Senior Dedication Mass held at St. Bernard Prep

Twenty-four seniors at St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman were honored recently during the annual Senior Dedication Mass in the Abbey Church.  Abbot Cletus Meagher, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Fr. Joel Martin, President; and Fr. Bede Marcy, School Chaplain concelebrated the Mass.
Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., was the main celebrant of the votive Mass of the Holy Cross and gave a homily on the mystery of the Cross.”

“As a Benedictine community we are here to seek God and to give witness to this God.  You, as students at a Benedictine School, should realize that life is not simply about knowledge and learning and the power that a good education imparts.  Life, true life, is about wisdom (about the Cross)—about seeing and seeking the connections between what is learned and the source of all knowledge; it is about seeing a reality, something larger than one’s self, something that imparts ultimate meaning and responsibility for ourselves and for others.  It’s about seeking the truth of things and, for us, that truth finds its expression and meaning ultimately in God.  More specifically, we find the true expression of what it means to be truly human in the mystery of Jesus Christ.”

The Senior Class was commissioned as leaders in the student body.  Noting this “commissioning” takes place in the context of the celebration of a Mass of The Mystery of the Cross, Abbot Cletus told students that such a context should remind them that as leaders, the Cross should be a sign of what they strive for and a call to reflect the values and love that the Cross represents.

 “Being at St. Bernard, being Catholic, or being a Christian, means that you accept responsibility and dedicate yourselves to the principles of belief upon which we are founded, “ Abbot Cletus continued.
As a sign of dedication, each senior received a “Benedictine Cross,” and Abbot Cletus explained its symbolism.  First, it is a cross, a crucifix.  The image of the crucified Christ is presented to remind one of the price of true wisdom and love.  If one is truly wise, he or she will learn that life is lived to the fullest in dying to oneself and coming alive to the needs of others.

Abbot Cletus continued his explanation, “On the medal embedded in the cross are a number of abbreviations as well as an image of St. Benedict.  On one side are the letters C S P B in the four quadrants of a symmetrical cross:  it should read Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The Cross of our Holy Father Benedict).  On the cross itself, on the vertical are the letters C.S.S.M.L. Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux (May the holy cross be my light!); and on the horizontal arm the letters N.D.S.M.D. Numquam draco sit mihi dux (May the dragon – the devil – never be my guide!).  Take these words to heart as you wear this cross or medal over your heart.”

Assisted by Mr. Dan Baillargeon, Headmaster of the Upper School, Mr. William Calvert, Headmaster of the Middle School, Fr. Joel and Fr. Bede, Abbot Cletus presented each senior with a cross and each was encouraged to wear the cross and medal of St. Benedict, "with wholesome pride, as a reminder of the privilege and dignity that are yours because you have been called to share in Christ and receive an education that is centered on Christ."

Addressing the senior class, Abbot Cletus said, “Our world needs godly men and women, people whose lives are based on principle, on the discipline of love and a wisdom that is from God.  As the senior class of 2014-15 you have been blessed with many gifts and talents.  Your task is to recognize those gifts, accept the responsibility that corresponds to the gift, and, most importantly, to give thanks to God for such gifts.  Through your leadership you should be an example and a blessing to those who look up to you.  You are blessed.  Be a blessing to others.”

Abbot Cletus said he was honored to commission the senior class as leaders in the student body.  “Just as there are many types of leaders, our goal is to teach ideas and thoughts that shape you as an individual and to help you form and define your life.”

“Life is about wisdom, virtue and seeking a connection of what we have learned in the responsibility for ourselves and for others, continued Abbot Cletus.  “Always be aware of who you are and what you have received.”

Abbot Cletus urged students to dedicate themselves to seeking the Love of God . . . of Christ in the mystery of the Cross.  “Dedicate your life to the pursuit of goodness and truth and love – to God.  After all, that is what we are here to celebrate. As we celebrate this Votive Mass of the Mystery of Christ’s Cross, let us ask for courage and conviction that we may truly be willing to seek Christ and serve Christ in one another.”

