Mullins who recovers from an injury.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel over the summer.
● The participants in World Youth Day, 2011
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

August 5, 2011

2011-08-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

HIEU TRUNG PHAM

When I first arrived at St. Michael’s, I had high hopes of becoming very successful. I was immature. I desired no help. I thought that I would advance through these four years without the aid of the Lord. I met defeat. For two years, I was still determined to be “the best of the best.” It took a toll on my character. I refused to listen, and continued on my wayward journey relentlessly. In my third year at St. Michael’s I finally realized what I was doing.

On a bright, spring day I arrived early to Philosophy class. I took my usual corner of the discussion table. The teacher, Fr. Sebastian, seeing me secluded in a corner said, “No man is an island.” At first, I disregarded that saying. Now, I don’t.

No matter how hard I try to make myself an island, I am connected to the world through God. God cares, supports, and loves me as the person I am. I thank this school, the students, the faculty, and especially my parents, family, and friends for supporting me in prayer and for helping me recognize what God has been offering me.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Cross Country (2007-2009),
Living History Student Ambassador (2007-2009)
Altar Server (2007-2010)
Room Leader (2009-2011)
Sophomore Class President (2008-2009)
Published Poet
Bethesda Project
St. Vincent de Paul Society helping the poor and the elderly

Awards
Bank of America Award in the field of Fine Arts
St. Michael’s Prep School Merit Scholar
California Scholarship Federation, Life member
National Honor Society

Hieu has chosen to continue his education at California State University, Fullerton.

Mark your calendar now for Sunday, August 21st and reserve the day for returning to St. Michael’s. The opening day of school is an open invitation to all the families, new and returning, for a day of prayer, food, socializing, and fun. The schedule is:

Opening Day - - - August 21, 2011
• 11 am Sunday Mass in Abbey Church
• 12:45 Buffet Lunch & Set up Dorm Rooms
• 1: 45 Parent Meeting for Mom & Dad
Student Meeting
Fun Activities for Younger Children
• 2:30 Games Together for Fathers & Sons
Getting to Know Each Other for Mothers
• 4 pm Dessert, Ice Cream and Formal Good-byes
• Option: 4:30 pm Rosary; 5:00 pm Vespers

Prayer Requests
● William Mullins who recovers from an injury.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel over the summer.
● The participants in World Youth Day, 2011
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

July 22, 2011

2011-07-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

DANIEL PHILIP MURPHY-DIMEN

Sophomore year came around and my mother and father sat me down in the pews of St. Philip’s, our local parish. I knew they had something very important to tell me. The topic was transferring high schools. The thought stunned me; I did not know what to say. They had heard of St. Michael’s through a friend of ours, and they were hooked.

St. Michael’s is a place where boys become men because students are held to a higher standard and taught responsibility. Above all, teens at St. Michael’s enjoy a faith life which gives them both strength and balance.

All these things and many more my parents told me were what I could expect at St. Michael’s. Being the ignorant and selfish boy I was at the time, I resisted their suggestion. I thought that if I went to St. Michael’s, my life would come to a halt for three years because I would lose all my friends. Now, I realized what a gift my parents gave me in giving me St. Michael’s. Through their hard work and sacrifice my parents made it possible for me to attend this outstanding college preparatory school. Looking back now, I can see that my life did not halt three years ago; my life started three years ago.

Up until my sophomore year, high school was just another thing I knew I had to have under my belt before I could be considered successful. After attending St. Michael’s however, I see just how much more than that high school can be. Here I have learned what it means to be responsible for one’s actions. Here I have learned what it means to be a man. Here I have learned what it means to make good friends. Above all, I can finally say, that I have found my faith, and now own it as my own.

Gary Jules said “It’s a mad, mad world”. However, when we break through that fog of uncertainty and doubt, and realize just how great things can be, we will find that every day, is such a “beautiful day”.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Football (2008-2011)
Soccer (2008-2011), Captain (2010-2011),
Baseball (2008-2011), First team All League (2011),
Speech and Debate Team (2008-2011)
Volunteer at the Blind Children's Learning Center

Awards
Bank of America Award in the field of Oratory

Daniel has chosen to continue his education at the University of Dallas.

Mark your calendar now for Sunday, August 21st and reserve the day for St. Michael’s. The opening day of school is an open invitation to all the families, new and returning, for a day of prayer, food, socializing, and fun. The schedule is:

Opening Day - - - August 21, 2011
● 11 am Sunday Mass in Abbey Church
● 12:45 Buffet Lunch & Set up Dorm Rooms
● 1: 45 Fun Activities for Younger Children
Parent Meeting for Mom & Dad
Student Meeting
● 2:30 Games Together for Fathers & Sons
Getting to Know Each Other for Mothers
● 4 pm Dessert, Ice Cream and Formal Good-byes

Option: 4:30 pm Rosary; 5:00 pm Vespers

Prayer Requests
● William Mullins who recovers from an injury.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel over the summer.
● The participants in World Youth Day, 2011
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

2011-07-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

EDWARD HYEK LIM

Evil. It isn’t something that can be fought against with swords or shields or guns. It can only be successfully defeated with the help of God. Before St. Michael’s, I had not known of this danger very well. Armed with prayer and the sacraments of God, it became easier to fight the dangers that came after me.

In addition to the fellowship with the Lord, I also found fellowship with the people at St. Michael’s, students and teachers alike. Mr. Tomescu’s dry humor and encouraging attitude towards the student, especially to the freshmen, always made the classroom very enjoyable. Mrs. Miller’s affection, understanding, leniency for the students will be well-remembered. Mrs. Ryan’s timed essays and quizzes will be very well-remembered. Mr. Lieggi’s trivia about the world provided interesting insights. All the relationships made here will prepare me for the next step in life.

Even now, I am blinded by the fog called ‘future.’ I know there is a path that lies ahead of me. There are many possibilities, but only one true path. If I know anything about what lies beyond this fog, my life will be spent giving help to others. If I can make a difference to even a single person, I will know that I am on the true path.

God has not revealed much to me. I didn’t hear a blaring voice from the heavens proclaiming my future, nor did I have some divine inspiration that put me in the right path. If anything, He whispers in my ear in a voice so low, that I am unable to distinguish whether it is He or just my own imagination.

As I move on to the next step in life, I will keep what I have gained here close to my heart. I know that every time my thoughts reach the hilltop, I will reminisce about the four years here with longing and nostalgia.

Activities and Awards

Activities
School Photographer (2010-2011)
Published Poet (2008, 2009, 2011)
Altar Server (2007-2010)
Bethesda Project
St. Vincent de Paul Society helping the poor and the elderly

Awards
St. Michael’s Prep School Merit Scholar
Bank of America Award in the field of Liberal Arts
California Scholarship Federation, Life member
National Honor Society (2010-2011), Student Coordinator (2011)
Eagle Scout

Edward has chosen to continue his education at UC San Diego.

Prayer Requests
● Joseph Mullins who recovers from an injury.
● Physical and spiritual safety of young people throughout the summer.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

July 16, 2011

2011-07-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlig hts its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

JUSTIN KOH
I spent my high school years at St. Michael’s Preparatory School. I have made good friends, been taught by really nice teachers and priests, and last but not least, I had a great and generous headmaster!

The thing I liked best about St. Michaels was its size. It is because of its small size that I was able to receive the special attention I could not have received if I had been at another school.

Like every high school there are many different subjects taught at St. Michael’s. I especially liked that it offered something no public school offers and that is Religion. Religion is important because it teaches us about God and our relationship with God. It also focuses on making us “Men of God For Others.” To me, St. Michael’s is a good school because there are so many opportunities for us to praise God: in the morning before we do anything else we pray, we pray at the start of every class, we pray before lunch, and at the end of the day during Holy Hour we pray. That time also gives us a chance to confess our sins, to pray the rosary, or to meditate on scripture. St. Michael’s also taught me how to distinguish in my actions what’s right and what’s wrong. All in all, I learned a lot about my Catholic faith through studying the Scriptures and Ethics.

I thank my parents for sending me to St Michael’s. At St. Michael’s I found good friends. St. Michael’s teachers have taught me a lot. I could always ask questions if I was unclear. I could get help every day after school. I would like to thank Mr. Tomescu, my favorite math teacher, for taking an hour of his time after school to help anyone who comes to him for math help. I would also like to thank Fr. Gabriel because he has helped me so much and Fr. Claude who always looked after me.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Altar server (2006-2011)
Choir
Published poet

Awards
Bank of America Award in the field of Character
Julie Inman Courage Award
St. Joseph the Worker Award

Justin has chosen to continue his education at Irvine Valley College.

Prayer Requests
● Mr. and Mrs. Matt Holke who celebrate their silver wedding anniversary.
● William Mullins who recovers from an injury.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel.

● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

July 8, 2011

2011-07-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

JACOB MICHAEL HOLKE
When I began at St. Michael’s I felt it would be my first and last year here. I kept telling myself that I did not like it here. Despite this, I found that every year I just could not find it in me to call it quits. Finally in my last year, I can see the good that I have been given at this school.

Although I may have had more fun elsewhere, no other school would have been able to give me an equal education. Whether it was a personalized schedule or having teachers available outside of class, I excelled at St. Michael’s. Here, I have discovered and fostered my love of knowledge. I have learned how to think for which I am truly grateful to all the teachers and religious here at St. Michael’s.

Here I have been able to grow in my faith life. It took me until my sophomore year to finally go to confession. Even then, I went only because I was going to be confirmed. From this experience I now go to confession regularly and take part in the sacraments. Being at St. Michael’s gave me a new perspective on my spiritual life. I saw how much more I could love God and grow closer to Him.

The thing that really made St. Michael’s special was the experience I had living in the dorms. Being upstairs has given me the greatest friends I have ever had. I can see how my dorm experience has led to having much better friendships than I would have had otherwise. Here I lived in an environment which encouraged me to grow and mature as I took on more responsibility. I thank my parents for having the wisdom to send me here and the friends with whom I shared the dorm.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Speech and Debate Team (2007-2011),
Cross Country (2007-2010), Captain (2008-2010),
Soccer (2007-2011), Captain (2009-2011),
Baseball ((2007-2011), First team All League (2011),
Altar Server,
Roomleader (2009-2011),
US Ocean Safety Lifeguard.

Awards
Bank of America Award in the field of Classical Languages,
Jones Latin Award,
California Scholarship Federation, Life member,
National Hispanic Merit Scholar,
National Honor Society .

Jake has chosen to continue his education at the University of Notre Dame (IN).

Prayer Requests
● Tom Fuentes who struggles with cancer.
● William Mullins who recovers from an injury.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

July 1, 2011

2011-07-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

NICHOLAS VIET-DUC HANSON

When I first came to St. Michael’s, I was excited about a new experience. I never thought this school would change me so much for the better. By the end of my first year, St. Michael’s had become a second home for me.

Rising early and daily prayer helped me to grow in my spiritual life. The priests served as counselors and friends in whom I could confide. The religious community served as good Christian role models for me. The isolated life here protected us from worldly distractions and temptations. The evening holy hour offered opportunities to meditate on everyday life.

Besides growing spiritually, I also learned many things about the faith. The Norbertine’s thorough knowledge of the faith enabled them to teach me the vast treasures of the Catholic faith.

Another essential part of St. Michael’s is the friendships formed here. Unlike other friendships, here my friends and I strove to follow the ideals of Christian manhood and virtue. We developed loyalty to one another and made epic memories together.

