Listening to the class of 2022--Mr. Weber's reflections

Dear St. Michael Family,

One of the truly satisfying things about working at St. Michael is watching the growth of students over their four years with us--in their commitments to their studies, in their willingness to lead, and in their deepening relationship with the Lord.  If you listen closely to what they are saying,  you can literally hear the mission of the school, to build "scholars,  leaders and disciples," living within them. 

Here are some poignant comments made by three seniors of the class of 2022 that illustrate what I mean---two from our graduation and baccalaureate events, and one from our student newspaper, "The Conclave: "

I came to Saint Michael an unconfident freshman who preferred to stay in comfortable situations where I was hardly challenged. Thanks to Saint Michael though  and all the teachers, staff, and coaches, I’ve been pushed to challenge myself and get out there to try new things. By trying these new things, I’ve failed a lot—pretty much every Calculus test, missing a penalty kick on my senior night, missing tackles on the football field, or not reading the instructions on Dr. Mitchell’s English exam. Yet through it all I’ve been encouraged and continually picked up by my teachers and coaches. When I’ve wanted to quit and settle back into what was easy and comfortable, they were there to challenge me and remind me that one mistake does not define me… Saint Michael has taught me to be confident in myself and my abilities, and that failure is not the end of the road…

I would love it if everyone got involved in bible studies, church groups, and service work next year, but at the very least, please, please go to mass every Sunday—-or if you’re not Catholic, go to whatever church you go to…. (Graham Roh, Ideal Graduate)
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Someone asked me, 'what will you miss about St. Michael when you leave for college?' I am not Catholic, so somewhat surprisingly, my response was "I will miss Mass and Adoration." Mass and adoration have been so special to me because they have brought me closer to Jesus.

When I attended my first Mass at St. Michael, I wasn't sure what to think about it, but as every Wednesday came along I would look forward to going to Mass and worshipping with my friends. 

My first time going to Adoration was a moment I'll always remember because I felt so connected to God. This made me realize how blessed I am to go to a school where I get to worship Jesus every week. 

St. Michael is an amazing school, and I encourage everyone to enjoy all the moments in Mass and Adoration as Jesus leads you on your path through life and high school. 
(Emma Flowers, from the "Conclave")

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In chapter seven of the Gospel of Matthew,  Jesus says ‘Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

We’ve been given the wondrous gift of Christ into our lives. Find Him if you haven’t, and do so now. Never permit yourself to be separated from Christ by the barbarity in which we live. Build your home on the rock… ( Andrew Corbett, valedictorian)
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It would be hard for me to articulate the religious mission of our school more powerfully than these three new alums! May God bless them, and bless the class of 2022! 
 

Faustin Weber
Principal