The school challenged me academically as well. The rigorous class schedules taught me the values of hard work and determination. The lay teachers here have also been inspiring role models. Their determination and care for their students pushed me to excel in my schoolwork.

There are many people to thank for the great experience I received at this school. First, I am grateful to my parents for the hard work they put themselves through to enable me to go to this school. I thank the priests and teachers for supporting my endeavors. I also thank Father Gabriel for accepting me in this school. Finally, I thank God for all the wonderful blessings He has provided me.

Activities and Awards

Activities
Speech and Debate Team (2007-2011), Team Captain (2010-2011)
Cross Country (2007-2010)
Living History Student Ambassador (2007-2009)
Service to the Poor in Orange County (CA) and Philadelphia County (PA)
Altar Server (2007-2010)
Room Leader (2010-2011)
Senior Class President (2010-2011)

Awards
Eagle Scout
Bank of America Award in the field of Math and Science
Life member, California Scholarship Federation
First Honors (94% or above) for all twelve quarters of high school
National Honor Society

Nicholas has chosen to continue his education at the University of California, Irvine.

Prayer Requests
● Tom Fuentes who struggles with cancer.
● William Mullins who recovers from an injury.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● Those who travel.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

June 25, 2011

2011-06-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Throughout the summer St. Michael’s Prep highlights its Graduates of 2011. The highlight includes an excerpt from the graduate’s formal reflection about his experiences, a summary of activities and awards, as well as a section of photos.

JONATHAN CAREL BONELLO
My four years at St. Michael’s were four of the most influential of my life. The education I received was stellar. The teachers were constantly available for help, the small class sizes allowed for individualized attention, and the courses were challenging and interesting. But where St. Michael’s really stood apart was in character development. Since my freshman year, I have grown tremendously intellectually, socially and spiritually.

When I began here, I considered myself to be one of the more mature and serious students and felt that everyone in my class should change to be more like me. I expected people to accommodate my needs. Looking back, I realize how immature my viewpoint was. I learned to adapt to other people’s needs and attitudes. The boarding aspect of this school offers much more than a way to get to know others. It taught me how to get along with everyone. Some of my “enemies” are now my closest friends.

St. Michael’s is renowned for the faith it hands over to its students. As a freshman, I thought my faith was as strong as it could be, and thus I underestimated what this unique school offered. I truly appreciate what daily Mass, Holy Hour, and Confessions have done for me. I have grown stronger in my faith, and have learned to appreciate and value my faith to a degree I previously would not have thought possible.

I thank my parents for sending me to such a well-rounded and distinct school. In addition, I thank the faculty for everything they have done to maintain the high standards of the school. Their dedication provided us with the insight and skills we need to take our next step. At St. Michael’s I received all the necessary tools I needed to grow in maturity, the Catholic faith, and discipline. It is evident that such tools were only available by my attending St. Michael’s Prep.

Activities and Awards

Activities
● Student coordinator for volunteering at the Blind Children's Learning Center
● Speech and Debate Team (2007-2011)
● Cross Country (2007-2011), Team Captain (2010-2011)
● Room Leader (2009-2011)
● Junior Class President (2009-2010)
● Student Body President (2010-2011)

Awards
● St. Norbert Award, St. Michael’s Prep School
● Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholar
● Jones Latin Award
● California Scholarship Federation, Life member
● First Honors (94% or above) for all twelve quarters of high school
● Published poet
● Recognized as one of the top graduates in the Diocese of Orange for 2011.

Jonathan has chosen to continue his education at California Polytechnic University (San Luis Obispo).

Prayer Requests
● Tom Fuentes who struggles with cancer.
● William Mullins who recovers from an injury.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

June 5, 2011

2011-06-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped this week:
● Mr. Brian Tran for providing photos of graduation
● The Di Napoli and Schardt Families for hosting students over the long weekend.

Volunteer Opportunities

● Annual Bucket Brigade!! Come help us clean the school on June 11th at 8:30 a.m. We need several work teams to help clean after school is out for the summer. All volunteers are welcome. Snacks and beverages provided by Fr. Gabriel. To sign-up contact Mrs. Christian in the school office.

Lost and Found
After the Commencement Exercises, someone left behind a Hakuba camera tripod. Please contact the school office to pick it up.

WCEA/WASC Results

St. Michael’s Prep has been given a 6-year term for its WCEA/WASC accreditation! Thank you to all who contributed to the WCEA/WASC Self-Study and Visitation!

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Sections 10 and 11
SECTION 10: CALCULATING SEMESTER GRADES
Semester grades are calculated from three weighted factors. Each of the two quarter grades weighs 40%. The semester exam itself weighs 20% of the semester grade.

SECTION 11: STUDENTS WHO RECEIVE A SEMESTER GRADE OF “D” OR “F”
A student who receives a semester grade of “D” or “F” must make up the work. A passing grade of “C” is a necessary prerequisite for readmission to St. Michael’s Preparatory for the following academic year. In order to achieve this, the student must repeat the course during the summer.
This schooling can be taken online, at a local school, or with a competent tutor. To properly evaluate the summer work, the student must submit a summer school transcript and a portfolio of work completed during the summer course. Based upon this information the administration, leaning heavily on the advice of the department chair, records a grade on the transcript which represents the level of work as it compares to St. Michael’s expectations. There are occasions when the school administration will require the student to take a written and/or oral competency exam in order to better evaluate his newly-strengthened academic proficiency.

While both the original failing grade and the competency grade are on the transcript, the latter is used to compute the grade point average. The student who earns three grades below “C” in the same semester forfeits his ability to return to St. Michael’s. The senior who earns even one “F” as a semester grade must withdraw immediately and forfeits his St. Michael’s diploma.
This Week’s Photos: Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement

Etiquette Point of the Week
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine

Athletics
The baseball awards ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 6th

Reflection given during the 2011 Commencement Exercises by Fr. Sebastian Walshe, O.Praem.
Among other things Fr. Sebastian teaches philosophy.

We are here today to give thanks to God: especially for the blessings he has bestowed upon these graduates and their families over the past four years.
At the end of his last year, each senior writes a reflection which he reads to the student body. As I listened to the reflections, I noticed that every one of the seniors mentioned two things for which they were most grateful: the friendships they formed at St. Michael’s and their faith that was nourished here. I do not know whether or not they were aware of it, but the two are intimately connected. There is a window in the back of the Abbey church with St. Augustine holding in his hand the first lines of our Norbertine rule of life: “Above all things dearest brothers, let us love God, and then our neighbor.” Quietly, perhaps imperceptibly, the force of those words was forming the young hearts that passed by that window day after day. The strongest friendships, the only friendships that endure into eternity, are those rooted in the love of God.

St. James once observed: “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.” (James 5). This advice surely applied to our graduates. All of us needed to exercise great patience and faith. I think most of the graduates here, together with their parents, had times when they wondered if they would make it to graduation. As fruit matures, it goes through stages. Before it is ripe and sweet, it is usually bitter and hard. This stage corresponds roughly to Sophomore and Junior year. St. Paul once wrote: “At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it. (Hebrews 12). Now that graduation has come I think that sweetness and peace has finally settled into their hearts.

So many people labored and made great sacrifices to make this graduation possible. First of all, your parents. From the moment they lovingly conceived your life they have willingly sacrificed and given of themselves to provide what you need to be healthy and happy. From the time you came to St. Michael’s your teachers and the priests and religious of our community have worked and sacrificed to provide for your education and spiritual formation. And last, but not least, you graduates are the fruit of your own toil and labor.

Our Lord said that by their fruits you shall know them. The graduates here before you are the fruit, the final product of a St. Michael’s education, and hence the best indication of the worth of the tree which is St. Michael’s Preparatory School. Good fruit is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, and among the fruits of the Holy Spirit, the first is love. Not a love of pleasure, not a self-serving, utilitarian love, but a self-sacrificing love that bears the burdens of another and is prompt to forgive.

Last Thursday, I spent some time together with the seniors as a chaperone for their senior outing. They are remarkably easy to take care of. So long as you feed them and let them spend time together, they are happy. Whether it was kayaking, swimming, playing basketball, they were always happy to be together. They came here as strangers, stepped on each other’s toes, vehemently disliked one another at times, but eventually forgave each other. Now they know each other inside and out, and they behave more like brothers than friends. The thought occurred to me: See how they love one another - they are really going to miss each other.

And now my dear graduates, I address myself to you. Indeed you will miss one another. This is possibly the saddest graduation you will ever attend in your lives. It does not seem right for brothers to part ways. It is for this very reason that we here in the sanctuary have vowed to live together in God until the end, so that we will never have to say goodbye (And you are welcome to try our way of life). But even if you don’t, be consoled by this fact: a friendship truly rooted in Christ will never end. For all those who love in Christ, whatever paths they go in this life, there will ultimately be a merging again of those paths in eternal life. Until then I hand on to you one, final rule as a parting gift from your alma mater: Love one another as Christ has loved you.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Those who are in the armed forces.

● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them

May 29, 2011

2011-05-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped this week:
● For contributing to last week’s choir concert reception: Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Aaker, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dang, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas DiNapoli, Mrs. Tina Halim, Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Le, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Pickett, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Porretta, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Portka, Mrs. Maria Salazar, Mr. and Mrs. Aniceto Sandoval, and Miss Rosemary Warnisher
● For donating a parent sponsored lunch for our students and faculty: Mrs. Tracey Pickett, Mrs. Tracee Portka, and Mrs. Ann Rincon
● For providing photos of recent events at the school: Mr. Rudy Aquilar, Mr. Morty Howard, and Mr. Brian Tran
● For donating 400 rosaries for the school to distribute: Mrs. Regina Lim

● June 1st is the deadline for paying the Book Fee. It is also the deadline if you plan to take advantage of the discount offered for paying 100% of your 2011-2012 tuition.

Volunteer Opportunities
● Annual Bucket Brigade!! Come help us clean the school on June 11th at 8:30 a.m. We need several work teams to help clean after school is out for the summer. All volunteers are welcome. Snacks and beverages provided by Fr. Gabriel. To sign-up contact Mrs. Christian in the school office.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Sections 1 and 2
SECTION 1. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

St. Michael’s teaches all of its academic courses at the College Prep (CP) level. When higher levels are provided at Honors (H) or Advanced Placement (AP), they are indicated. These receive extra weight in calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA).

SECTION 2. GRADUATION POLICY
Seniors who earn less than a “C” as a semester grade in any class do not graduate from St. Michael’s until that grade is remediated. If this unfortunate circumstance arises, then two courses of action follow. (1) As the senior did not have all the necessary graduation requirements, he does not participate in the Commencement Exercises. This ceremony is one of the privileges reserved to those who have met their academic and social obligations as established by the school. (2) The senior will redo the course work in an approved summer school program. Once the course work is completed, the senior receives his diploma and resumes his place with his classmates.

This Week’s Photos: First Honor’s outing, Seniors enjoying Dana Point Harbor, Alumni Lowell Schaper and Nick Porretta, Spring Choir Concert

Etiquette Point of the Week
When a gentleman is about to conclude his year at St. Michael’s Prep School, it’s always a polite gesture to let his teachers know how much he appreciates their efforts to educate him, help him, and make him a better person.
Words of wisdom from Mrs. Christian

Athletics
Congratulations to the Pioneers for winning the position of League Champions. The Baseball Awards Banquet is June 6th at 7:00 p.m.

Homily preached by Fr. Benedict Solomon, O.Praem.
Among other things Fr. Benedict teaches freshmen and senior religion

St. Jude asks Jesus if He will reveal Himself to the rest of the world as He did to the disciples. Jesus as usual, doesn’t give a straight answer.

He says-The Advocate, the Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. The answer Jesus gives is that He will show Himself to the rest of the world-but only through his disciples. But in order to be His disciples we need to love Him, not just with our words, but by obeying His commandments. Jesus says “Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father , and I will love him and reveal myself to Him.”

In order for us to love Jesus He must have already been revealed to us. So how does He reveal Himself again? Those who love Jesus will see Him face to face in heaven, but also in a special way here on earth. Faith in Jesus is one without sight. But faith is perfected and deepened by the Gift of Understanding.

St. Thomas says that “In this life, when the eye of the spirit is purified by the gift of understanding, one can in a certain way see God.” Jesus, reveals Himself in a deeper way by sending the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit do not depend on our will, but we can prepare ourselves for them. We prepare ourselves for the Gift of Understanding by purity in body and soul.

“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.” We prepare ourselves by; interior recollection in silence and solitude; By fidelity to grace, which means not denying any sacrifices asked by God, and in every thought and deed cooperating with the movements of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, we are to invoke the Holy Spirit through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary so that we can receive the Gifts. So during these weeks before Pentecost, let us prepare ourselves for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit by purity, recollection, faithfulness and prayer.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Alumni Tom Cox ’05 who fell 30 feet while rock climbing and broke both ankles.
● For Mr. and Mrs. Meschuk who suffered a miscarriage.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

Those who have died in defense of the country.

May 22, 2011

2011-05-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped this week: The many moms who set up and provided food for the reception after the Spring Concert.

Future Events
● School dismisses at 12:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 26th for the Memorial Day weekend. Seniors stay at school until Friday afternoon for the Baccalaureate Mass at 1:00 PM.● Graduation is Monday, May 30th at 7:00 p.m. All parents and students are invited to attend our Graduation Ceremony. A reception will follow.

Volunteer Opportunities
● We are in need of parents who can help with the reception following our Graduation Ceremony. If you can help by donating an appetizer, a dessert or a beverage, please call Cathy Porretta at 951-940-1852.
● Annual Bucket Brigade!! Come help us clean the school on June 11th at 8:30 a.m. We need several work teams to help clean after school is out for the summer. All volunteers are welcome. Snacks and beverages provided by Fr. Gabriel. To sign-up contact Mrs. Christian in the school office.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 4, Section 2
SECTION 2:
St. Michael’s has a closed campus policy. Students are not permitted to leave the campus or receive any individual visitors without the permission of the headmaster or his delegate. Alumni and associate alumni are encouraged to visit the school and talk with the student body as a whole. All are to respect the privacy of the students by not entering the student residency. There is no special alumni privilege to visit brothers or relatives.

This Week’s Photos: Students helping out at the Blind Center; Justin Koh receiving an award.

Etiquette Point of the Week
A gentleman takes off his cap during the National Anthem, during the Pledge of Allegiance, or whenever the American flag is passing by.
50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know, John Bridges and Bryan Curtis; Rutledge Hill Press

Birthdays
5/24 Gregory Minder

Athletics
St. Michael's Prep has moved on to the 2nd round of the CIF Playoffs. On Tuesday, St. Michael's Prep will host Dunn School. The game is scheduled for 3:15 pm. Congratulations to the baseball players on their success so far!

Homily preached by Fr. Chrysostom Baer, O. Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Chrysostom is the Abbey Cantor

Only Jesus could teach the most sublime truths while under the duress of an imminent attack on His life, as He does in the Gospel today. For He reveals to the Jews that He and the Father both possess the divine nature: “I and the Father are one.” And if we take another translation that some prefer, we understand that Christ’s own possession of the divine nature is by way of procession—“That which My Father has given Me is greater than everything”—for what is greater than the divine nature? And what is the eternal procession of the Son other than the receiving of the divine nature from the Father? And if that’s not enough, Christ also reveals Himself as the Savior of all by indicating the ultimate effect of following Him, the purpose of His Incarnation: “I give them eternal life.” Still not enough, He reveals the deep personal relationship that man will enter into with God: “My sheep hear My voice; I know them and they follow Me.” They recognize His voice and follow Him because He speaks to them often, as a Good Shepherd will do. And because Christ is the consummate teacher, He has approached His loftiest doctrine, that of the inner life of God, by starting first with what is best known to His audience, the response to God’s word. Thus, Jesus has in a few sentences explicitly revealed, to those who but pretend interest, the two essential dogmas that we must believe for our salvation: the Trinity and the Incarnation.

And what is the reaction of the crowd? We read in the text immediately following today’s Gospel that even still the Jews pick up stones to kill Him. While they are doing so, Christ appeals to incontrovertible evidence that He speaks the truth: “I have shown you many good works from My Father. For which of these are you trying to stone Me?” He has worked miracles, and how! Water turned into wine, a paralytic of thirty-eight years walking again, five thousand fed from five loaves, and sight given to a man born blind. These are signs that the Jews in their fury cannot deny, and they don’t even try, but nevertheless they do not believe in Him.

Even as we shake our heads with our own disbelief at their hardness of heart, and even though we would rather cut off our hands that pick up a stone to throw at Christ, don’t we sometimes find the stone already in our hand and our arm pulled back to throw it at our neighbor, whether spouse or fellow student or fellow religious—the precise people through whom God intends to reveal to us the sublime mysteries of His love, the precise people with whom Jesus identifies Himself? We should instead wipe from our minds the blindness of the Jews in the Gospel today and rather than be incredulous of good motives believe the works of charity performed by those closest to us, works supernatural and therefore greater even than those natural miracles Christ performed, works that in some mysterious way reveal the inner life God.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Alumni Tom Cox ’05 who fell 30’ while rock climbing and broke both ankles.
● For Mr. and Mrs. Meschuk who suffered a miscarriage last week.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them

May 15, 2011

2011-05-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped this week:
● Coaching the Pioneer Baseball to CIF victory: Mr. Ralph Martin
● For providing luncheon for our faculty and students Mrs. Joan Dimen, Mrs. Mariam Schardt, Mrs. Virginia Schoenfeld, and Mrs. Elizabeth Tractenberg
● For hosting a hot dog grill during Thursday’s baseball game: Rudy and Roxanna Aguilar

Future Events
● School dismisses on Thursday, May 26th at 12:30 for the Memorial Day weekend. Seniors stay at school until Friday afternoon.
● Graduation is on Monday, May 30th at 7:00 p.m. All parents and students are invited to attend our Graduation Ceremony. A reception will follow.

Volunteer Opportunities
● We are in need of parents who can help with the reception following our Graduation Ceremony. If you can help by donating an appetizer, a dessert or a beverage, please call Cathy Porretta at 951-940-1852.
● Annual Bucket Brigade!! Come help us clean the school on June 11th at 8:30 a.m. We need several work teams to help clean after school is out for the summer. All volunteers are welcome. Snacks and beverages provided by Fr. Gabriel. To sign-up contact Mrs. Christian in the school office.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 15

SECTION 15: HONOR ROLL PRIVILEGES
Rewards and privileges at St. Michael’s are aligned with academic success.
Students who enjoy First Honors (94%-100% grade point average) will be treated by the administration to an off campus dinner once a quarter.

They may also bring their own computer and printer to school to use at their own desk. Personal computers are stored in the school office, checked out by the room-leader at 6:00 pm, and returned at 9:45 pm.

During the evening recreation period from 6:00 to 7:00, students on First Honors may play games on their computers, as long as the content of the game does not offend Catholic moral teaching. Watching films or any entertainment shows on one’s computer is strictly forbidden to all students at all times.

If a student plays computer games after the evening recreation, that computer will be confiscated for two weeks with a donation to the mission funds of $100. If any student assumes computer privileges that are not his, that computer will be confiscated for two weeks with a donation to the mission funds of $100. If any student watches a film or any other entertainment show on a computer, that computer will be confiscated for two weeks with a donation to the mission funds of $100. For this reason, students are strongly encouraged to place passwords on their computers to prevent others from unauthorized use. IPods used as movie-watching devices on campus will be confiscated for two weeks and may only be redeemed with donation to the mission funds of $100. All these infractions negatively impact the student’s conduct grade, 10 points “off the top.”

Room-leaders may also enjoy this privilege throughout the week at the First Honors level if they have maintained at least an 88% with no “D” or “F”. Recreational use of the computer (games, etc.) is likewise determined by this scale.

At no time does the school assume liability for loss and/or damage of the computer (hardware, software, information) or the radio (CD player, iPod™).

This Week’s Photos:
Pioneer Baseball Team, Freshman ambassadors helping with Living History.

Etiquette Point of the Week
A gentleman knows that a cell phone is a luxury and a privilege. He does not engage in loud conversations nor does he use foul or vulgar language while using a cell phone.
50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know, John Bridges and Bryan Curtis; Rutledge Hill Press

Birthdays
May 19th Jonathan Bonello

Athletics
The Pioneer baseball team has won the Express League Championship and now moves on to the CIF Division 7 playoffs. Playoffs begin Monday May 16th. For game details, please check the school’s online calendar. Congratulations to our team, their coach, Mr. Ralph Martin.

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

When one of the confreres here used to teach religion at the prep school, he used to tell the students that, when taking a test, if you don’t know the answer to a question you can always just write “God” in the blank and you’ll have a pretty good chance of getting it right, seeing that it is a religion course after all. Not bad advice. Let’s see how well it would work if we had a test on today’s readings.

Question #1: Why was Philip able to make sense out of the same scripture
passage that left the Ethiopian completely perplexed. Answer: God.
Question #2: How was Philip suddenly snatched up and transported to a different
town? Answer: God.
Question #3: How can eating Jesus’ flesh give us eternal life? Answer: God.
O.k., now let’s throw in an extra credit question: How can today’s saints,
Nereus and Achilleus, two simple chamberlains, endure the harshest punishments
without denying their faith and so win a martyr’s crown. Answer: God

Well, hopefully our students and all the rest of us will learn more about our faith than that, but it certainly is a very good start. God is the answer—the answer to more problems than we might think. Let’s try another quiz.

If you are confused, if the road of life seems dark at times, if you are unhappy
with your life, your school, your vocation, your fellow students, confreres,
your family or spouse, what’s the solution? God.
If you would like to see every person in the world transported not into a
different town but into the Church, how can it be done? God.
If you would like to have eternal life and unending happiness, how is it
possible? God.
And finally, how can you possibly persevere through all the trials which this
life has to offer? God.

See, when it comes down to it, it really is that simple. We only have to memorize one answer, one word, the Word, the Word Incarnate. Only we shouldn’t try every other possible answer first and only then see if God fits; God should be the One we go to first when filling in all those empty blanks in our life.

So, study your faith, your catechism and good catholic theology—no matter who you are; but when it comes to the test which we call life, don’t bother racking your brain over it, just use the cheat-sheet and for all your problems go with God as your answer.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● For Mrs. Jodi Meschuk’s safe pregnancy.
●Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them

May 8, 2011

2011-05-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

In honor of Mother’s Day, there are no classes scheduled on Monday, May 9th . Students should report to school on Monday evening by 7:30 p.m.

We are in need of parents who can help with the reception following our Graduation Ceremony. If you can help by donating an appetizer, a dessert or a beverage, please call Cathy Porretta at 951-940-1852.

Annual Bucket Brigade!! Come help us clean the school on June 11th at 8:30 a.m. We need several work teams to help clean after school is out for the summer. All volunteers are welcome. Snacks and beverages provided by Fr. Gabriel. To sign-up contact Mrs. Christian in the school office.

The Baccalaureate Mass takes place Friday, May 27th at 1:00 p.m. Graduation is on Monday, May 30th at 7:00 p.m. All parents and students are invited to attend our Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony. A reception will follow each event.

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped:
● Mrs. Aguilar for making homemade cookies for our baseball team.
● The Le, Tractenberg and Tran Familes for hosting weekender students.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 14
SECTION 14: COLLEGE COUNSELING
All St. Michael’s students plan on going to college. College counseling at St. Michael’s, therefore, focuses on
 college-readiness (in terms of standardized testing),
 individual and group advisement regarding college choice and financial aid, and
 support throughout the college decision-making and application process.
College readiness/standardized testing: School policy is that all seniors must have taken the SAT Critical Reasoning (formerly called the SAT I), the ACT, and two SAT Subject Tests (formerly called SAT II). Students and parents are made aware of testing dates and registration deadlines through parent meetings and reminder emails. In preparation for the SAT, all 9th, 10th, and 11th graders take the PSAT in October, on-campus and during school hours.
All students who study their course work at the advanced placement level also sit for the AP examination. Other students may take AP exams provided they have permission from their parents and the appropriate faculty member.
From time to time St. Michael’s additionally provides standardized exams of various types. Some of these include: National Greek Exam and National Latin Exam.
Advisement regarding college choice and financial aid: Individual student appointments during the junior and senior years assist students in doing online college searches and in determining a pool of colleges to which the student will apply. Each junior and senior is given a customized “handbook” of relevant information. Group advisement is done as needed. Juniors and seniors go together on a formal visit and tour of a local college, attend the Santa Margarita Catholic High School College Night, and hear presentations by college reps who visit St. Michael’s during the school year. Students have access to continually updated information about individual colleges in the college file and scholarship notebook available in the school library.

Support throughout the college process: St. Michael’s College Counselor is available by email at gloriaryan@StMichaelsPrep.org, voicemail (949-858-0222 x 319), and/or face-to-face appointments to parents and students throughout all phases of the college-decision and application process. Two college counselor presentations are scheduled at parent meetings in fall (college decision-making and applications) and early winter (financial aid for college). While targeted at senior parents, parents of students at all grade levels are encouraged to attend.

This Week’s Photos:
St. Michael students feeding the homeless; Entrance Exam; Fr. Victor with alumnus Peter Vu ‘02

Etiquette Point of the Week
A gentleman offers any assistance he can to physically challenged people. He offers them the same courtesies he would other people, such as opening doors.
50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know, John Bridges and Bryan Curtis; Rutledge Hill Press

Birthdays
May 9th Vitalyi Tractenberg

Athletics
Tuesday, May 10th: Baseball vs. Eastside Christian @ Amerige Park; 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, May 12th: Baseball vs. Eastside Christian@ STM; 3:15 p.m.

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

The most important person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral—a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body…The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation…What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this: to be a mother?
The author of this beautiful praise of mothers, Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty, the onetime Cardinal Primate of
Hungary, notes in his memoirs that, having returned to his diocese in 1945, after being imprisoned by the Nazis
only to find his homeland invaded by the Russian troops—after the churches had been ransacked by the communists, women raped, men killed, and the most horrible atrocities known committed—that great
cardinal says that, having returned to all this, “The first thing I did was that which was the most natural thing to do, I went to see my mother…” Today is Mothers’ Day, when we honor all mothers; but this whole month of May is dedicated to that greatest of mothers, the Mother of us all, the Blessed Virgin Mary. If, as the saintly cardinal said, it is most natural in times of need to go to one’s mother (and it is), then all the more so when it is a spiritual need we have. And for this we go to her who is our spiritual Mother.

Ever since that last hour of our Lord’s earthly life, as He hung upon the Cross, when He entrusted His Mother’s
physical needs to St. John—Woman, Behold your son—and when He entrusted St. John’s spiritual needs to His Mother—Son, Behold your Mother, ever since then faithful Christians have always been going to that same Most Blessed of Mothers in times of need. Is this because God does not want us to approach Himself? Isn’t Jesus the “one Mediator between God and man”?

First of all, we can, if we so wish, always go directly to any or all of the Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. And God’s divine authority is in no way insulted when we choose to go to Him through Mary. Quite the contrary. Think of a king, or a president, or a pope. Far from taking anything away from their dignity, going to them through a mediator actually brings out their dignity, their superiority, their authority. It serves as a
reminder that when we approach such persons of importance, we are not dealing with your “average Joe” on the street, but someone of high authority. So when our Lady stands between us and God, so to speak, this reminds us that, no matter what path of communication we might choose, we ought always to advance with humility and
reverence.

Not only does our Lady not take away from our Lord’s dignity, she is the very means He uses to bring us to Himself. Just as “the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us” through Mary, just as He chose to come to us through her, so it is through her that He desires us to come to Himself. She has already given physical birth to the Head of the Mystical Body, and by so doing can already claim the title of “Mother” of all those who
follow Christ; in addition she continues to give spiritual birth to us, the members of that same Mystical Body which is the Church, by communicating the graces obtained for us by her Divine Son, the Mediator between God and man. In the words of St. Augustine: Mary is indeed the Mother of Christ’s members, that is, of ourselves. For it is by her work of love that men have been born in the Church, faithful men who are the body of the Head, Whose Mother she was in the flesh. What a great sign of Christ’s love for us, that already allowing us to be adopted children of His Father, He brings to completion that familial union by allowing us to have the same Mother as He.

Yes, Christ is the one Mediator between God and man; He is the only One Who could save us, the only One Whose death could destroy death, Whose Resurrection could be the cause of our own. But our Lord knows, as Cardinal Mindszenty knew, that it is most natural to go to mother. And so, just as He willed that, the wine having run out at the wedding feast of Cana, the servants of the groom should tell Mary of their need, so our
Lord wants us to go to our Mother and tell her of our needs; for not only is she the one who will obtain from Him what we need, she is also the perfect example of how we ought to use those graces. She is the model of each and every one of us, and the model of the Church as a whole.

So if you are tempted to anger and hatred, handover your passions to Mary, whose own Son was murdered before her very eyes, yet prayed for His persecutors. If, while considering the present state of the Church, you’re tempted to despair, give your will to Mary, who was there when the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles at Pentecost and who continues to be the Mother and personification of the Church. If it is impurity you’re battling, look at Mary, the purest of God’s creatures, the ever-Virgin. If it is pride, submit your intellect to Mary, who is the greatest of God’s creatures, and yet called herself the simple handmaid of the Lord. Such
has been the practice of good Christians since the earliest days; hence the words of one of the oldest hymns in honor of our Lady: Under thy protection we take refuge, O Mother of God. Do not reject our supplications in times of need, but from all dangers deliver us always, O Blessed and Glorious Virgin.

May God grant us the grace and wisdom to follow the good example of Cardinal Mindszenty, namely, in times of need go home to Mother.

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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● For Mrs. Jodi Meschuk’s safe pregnancy.
●Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them

May 1, 2011

2011-05-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who have helped:
●Mr. and Mrs. Porretta for providing a parent sponsored lunch for students and faculty before Easter break

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Sections 12 and 13
SECTION 12: GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)
St. Michael’s records student progress at two levels. The official GPA is the 4-point scale of the academic record. The more common Honor Roll GPA is the 100-point scale which parents and students read on the school’s electronic grading program. With this second scale, instructors provide a more nuanced report of student progress. This second GPA includes nonacademic subjects such as P.E., and conduct.

SECTION 13: ACADEMIC RECORDS
The Grade Point Average (GPA) at the semester is based on the semester grades, not the quarter grades. The GPA is the added value of the grades received, divided by the number of subjects taken. The values of grades received in full-year courses are as follows: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0. For those University of California approved courses at the Honor and Advanced Placement level, a 5-point scale is used. A=5, B=4, C=3, D=1, F=0. The values of half-year courses are half of the above, and the course is counted as only half a subject.

St. Michael’s uses a 4-point scale to record student achievement on the permanent record. There is no plus or minus (+ or -) on the permanent record. This GPA officially represents the student to other institutions. This GPA is distinct from the quarter report card which uses a 100 point scale.
Transferable credits earned in another school are entered on the student’s permanent record (transcript) and will be accepted toward graduation. Likewise, work completed in summer school is accepted as long as the student can demonstrate appropriate competencies.
The transcript of the grades will be sent to schools and other agencies upon request by the student or his parents.

This Week’s Photos: pick-up basketball game, visit to the Nixon Library, senior reflection

Etiquette Point of the Week
When a gentleman learns that a friend has been stealing, using drugs, or doing anything else that could get him in trouble or harm either himself or someone else, he knows it is his responsibility to speak up. He does not spread rumors, but he does tell his parents, a teacher, or a counselor that he is concerned about his friend’s behavior.
50 Things Every Young Gentleman Should Know, John Bridges and Bryan Curtis; Rutledge Hill

Birthdays
May 3rd Nicholas Hanson

Athletics
Tuesday, May 3rd: Baseball vs. TVT @ STM; 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, May 5th: Baseball vs. TVT @ STM; 3:15 p.m.

Homily preached by Fr John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
Among other things, Fr. John Henry teaches English and Scripture.
“We were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel.” On the morning of the Resurrection, after the angel had appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other holy women at the tomb, they “went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples.” They were not expecting an angelic apparition. They had hoped for nothing more than to see the Lord’s body one last time, and to complete the anointing ritual for His burial. That was all they were hoping for. Their only obstacle was “Who will roll us back the stone?”

On the evening of that same day, two disciples were slowly making their way to Emmaus, not expecting a Third to accompany them. Nor were they expecting Him to interrupt their argument with an authoritative rebuke, and then to proceed to cite one verse after another from the Scriptures to prove that “the things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene” in Jerusalem were “necessary,” prophesied, planned, and carried out with all of the perfection of divine Providence.

At last, their ordinary evening meal is, quite unexpectedly, transformed into a Eucharist.

We have also heard in the reading from Acts of the crippled man who was hoping only for money, a handout, but received healing instead.

Isn’t it true that Jesus always exceeds our hopes? The Resurrection is supposed to impress that truth upon us and change us as it changed these first disciples: that we never again set our sad and fearful limits on what the Lord can do. Even when things go contrary to our expectations and holiest desires, God is still God; He has not been overpowered or outsmarted by human malice or trickery. Nor is our Christian hope simply the attitude that somehow everything will just work out. Much less is it the idea that if I wait long enough eventually I’ll get what I want and things will go my way. Hope is really something more courageous and supernatural than that. “We have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” That is the cost and strength of our hope.

The Resurrection stands as the supreme witness of how Christians must now see the world and themselves: That God often makes use of evil to show His power. Even as God chooses weak instruments like ourselves to accomplish His will, so does He take humanly impossible and evil situations and make good out of them.

There was a large number of people in Jerusalem during our Lord’s trial and execution who did not want to see Him die. They most likely prayed against it. They prayed that Jesus of Nazareth would be spared this horribly unjust ordeal: “O Lord God! Do not let it happen!” Those whom He had healed were probably full of anger at the way Jesus was being treated. Many wept bitterly over it—all the way to Calvary and back. Was God listening to their cries, to their prayers? Not only was Jesus crucified, but He was tortured and mocked along the way.

Once the Lord had been raised and began to appear to His disciples, those same disciples were forced to rethink everything that they had believed before. Their outlook had to change in the light of the resurrection. They had to rethink good and evil, justice and injustice, human malice and treachery. What are these in God’s hands? The unlikely instruments of our redemption. The Lord had overcome the world using the same evil instruments that the world used to conquer Him in the flesh. Because of this, Christians cannot go into that same conquered world with simple enthusiasm and optimism. We must go with our hope centered in the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. That is the type of hope we need.

Often we might think that we have only one obstacle before us, and if it were gone then all would be well. A stone needs to be rolled back, and that is all. We are crippled or impeded in some way--remove that, and all will be well. Or we need some explanation, and with that clarity, all is made well. But maybe what we perceive to be obstacles are really God’s instruments, which He uses to challenge and enlarge our hope. The Holy Spirit tells us: “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

It takes a courageous Christian spirit to believe this and to act on it. St Mary Magdalene and the other holy disciples suddenly became courageous. They knew that they had trials ahead of them, a hostile world to contend with. They knew that humanly speaking everything was against them. But, “If Christ is for us, who can be against us?” And because Christ is for us, and risen from the dead, we are justified in hoping against all odds that God can accomplish far more than we can ask for or 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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● For Mrs. Jodi Meschuk’s safe pregnancy.
●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 Mrs. Dorothy Prellwitz

Easter, 2011

2011-04-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Easter Homily preached by Frater Brendan Hankins, O. Praem.
Among other things fr. Brendan teaches English.

This Easter I have the good fortune to have a seat just to the right of our Abbot. Last Easter I sat to the right of another abbot and in another church. I sat to the right of the Abbot General of our order in St. Peter’s Basilica. A seat at the Easter Vigil in a section that is typically reserved for cardinals, bishops, and heads of religious orders; rarely occupied by seminarians. It was a remarkable seat and more memorable liturgy.

Just before the vigil begins the lights go out and thousands inside are shrouded in darkness. In St. Peter’s it is an especially moving expression of the significance of the absence of Christ in the Church. Because without Christ, without the light of Christ, the great basilica of St. Peter’s is nothing more than a massive tomb. Built on top of a necropolis, hundreds of dead below in the crypt and lining the aisles along the sides of the church. But once the Holy Father has lit the Paschal candle, and our candles are lit from his, light floods the Church. The tombs are illuminated and united with the larger than life statues of the saints enlightened high above the floor of the Church. In the light of Christ, darkness and death are transformed and the veil separating heaven and earth seems ever so thin. The Church militant and the Church Triumphant, the living and those who have died in Christ assemble to celebrate one common liturgy.

What is it that separates us from those saints whose relics lie beneath the altars of St. Peter’s, throughout the churches of Rome and the world and now reign with Christ. How did they live, better yet how did they die. They lived and died holding fast to the faith that before Christ rose from the dead and, even today without Christ, the world is a tomb. We are a race of men and women born into this world destined for a common fate. That fate is death and is the penalty for sin. With each sin we lay one more stone before the door of our tomb. We bury ourselves a little deeper in false hopes and bind ourselves a little tighter with Satan’s lies. From day to day and week after week life draws to a close. No matter how many medications are prescribed or operations are performed or how far technology advances.

Today, Easter Sunday, the day of the Lord’s resurrection is the day of our salvation. Every Sunday of the year foreshadows and anticipates today’s celebration; every feast, all other Solemnities are culminated in Easter Sunday, the Solemnity of Solemnities, the day of the Lord’s resurrection. And Easter Sunday prefigures the new and eternal day when and where we will reign with Christ forever. For, as Saint Paul writes, if Christ has not been raised from the dead our faith is in vain. For those who do not believe that Christ has been raised from the dead place their faith in a world, and body that are destined for change and corruption.

But with faith in the resurrection of Christ a new sun has risen, a new day has dawned, and the order of the world is shaken. The humble are exalted, the poor are made rich, the devil is cast out, sin is forgiven, fear of suffering has given way to courage, the end is now the beginning and death has become a doorway to life. Before the resurrection the apostles fled to avoid persecution, but after St. Peter returns to Rome to be crucified, St. Paul stretches out his neck to the sword, St. Sebastian goes to Rome because the persecution is fiercest, St. Ignatius of Antioch pleads to be thrown to the lions in the coliseum, a pagan empire becomes Christian, basilicas are built in their honor and millions of pilgrims follow the trail of the martyrs blood from all over the world to venerate them today. Faith in the Lords rising from the dead has the power to change, rather transform the world and it has the power to transform us and how we see the world and live our lives. Christ Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man, has died, he has risen and he has made all thing new.

During the Easter season the Regina Caeli is prayed in place of the Angelus.

REGINA CAELI
Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia.
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

V. Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
R. For He Whom you were worthy to bear, alleluia.

V. Has risen as He foretold, alleluia.
R. Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
R. For the Lord has indeed risen, alleluia.

Let us pray:
O God, You gave joy to the whole world through the resurrection of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant, we ask You, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

April 17, 2011

2011-04-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success
Martha Elmer, Tina Halim, Rina Lim and Seong Hee Park, for sponsoring a Parent Lunch Wednesday for our students and faculty.
Mrs. Roxanna Aguilar, for buying personal pizzas and soda for the baseball team after Tuesday's victory.
The Choi, Porretta, Portka, Saglietto and Schardt families, for hosting students over the weekend.

Parent Talk by Fr. Gabriel Stack, O. Praem.
“Raising a Loving Man of God for Others.”
The focus is on the virtue of justice, rendering to others their due. Join us in the mobile classroom on Sunday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m.

Reminder to parents that students are dismissed from school this Friday, at about 4:00 PM, after the Good Friday Liturgy.

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Sections 10 and 11 SECTION 10:

CALCULATING SEMESTER GRADES
Semester grades are calculated from three weighted factors. Each of the two quarter grades weighs 40%. The semester exam itself weighs 20% of the semester grade. SECTION 11:
STUDENTS WHO RECEIVE A SEMESTER GRADE OF “D” OR “F” A student who receives a semester grade of “D” or “F” must make up the work. A passing grade of “C” is a necessary prerequisite for readmission to St. Michael’s Preparatory for the following academic year. In order to achieve this, the student must repeat the course during the summer. This schooling can be taken online, at a local school, or with a competent tutor. To properly evaluate the summer work, the student must submit a summer school transcript and a portfolio of work completed during the summer course. Based upon this information the administration, leaning heavily on the advice of the department chair, records a grade on the transcript which represents the level of work as it compares to St. Michael’s expectations. There are occasions when the school administration will require the student to take a written and/or oral competency exam in order to better evaluate his newly-strengthened academic proficiency. While both the original failing grade and the competency grade are on the transcript, the latter is used to compute the grade point average. The student who earns two or more grades below “C” in the same semester or in combination with the next semester, seriously jeopardizes his ability to return to St. Michael’s.

Academics
Congratulations to the following students on their National Latin Exam awards:
● Joshua Aaker: Summa Cum Laude (Gold certificate and medal)
● Joseph Terlisner: Summa Cum Laude (Gold certificate and medal)
● William Warnisher: Maxima Cum Laude (Silver certificate and medal)
● James Tran: Magna Cum Laude (Certificate)
● Jake Holke: Cum Laude (Certificate)
● Michael Howard: Cum Laude (Certificate)

This Week’s Photos: Deans Fr. Claude and Frater Brendan; Fr. Victor, Latin Student and National Latin Exam winners

Etiquette Point of the Week
A gentleman does not express anger, disappointment, or frustration by throwing, kicking, punching, or breaking something.
How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press

Birthdays
April 24th: Edward Lim and Joseph Porretta
April 30th: Joshua Aaker

Athletics
Congratulations to Mr. Martin and the Pioneers for their tied game Monday and their wins on Tuesday and Thursday. The Pioneer’s overall record is 6-5-1 and their league record is 3-1. They are currently in first place in their league. Come out to a ball game and support our team!
Tuesday, April 19th: Baseball vs. Liberty Christian @ Bretheren Christian; 3:15 p.m.

Homily preached by Fr.Vincent Gilmore, O. Praem
Among other things Fr. Vincent is the Rector at JSerra in San Juan Capistrano
A week from today is Good Friday. Palm Sunday is this Sunday. Lent is coming to a close. We might ask ourselves “How did we do with our Lenten program or promise?” Our efforts at making sacrifices and doing things sets the content and tone of the season. And I suspect most of us could say we could have done better and perhaps we lost some of our initial fervor as Lent progressed. Forty days is a long time. Our effort at making Lent what it is is necessary. However, from God’s point of view our Lenten effort or progress is more like opening a door to God’s activity in our lives. The door opens to the unexpected. The very operations of grace are by their very nature unpredictable. When Mary opened the door to grace with her “Yes” at the annunciation she did not know where it was going to go and how it was going to roll out. She had no idea what was going to happen, but she trusted. She trusted in the goodness of God and opened herself up to God’s plan. A plan much more beautiful than anything she could ever have dreamt of. I think Lent needs to be evaluated not so much on the success or failure of our efforts but rather on how we dealt with the unexpected. We can plan a neat and tidy Lent, but it is in the unexpected and unplanned where the real work of Lent lies. This is where the hand of God’s grace moves. Our efforts open the door to grace, the rest is unpredictable. The real question of Lent is how did we handle the unexpected, especially the crosses, hardships and sufferings? Did we get sick or suffer some bodily pain? Were there conflicts, tensions and misunderstandings in relationships? Were there contradictions, corrections, struggles and failures that were uncomfortable? All of these things and more are what make a fruitful Lent. The unexpected embraced in humility and for what it is and not rejected is real progress. Laying aside our programs for God’s plan is a real sign that grace is at work. “Not my will, but your will be done” is what Jesus said when faced with the greatest contradiction and struggle of His life. The laying down of His will and life as a sacrifice to His Father’s will became the price of our salvation. And so the price of our salvation is the ability to lay down our will and even our life before God’s will, and God’s will is manifested in the unexpected and the unplanned. Over a week ago several people’s lives got a high dose of the unexpected. In a freak sequence of events a JSerra graduate got pushed over a freeway overpass and fell 60 feet to his death. A 24 year old girl was to blame. She now faces 5 years in prison for vehicular manslaughter. An 18 year old boy is not supposed to die this way. The 24 year old did not plan to kill the boy and spend 5 years of her life in prison. The parents of the boy did not expect to lose their only son. But God certainly permitted the sequence of events that led up to the boy’s death – all unplanned and unexpected – nonetheless a part of God’s will and therefore what is best for the salvation of all involved. The boy already sees why the unexpected happened. It will perhaps take a life time for his parents, the girl and others involved to see the hand of God in the unexpected and tragic. For us who profess to be of the household of faith and profess belief in the will of God, we have to expect the unexpected. Our plans, necessary as they are, should always be tentative and flexible, waiting for the definitive and best plan to come from the hand of God. As we approach and move through another Holy Week, may we appreciate more and draw strength from Jesus’ fundamental attitude as He approached all the events that led to His death. “Not my will but your will be done.” We should endeavor to make His approach our approach as we face the many unexpected events of our lives that originate from the hand of God. Have we had a good Lent? The answer is in the unexpected: “Not my will but your will be done.”
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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Mrs. Jodie Meschuk for a safe and healthy pregnancy
● Imminent deployment of Lieutenant Col. Peter Hebert, father of junior John Hebert. Mrs. Jaqueline Carroll, mother of alumnus John Carroll ‘77, who is close to death.
● 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 Henry Gernaey
● For the repose of the soul of Mary Ryan, sister-in-law of Mrs. Gloria Ryan.

April 10, 2011

2011-04-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success
● Mrs. Joan Dimen for providing a meal for our baseball players after Tuesday’s game in San Diego.
● The Rincon and Schardt families for hosting students over the weekend

Etiquette Point of the Week
A gentleman does not make fun of another person’s political affiliation, policies, or candidates.
How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press

Athletics
Monday: Baseball @ San Diego Jewish Academy; 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Baseball vs. TVT @ STM; 3:15 p.m.
Thursday: Baseball vs. Eastside Christian @ Amerige Park; 3:15 p.m.

Homily preached by Fr. Gabriel Stack, O.Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Gabriel is the Headmaster of the school.
Ever since Adam and Eve, God has spoken to his chosen people. As we know, shortly after Adam and Eve, God chose patriarchs, prophets, judges, and kings to speak in his name to his people. In the final time, He spoke to us through His son, Jesus Christ. For all the speaking that God has done, his chosen people haven’t listened very well. This is why God is upset with the people in the first reading and why Jesus is upset with the people in the gospel. For, speaking and listening are distinct actions – even in the same person. Those who listened well, lived well. They have become saints. Those who did not listen well, did not live well. They are sinners. Examples from both ends of the sanctity spectrum. Here is the point well-made: a 7th century Christian, Sahdona, reflecting on the gospel passage we heard this morning, said: All the wisdom of life is hidden in the Scriptures. In them, we are able to gain knowledge of God and of his creative activity, of his wonderful governance and providence…It is in the Scriptures that we learned how to travel on the road of virtue, for in them all the deeds of the just life are delineated….[W]ithout the light of the Scriptures we are unable to see God, who is light, or his justice, which is filled with light. Sahdona believed so ardently in the power of God’s word that he gave up his life for it. Sahdona was martyred in his native Syria. Here is the counter point: Last week I noticed a student, who pulled out of his blazer pocket a small book during the time of the homily. I was impressed by his devotion until I noticed the book’s title. When I spoke to the student after Mass, he admitted that he began reading the book instead of listening to the homily. Then he went on to explain that he didn't read very much of the book at all. Instead, he fell asleep. I wish that this lack of listening ended at least with one’s teenage years. But it doesn’t. The antiphon for the invitatory this morning was, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.” The youngest person to hear this exhortation was 23. The majority of those who heard the exhortation were more than twice the age of 23. Lent is a liturgical time that is custom-made for us sinners because Lent is God’s ceaseless call to conversion. Ever since the time Adam and Eve left the garden, God has been saying to his people, This commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?' But the word of God is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart. All that you have to do is keep it. (Deut 30:10-13; Rm: 10:8)
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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Jodie Meschuk for a safe and healthy pregnancy
● Marie Morris, sister of Mrs. Ryan, who has been diagnosed with cancer
● Imminent deployment of Lieutenant Col. Peter Hebert, father of junior John Hebert.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.
● The repose of the soul of Chester Szczurek, paternal grandfather of Fr. Victor

April 3, 2011

2011-04-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success
● Ms. Sally Lee who arranged that 19 desk chairs were donated to the school.
● Recent participants in the Annual Giving Program: Mr. and Mrs. Alan L. Baer, Mrs. P. Maria Christian, Mr. and Mrs. John Doherty, Mr. and Mrs. David R. Hunsaker, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Julian, Mrs. Mary Frances Kusch, Mr. and Mrs. Frank N. Lieggi, Mrs. Mary Muth, Mr. and Mrs. Quang Du Nguyen, Mr. and Mrs. Paul O'Donnell, Mrs. Regina Percival, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Richard, Mr. and Mrs. Aniceto Sandoval, Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Schardt

Parent/Student Handbook:
Chapter 3, Section 8: TESTING AND GRADING
Evaluating student progress is a primary responsibility of the school. It is a task that invites a variety of evaluation methods. The primary purpose of evaluation is to determine the extent to which a student mastered the course standards. This level of achievement is determined through a systematic process. Grades can diagnose, motivate, and/or recognize excellence. Prior to the quarterly and semester examinations a special schedule is issued. Oral exams conclude the first and third quarters. 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 “under pressure.” 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. The special Semester Test Schedule comes at the end of the second and fourth quarters. The semester exam is a scheduled 90 minute block of time. The semester exam tests the student’s ability to synthesize large quantities of materials. These examinations comprise 20% of a student’s grade for the semester. All students sit for these important exams. Student grades are monitored weekly. Any student who receives an unsatisfactory grade (C- or below) is placed on the Weekly Progress Report list and remains on the Weekly Progress Report list until a satisfactory grade is maintained for a period of two consecutive weeks. Students placed on the Weekly Progress Report are required to attend supervised study time in the evening. The goal is to alert the student in academic difficulty so that he may improve his study habits and seek help from the available sources on campus. At these times, parental support is an effective means to assist the young man in his renewed academic focus. A student whose achievement is not satisfactory (“C-,” “D,” “F” or has dropped more than one letter grade from the last grading period) receives a Progress Report. Such progress reports are sent collated from the online grading program at approximately the midpoint of every academic quarter. Any student who receives an unsatisfactory Progress Report is placed on the Weekly Progress Report list and remains with a weekly Progress Report until the next formal evaluation period. The goal is to alert the student in academic difficulty so that he may improve his study habits and seek help from the available sources on campus. At these times, parental support is also an effective means to assist their son in his renewed academic focus. Academic grades are certificates of achievement. They are not a system of rewards and punishment for conduct. Grading “on a curve” is not statistically valid in small classrooms. It is neither a customary nor encouraged practice at St. Michael’s.

This Week’s Photos:
Living History, Science Lab, Students Working

Etiquette Point of the Week
In sports, a gentleman does not gloat over a win or sulk over a loss. A gentleman does not cross the line between aggressive play and assault. He does not deliberately harm, push, pull, or elbow another player, despite what he may see on television.
How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press

Athletics
Congratulations to the Pioneers baseball team for their recent wins!
The following games are scheduled this week:
Tuesday- Baseball vs. Flintridge Prep @ Glendale Sports Complex; 3:00 p.m.
Thursday- Baseball vs. Liberty Christian @ STM; 3:15 p.m.

Birthdays This Week:
4/6 Jonathan Tran

Homily preached by Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
Among other things, Fr. John Henry teaches Religion and English
The first question that most catechisms open with is: Why are we here? And the answer is usually: To know, love, and serve God. This is what we are trying to do, especially during Lent. Hosea says: “Come, let us return to the Lord … let us strive to know the Lord.” And why? Because “I desire love,” says the Lord. We cannot truly love the Father unless we strive to know Him. If our “piety is like a morning cloud,” it is because we do not know Him well. We must know Him, because we love according to our knowledge; we serve according to our love. We can serve as slaves, but those who live in the household of the faith, the Father’s house, are children. He wants us to serve with love, not with the fear of a slave. The Pharisee is a slave to his pride. He is worshiping a “God” that does not exist except in his own mind. He is talking to himself, to someone who is satisfied with self-righteousness, carrying out commands, but there is no father-son relationship. The publican is a model of filial piety; he sounds almost like the Prodigal Son: He would not even raise his eyes to heaven, but prayed: “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” as compared to “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.” In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus teaches us something similar to what Hosea tells us today: Let us return, let us strive to know. If we truly knew the Father, would we ever depart from him, even in little ways? The Prodigal Son had no idea what he was leaving behind when he left his father’s house. An important theme of Lent is our return to the Father. Many of the liturgical readings tell us to “return,” because the Father is merciful and wants us to come back. But He has to reassure us of this because we do not know Him, love Him, trust Him enough. “Return to me with all your heart… Return to the LORD, for he is gracious and merciful.” During Lent we strive to know the Father better—to see Him a little more clearly and truly. He says, “It is love that I desire.” It is your love that I desire. We have to learn to take our Father’s desire at face value. Who is the Father to us? Is He the One against whom we sin and to whom we go to ask pardon—maybe thousands of times over the course of a lifetime. One who holds up for us the highest standards that we continually fail to meet? Is He simply the One to whom we are always apologizing? Jesus always teaches us about Him in the most uncomplicated language. Sometimes we don’t know what to make of Him. Surely we fail Him often enough, but He is also the One who invites us to His table again and again and serves us. Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, [the Master] will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them.” Now we are really confused. Mercy confuses us. Jesus tried to make it so simple for us to understand: “Do not be anxious … Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin… O men of little faith! Your heavenly Father knows all that you need.” The lilies of the field grow not by anxiety but by their trust in the providence of the Father. They do not grow by fear and trembling. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Are we onto something here? Are we beginning to understand? This is the image of the Father Jesus wants us to have, and the relationship—the same one for which the Pharisees criticized Him: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” And He does so again and again: He feeds us and clothes us and sets a ring on our finger—the same ring that we had cast off in our moment of infidelity. Put it back on; it still fits; it still means what it always meant: I am yours and you are mine. “Do you still not understand? To see me is to see the Father.” Can we form a true image of the Father in our hearts, one that no anxiety, failure, or pressure can break? Jesus pleads with us to do so: “To see me is to see the Father.” The Father finds His most perfect image in Christ. We must trust in Him who takes back the sinner and restores him again and again—and believe there is joy in heaven when we do return. This is the Father in whom we must believe, hope, and love.
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 without written permission of the author.

Prayer Requests
● Jodie Meschuk for a safe and healthy pregnancy
● Marie Morris, sister of Mrs. Ryan, who has been diagnosed with cancer
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

March 27, 2011

2011-03-28T05:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success

● To all the parents who gave of their time to meet with our visiting WASC committee. They were very impressed with the strong showing of parent interest and support.
● To Mr. and Mrs. Portka for bringing cupcakes for our students in honor of Jacob’s birthday.
● Alumni parents, Mr. Ed Unterman and Mr. Keith Johannes, who shared their expertise with our current students.
● To the Schardt Family for hosting a student this weekend.

General announcements to Parents

● Third Quarter report cards will be sent home electronically early this week.

Third Quarter Honor Roll, 2010-2011
First Honors: Joshua Aaker Christian Aguilar Faris Alquaddoomi Jonathan Bonello Daniel Dang Derek Giap Nicholas Hanson John Hebert Jacob Holke James Howard Michael Howard Brett Lenahan Edward Lim Hieu Pham Joseph Porretta Brian Schardt Scott Schardt Johann Schoenfeld David Suh Joseph Terlisner James Tran William Warnisher
Second Honors: Andrew Bonello Nicholas DiNapoli Yongkyoo Kim Alan Le Spencer Manson Gregory Minder Bryce Pickett Charles Sandoval Jonathan Tran Mathew Vu Tuyen Vu

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)–Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA)
The visiting committee was very impressed with the fine program which St. Michael’s Prep offers its young men. The committee was explicit in identifying these school-wide areas of strength:
● Strong faith formation of students.
● School’s small size that permits individualized instruction for all students.
● Sound academic formation that develops student self-discipline and focus.
● Boarding school environment that develops personal responsibility, good time management and study habits, life-long friendships, and college dorm life preparedness.
● The dedication and Christian example of the Norbertine Confreres.
● The two-tiered Board of Directors that support Catholic education for young men.
● The support and dedication of the Administration, particularly the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, for the academic and spiritual formation of the students.
● The dedication and generosity of the Faculty and Staff to the academic and spiritual growth of the students.
● The camaraderie, self-discipline and focus, and hospitality of the St. Michael’s students.
● The unselfish involvement of St. Michael’s parents in all aspects of school life.
Thank you to all the parents, students, teachers, alumni and friends who participated!

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 6
SECTION 6: TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY
The Internet is a powerful learning tool when used properly. All data passing through network resources at St. Michael’s Prep are not private. The I.T. department and/or administrators reserve the right to inspect data and communications across network resources at St. Michael’s. It is within the rights of the school to monitor email or computer usage as it strives to maintain both the virtue and safety of the students, faculty, and staff. Use of a computer and network system that is shared by many users imposes certain additional obligations. St. Michael’s Preparatory School makes it a violation to recklessly or maliciously interfere with the computer, network resources or data. The school also upholds that misappropriation of data or copyrighted materials may constitute theft. Internet access is available in the library when there is adult supervision. Academic use of the internet always has precedence to recreational use. Recreational use of the Internet is limited to recreation periods and only for those students not on study detention. St. Michael’s computer abuse policy applies to all students, faculty, and staff. The use of computers or network systems in no way exempts any member of the school community from the normal requirements of ethical or legal behavior. Student violations may result in (but not be limited to) suspension of privileges. All on-campus computers are monitored to assure compliance with school policy. The School works to ensure that students do not access or share Internet material which is inappropriate or offensive and instructs students in the proper and responsible use of the Internet. Yet, due to regular advances in technology and the multiple types of personal electronic devices which receive, store, show, and send data, the School cannot be held liable for the actions of students who deliberately contravene the school’s policies and guidelines.

This Week’s Photos: Visiting team representing the WASC Accreditation process talking with students.

Etiquette Point of the Week
When soup is served, wait until the hostess or the other ladies at the table have lifted their spoons before picking up your own soup spoon and beginning to eat. If there is no host or guest of honor, wait until all dinner companions have been served before lifting your spoon and beginning to eat.
A Gentleman at the Table, Bridges and Curtis; Brooks Brothers Press

Athletics
Tuesday, March 29th: Baseball vs. Noli Indian School @ STM; 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, March 31st: Baseball vs. San Diego Jewish Academy @ San Diego; 3:30 pm

Homily preached by Fr. Charles Willingham, O. Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Charles teaches scripture and chaperones the weekend students.

We heard in the Gospel Antiphon “Your words Lord are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.” These words come from the 6th chapter of St. John. Jesus speaking of the gift of the Holy Eucharist said “My words are Spirit and life.” And when Jesus asked the twelve apostles “Do you want to leave me too?” Peter answered Him “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. To whom shall we go?” Sometimes when we read books or watch movies about saints or holy people, like “Song of Bernadette”, “The Reluctant Saint”, “The Island”, or most recently, “Of Gods and Men”, we come away saying to ourselves “I have to start again” or “I have to get started.” I have to start being good, I have to start living for God, I have to start living religious life the way I should be. Because compared to what we see in the lives of these saints or those who aspired to sanctity, we fall short – very short. The problem is that we make the mistake of thinking that in order to get started or in order to advance we have to change our place: become a recluse in the desert, a Carthusian on a mountain top, a bishop in charge of a diocese or a husband and father of 10 children. In the film “Of Gods and Men” when the monks realize it would be advantageous from all viewpoints to leave, they all decide to stay. Brother Christian says “The wild flowers do not change their place to find the rays of the sun. God makes them fruitful wherever they are.” We do not need to move from our place to find God’s grace, to do His will. God makes His grace to shine where He himself has put us. There is where we accomplish His will. “But” you say, “the way things are here, the people I live with, they block the sun. I can’t grow.” In the trial of beautification for St. Therese of Lisieux one of the sisters testifying described the convent as a veritable mad house with many divisions among the sisters, poor observance, a superior who would wake up everyone at night to find her cat when it went missing. Yet, she ends by saying “In spite of it all Therese became a saint.” It would have been better if she had said “Because of it all Therese became a saint.” Why? Because that’s where God called her and chose for her to be. As wacky as the Lisieux Carmel was, Therese was effected by the other sisters and affected the other sisters. Fr. Abbot Parker told the story many times of a postulant years ago, before we had such things such as gas powered trench diggers, who on the very day he arrived was put to work digging some kind of trench with a shovel. He suddenly threw down the shovel and said “What on earth am I doing here!” He left the same day he had arrived. What was it this postulant was looking for? What did he expect? Maybe he just didn’t like it. Did he forget, in less than a day, that the One he came to follow said “Take up your cross unless you do penance, take up your mat and walk, deny yourself. As the Master so shall the servant be.” Maybe the postulant was looking to have his desire for God completely satisfied? That won’t happen in this world. You will always desire more. Was it mystical experience he wanted? He failed to see that there is something beyond mystical experience that one arrives at immediately through love: simple uniformity with God’s will. Maybe he left because he felt his gifts were not being noticed, appreciated, or used. Who left like that? Lucifer! Because he thought heaven could not accommodate his degree of goodness, beauty, or intelligence. Maybe this postulant really thought he wasn’t up to this life, perhaps not good enough or too weak for all this digging and for everything that was to come, yet, that is the very best attitude to have because, none of us receives the ability to live this life from ourselves. It comes from God. Because He chose you and because He brought you here and has given you so many special graces to prove that He wants you here. Living this life does not mean being successful, it means being faithful. As Mother Teresa of Calcutta said “God does not demand that we be successful, only faithful.” When a priest asked her “Mother, pray that I may have clarity” she answered “No, I won’t. I will pray that you have trust.” In “Of Gods and Men” the old doctor, Br. Luc, quotes a remarkable passage from Pascal’s “Pensees,” “We advance toward God through failure, through weakness, by falling.” Why does Pascal say that? Because we only advance toward God through trusting Him. Nothing brings us to lose all trust in ourselves and place it completely in God faster than the realization of our own weakness, the acknowledgement of our own failures and sins. It is a downward path, one of falling, but falling to God. When I say God will give us the grace to live this life, I mean only this: He will give us the ability to trust in spite of my weakness and falls; in spite of my brother’s weaknesses, in spite of my situation or my health; in spite of everything, yes, even in spite of the very place in which He has put me or perhaps, more appropriately, precisely because of the place He has put me. St. Norbert, St. Therese, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa. All of them had very great desires. All of them felt misunderstood. All of them had great trials. None of them gave up on their order. Even Mother Teresa of Calcutta who started a new congregation, had first lived faithfully as a Loreto Sister for almost 30 years. The only reason she left was because God knocked on her forehead and said He had a special commission for her. Even then, she got permission from her superiors. Jesus said to the twelve “Do you want to leave me too?” Brothers in Christ, a postulant throwing down a shovel is one thing. A man who has consecrated his whole self to Christ in religious life and has even been raised to the sublime dignity of priest is entirely something else. Jesus went on to say “Did I not choose the twelve of you myself? Yet one of you is a devil.”
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
●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 Mr. William Brown

March 19, 2011

2011-03-19T23:37:00.001-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success
● Mr. Ralph Martin for coaching Pioneer Baseball into another win.

General announcements to Parents
●The deadline for 2011/2012 non-refundable tuition deposits is March 21st.
●The deadline for the Senior Graduation Fee is April 1st.
●There will be a special schedule on Good Friday, April 22nd. Students will attend the Good Friday Liturgy until 4:30 p.m. There will not be an early dismissal as there normally is on Friday. Parents who need to purchase a train ticket may calculate the boys’ arrival at the train station by 5:30 p.m. Please purchase train tickets early. Email ticket confirmations to the school office before April 18th.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)–Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA)
Please note that the Visiting Committee will meet with all the parents of St. Michael’s Prep on Sunday Evening, March 20, at 7:00 PM, in the modular classroom. This meeting will take no more than 1 hour. It is very important that all parents come to the meeting who can. Please remember that what we identify as our school’s best traits, Faith, Academics and Character, are also known as the school’s “Expected Schoolwide Learning Results [ESLRs]. Thank you!

This week’s photos:
Baseball, Classes during exam week, Spring On The Hilltop

Parent/Student Handbook: CHAPTER 3, SECTION 5
SECTION 5: PLAGIARISM, HOMEWORK COPYING, CHEATING
Plagiarism (taking ideas, writings, etc. from someone else and presenting them as one’s own) and homework copying are placed in the same category as test cheating. Any student using material copied from an Internet source under the guise of his own name is cheating. Students have a moral responsibility to themselves and others to work honestly. The consequences for cheating and/or plagiarism are progressive. For the first offence the student receives a “0” and a letter home. The second offence adds a conference with the parents and the loss during that academic year of all co-curricular and extra-curricular privileges and positions. The third offense is sufficient reason for expulsion from school. The record of these offenses accumulate throughout the years the student attends St. Michael’s. In addition to other means, the school does use commercially available software designed to identify unreferenced sources in student work.

Etiquette Point of the Week
A gentleman always sends a written thank-you note if he has been someone’s guest on a special vacation or outing.
How To Raise A Gentleman, Kay West; Brooks Brothers Press Perennial

Athletics
Congratulations to our Pioneer baseball team for their wins Monday and Tuesday. The Pioneers remain undefeated. Come join us at one of the following games.
Tuesday: Baseball vs. San Jacinto Valley @ STM; 3:15 p.m.
Thursday: Baseball vs. Noli Indian School @ Noli; 3:15 p.m.

Birthdays This Week:
March 25 Jacob Portka

Homily preached by Fr. Justin Ramos, O.Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Justin leads our development efforts.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” …Words of our blessed Lord.

The story of Queen Esther in today’s lesson is one of the many Old Testament illustrations that persistent asking, seeking, and knocking pay off with conquering results. More often than not however, it seems as though we’re like Moses asking, seeking and knocking at the door of the Pharaoh who refuses to fulfill our request!

That is because we have the wrong idea of who God is. We think God is more like us or Pharaoh-- stubborn, unbending and wicked. But even if we have this warped notion of our Heavenly Father, we should be encouraged to ask, seek and knock since ‘even we, who are wicked give good gifts to our children.’

The fact is that God isn’t like us. Our Heavenly Father is generous, merciful and just. So, why don’t we ask, seek and knock with the daring persistence of Queen Esther, Moses, and the saints?

We that God knows everything we need even before we ask for it—so is it worth praying for something we have no control over? Is our asking, seeking, knocking really free or out of our control? Can we really cause events to happen by our actions?

God has preordained the world to exist in a certain way—much is out of our control but we do have a role to play that causes things to happen in this world.

C.S. Lewis puts it in this way, “It is like a play in which the scene and the general outline of the story is fixed by the author, but certain minor details are left for the actors to improvise.”
In that Christmas Classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life, after George Baily sees all the events, things and people he affected during his entire life, his guardian angel Clarence remarks, “Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” If God permits things to happen because of us so why wouldn’t He permit us to make things happen by directly asking him?

If we can effect good in others such as helping them do well in school, assisting someone with a doubt or simply helping to change a tire, what greater things will our heavenly Father do if we ask with perseverance. There are even things which depend upon us to ask for otherwise they would not occur.

St. Patrick’s prayers affected the conversion of the entire nation of Ireland to Catholicism. He relates in his "Confessio": "But after I reached Hibernia I used to pasture the flock each day and I used to pray many times a day. More and more did the Love of God, and my fear of Him and faith increase, and my spirit was moved so that in a day I said up to a hundred prayers, and in the night a like number; besides I used to stay out in the forests and on the mountain and I would wake up before daylight to pray in the snow, in icy coldness, in rain, and I used to feel neither ill nor any slothfulness, because, as I now see, the Spirit was burning in me at that time". Ireland’s conversion depended upon St. Patrick’s persistent asking, seeking and knocking.

Day in and day out we ask God in the sacred liturgy to hasten to our assistance. Our entire life and that of many others depends upon our asking, our seeking, and our knocking. Only those who ask, will receive; and those who seek will find;  and those who knock, the door will be opened.

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
● The entire girls’ softball team and its coaches from Benedictine College whose bus was rear ended by a semi on their way to a competition.
●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 Mr. William Brown

March 13, 2011

2011-03-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success
● Mrs. Gin Howard, Mrs. Chelsey Lenahan and Mrs. Joan Terlisner for providing a luncheon for our students and faculty
● Mrs. Aguilar and her mother for bringing stacks to the away baseball game

As reflected in our newly posted photos, February was a busy month at St. Michael’s Prep School. Our Norbertine Fathers appeared at Seagerstrom Hall in the Orange County Performing Arts Center, we celebrated the sacrament of confirmation, we heard Sister Christen speak to our parents on the importance of prayer for our sons, our sophomores and juniors spent a day learning about non-invasive surgery at the UCI Medical Center, our boys enjoyed a day at the beach, we ended the soccer season with an awards ceremony and opened the baseball season. We hope you enjoy sharing these experiences with us through our photos.

Photo Gallery

General announcements to Parents
School will be dismissed at 12:40 Wednesday, March 16th for the St. Patrick and St. Joseph Day weekend. Students report back to school as usual on Sunday evening.

Third quarter oral exams take place this week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.

The deadline for 2011/2012 non-refundable tuition deposits is March 21st.

The deadline for the Senior Graduation Fee is April 1st.

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

Please note that the Visiting Committee will meet with all the parents of St. Michael’s Prep on Sunday Evening, March 20, at 7:00 PM, in the modular classroom. This meeting will take no more than 1 hour. It is very important that all parents come to the meeting.

This week’s photos:
The visit of the relic of St. Mary Magdalene; Latin III class working on their Latin compositions

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 2
SECTION 4: HOMEWORK
Homework assignments have clear and definite purposes. They are designed to meet one or more of the following aims:
§ To provide the drill necessary for the mastery of the skill.
§ To promote individual and cooperative study and preparation of the course materials.
§ To stimulate creative intellectual activities on the part of the student through solving problems, composition work, etc.
Teachers give daily assignments. The typical student, working diligently, should be able to complete the daily assignment within 30-40 minutes per class. Within this time frame are reports, map work, projects done outside of class, etc. There are homework assignments over the weekend. Students working in more advanced classes do have more work required of them. Students should work on their long-range assignments (such as book reports, term papers, maps, compositions, and lab projects) systematically in order to have adequate time for their day-to-day assignments.
Written work should be neatly presented on standard 8½ × 11 white paper, (no pages torn out from spiral notebooks). Written work should normally be completed in pen of blue or black ink or produced on the computer. Written work should always be grammatically correct and have proper punctuation. Clearly title all work with the student’s name, date, and class. Accepting late work is at the discretion of the individual teacher.

Correct English, written and oral, is insisted upon in every class by every teacher. An example is set in this matter by the teachers themselves.

After an absence, it is the student’s personal responsibility to see his teachers about making up all work he missed. It is the responsibility of the student to turn in all work and to request any exam on his own.

Etiquette Point of the Week
There are times when email is not appropriate. Thank-you or sympathy notes should be written by hand on notepaper (personalized, if you have it) and sent by regular mail. Invitations should always be responded to so the host knows whether or not to expect you. If your invitation says “RSVP” and is followed by a phone number, then you simply call and let the host know whether or not you will attend. If “RSVP” is followed by an address, it means a short note such as “Looking forward to your football party Saturday evening” is expected. If the invitation says “Regrets only,” then you need to respond only if you won’t attend. Be sure you respond promptly. Emily Post’s Teen Etiquette, Elizabeth L. Post and Joan M. Coles; Harper Perennial

Athletics
CONGRATULATIONS to our Pioneer Baseball Team for Tuesday’s win.
Monday, Mar. 14th: STM vs Liberty Christian @ STM; 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 15th: STM vs. San Jacinto @ STM; 3:15 p.m.

Birthdays This Week: None

Homily preached by Fr. Gabriel Stack, O.Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Gabriel is the Headmaster and teaches Latin and Spanish.

We know that God blesses us in various ways each and every day. Today we focus on the blessing which we call “the cross.” This is important because Jesus tell us, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

We typically consider the cross something to avoid if we can and something to complain about if we cannot avoid it. Or, at least, that is my adolescent response. And for that reason I now know why one or the other of my parents seemed to be always saying “offer it up,” or asking “did we say our morning offering yet?”

Why is there a cross when we seek to follow Christ? We cannot heal ourselves. No matter how much our medicine and psychology advances, we have a wound that will not yield to those sciences. Only the cross of Christ can heal us.

Why did salvation come through crucifixion? Part of the reason is that God loves us too much to spoil us. Evil and suffering entered the world because of sin - mankind's rebellion against God. That original disobedience was a free choice, as is every sin.

God respects our freedom; it, too, is His gift to us. We are created in His image. This means that we are neither rodents nor robots. Because God respects our freedom, He also has to respect the consequences of our free choices – even when we make bad choices, even when we sin.

St. Paul wrote once to the Philippians, "He emptied himself... He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death... on a cross." In other words, Jesus turned the consequences of our sin into the remedy for our sin - this is how powerful and complete his love is.

Because of his willingness to suffer out of love for us, our suffering has become a way to unite us more fully with him, the only source of our healing and lasting happiness. Jesus told St. Faustina of the Divine Mercy that one hour of meditation on his passion and crucifixion does more good for our soul than an entire year's worth of other devotions. It is not enough to hang crucifixes on the walls of our churches and homes, to wear crucifixes around our necks, or to dangle them from our rearview mirrors.

To unleash God's transforming power in our lives and our world, we must go deeper and fix the crucifix firmly in our hearts. And we can only do that through prayer, through developing a real and sustained relationship with Jesus Christ.

During this holy Mass, we are truly present at our Lord's crucifixion through the sacrament of the Eucharist. Look upon Him who, as the Holy Victim, lifts us up too. Make a commitment to unite yourself with Him in spiritual reading and in personal prayer every day this Lent. This way the cross will become, more and more, the triumph of Christ's healing love in you and through you.

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
● Giancarlo Medina who is battling cardiac problems
● Francesco Tanzi Grandfather of Mr. Lieggi who is close to death.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.

March 6, 2011

2011-03-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks to those parents and friends who helped make the week a success

The Lim Family for hosting a weekender.

General announcements to Parents
Daylight Savings Time begins March 13th. Clocks should be moved ahead one hour.

Ash Wednesday is a regular day of classes

There will be a parent sponsored lunch for the students and faculty on Thursday, March 10th. If you are able to help provide a future luncheon for our students, please contact Mrs. Cathy Porretta.

Open House for any family interested in applying to St. Michael’s on Sunday, March 13th at 3:30 PM. Please let friends and family know.

Third quarter oral exams begin on Monday, March 14.

The relics of St. Mary Magdalene will be at the abbey on this Tuesday afternoon and evening. All are welcome to come pray with us!

The National Latin Exam will be held on Sunday, March 13, at 7:00 PM. All students enrolled in a Latin class must sit for the exam.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)–Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA)
Please note that the Visiting Committee will meet with all the parents of St. Michael’s Prep on Sunday Evening, March 20, at 7:00 PM, in the modular classroom. This meeting will take no more than 1 hour. It is very important that all parents come to the meeting who can. Please note that Faith, Academics and Character are what are known as the schools “Expected Schoolwide Learning Results [ESLRs]. Thank you!

This week’s photos: Sacred Heart statue; first school baseball game; Norbertines singing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Parent/Student Handbook: Chapter 3, Section 2
SECTION 2: GRADUATION POLICY
Seniors who earn less than a “C” as a semester grade in any class do not graduate from St. Michael’s until that grade is remediated. If this unfortunate circumstance arises, then two courses of action follow. (1) As the senior did not have all the necessary graduation requirements, he does not participate in the Commencement Exercises. This ceremony is one of the privileges reserved to those who have met their academic and social obligations as established by the school. (2) The senior will redo the course work in an approved summer school program. Once the course work is completed, the senior receives his diploma and resumes his place with his classmates.

Etiquette Point of the Week
It is never inappropriate to introduce yourself to someone. When introducing yourself, stand, look the person in the eye, extend your right hand and say “Hello. My name is John Smith”. When introducing people to one another, always give the first and the last names of the people you are introducing if you know them. When introducing someone to a small informal group, you may say something like “Joe Jones, I would like you to meet the members of our committee. This is Jane Doe, John Smith, and Joe Jones”. If it is a more formal presentation, refer to the people by their last names, such as “Mr. Jones, may I present the members of our committee, Mrs. Doe, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Jones”. Emily Post’s Teen Etiquette, Elizabeth L. Post and Joan M. Coles; Harper Perennial

Athletics
Tuesday: Baseball vs San Jacinto Valley @ Searl Park; 3:15
Thursday: Baseball vs Southlands Christian@ Southlands; 3:00 p.m.

Birthdays This Week:
March 9th Vitalyi Tractenberg

Homily preached by Fr. Benedict Solomon, O. Praem.
Among other things, Fr. Benedict teaches Religion

“At God’s word were his works brought into being.” God’s one Word was sufficient to create all things. And before the Incarnation not an infinite number of words spoken by men could ever do justice to God. “Yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the Lord.”

But after the Incarnation, that Word through whom all things were created, was He by whom all creation was recreated and contains all creation in Himself. This Word has a name, and this name refers to the greatest of all God’s wonders-Jesus Christ. Before the Incarnation no amount of words would suffice, afterwards, one word is enough to sum up all the wonders of the Lord. Jesus.

“Bartimaeus sat by the roadside begging” for what this world had to offer. When he heard that it was Jesus, the sound of that name “plumbed the depths and penetrated his heart.” As he sat on the earth, with worldly concerns the name of Jesus grew in His heart and dared him to utter that name with his own lips. “Jesus son of David, have mercy on me.” When people told him to be quiet he called out all the more.

That name which took root in his heart could not be plucked out. And when Jesus called him, Bartimaeus threw aside his cloak, one of his few possessions, and sprang up from the ground. Because he uttered that sacred name, Jesus replied with “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus gives him his sight. And when he receives his sight, he follows Jesus on the way.

By calling on the name of Jesus and asking for His mercy, we will never fail to recount the wonders of the Lord; we will never fail to draw Jesus into our hearts. And when He comes into our hearts He will move us to cast off our attachments to sin and worldly desires and to spring up from our spiritual slumber. Then He will ask us “What do you want me to do for you?” and we will ask only that we may see Him face to face.

To Him be glory and honor for ever and ever. 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
● Giancarlo Medina who is battling cardiac problems
● Francesco Tanzi Grandfather of Mr. Lieggi who is close to death.
● Those who are in the armed forces.
● St. Michael’s older priests and those who care for them.