Following the Abbot’s homily, the faculty and staff joined the seniors before the altar as a sign of their support.  The faculty and staff concurred with the request that the seniors should receive the Abbot’s blessing, which assists them in taking on the role of leadership they assume within the student body of St. Bernard Preparatory School.  Representing the Class of 2015, Class President Aimee Cortes assured those present that the Seniors willingly accept the responsibility given them. 

Br. Raphael Pattarozzi, O.S.B., served as organist at the Mass.   Senior Nicholas Schweers, Grand Supreme Knight, with fellow seniors Alex Anderson, Ozzy Guevara, Tomas Russell and John Paul Stolz served the Mass with other St. Bernard Knights of the Altar.  At the conclusion of the service, the Senior Class enjoyed a reception in the Abbey Byre hosted by the SBP Parents League.

St. Bernard Cross Country Team takes first place

St. Bernard Prep claimed the top spots at St. Clair County Invitational Cross Country meet in Odenville on Saturday, September 20.

Leading the girls team by finishing second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively  were Leahrose Mami, 21:06; Jaden Edge, 21:28; Ivy Edge, 21:39; Ayleana Mami, 22:28 and Katelyn Cowie, 23:14 - earning the girls overall first place in the competition.

The boys finished just as strong with Steven Mami (17:44), Will Sciaroni (17:53) and Marco Tona (18:38) placing first, second, and third respectively.  Nate Giffin was seventh and Isaias Robles finished eighth earning the boys a first place overall finish.

The JV teams had a great run too.  Eva Barck, Adrian Smith, Lizabeth Median and Anna Faulk claimed the four top spots wile Madisen Murphy was 8ith, Claire Sander 10^th and Jenna Pechon ,11^th; earning the girls the  first place team trophy.

The JV boys team fell short of first place by three points to Pell City.  Michael Bain Clemmons took fourth, Blake Burmon, 7^th; Patrick Shubert, 10^th; Luke Marti,  11^th; and Alex Shoaff, 12^th.

St. Bernard Prep competes next Saturday in the Kudzu Hills Run at Cold Springs High School.

Notre Dame Glee Club to perform at St. Bernard

St. Bernard Prep School proudly presents the  Notre Dame Glee Club in concert on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.  in  St. Bernard Abbey Church.  Tickets for dinner and show are $50 per person and may be obtained by calling the school at (256)739-6682. 

St. Bernard Lady Saints win Chickasaw Trails Invitational

Our Lady Saints Cross Country team defeated 23 other teams  to win the Chickasaw Trails Invitational on Saturday. Competing in the 1A-4A division with 211 runners the top 5 Finishers for SBP were Leahrose Mami 11^th, Jaden Edge 13^th, Ivy Edge 14^th , Ayleana Mami 20^th and Kateyln Cowie 34^th. 

Our Boys team finished 6 ^th  out of 31 teams.  Top 5 finishers for the saints were Will Sciaroni  22^nd , Marco Tona 32^nd Steven Mami 42^nd, Nathan Giffin 69^th and Isaias Robles 86^th . There were 269 runners in the boys division.

St. Bernard Abbey receive three novices

At First Vespers of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 14, 2014), Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., received three new postulants into the novitiate of St. Bernard Abbey. The new novices were formally given the Benedictine habit of tunic, scapular and belt.  On the occasion each received his new name to be used in his new way of life. 

Brother Novice Dominic (Stephen) Lee was born in Madison, Alabama twenty years ago.  Ten years later his family moved to Huntsville, Alabama where they remain and are members of Holy Spirit Parish.  Br. Dominic was homeschooled throughout his high school years.  He has two older sisters and three younger brothers.  One of his sisters is a Benedictine nun at the Abbey of St. Walburga in northern Colorado.   

Born and reared in Birmingham, Alabama, Brother Paschal (Gabriel) Pautler is 18 years old.  He has a younger sister and two younger brothers, as well as an older half-brother and a half-sister. Br. Paschal attended St. Rose Academy in Birmingham before coming to St. Bernard Prep as a boarding student in the 9^th grade.  He graduated from SBP in May 2014 and entered the monastery just two weeks later, drawn to the Benedictine life he saw lived out during his four years as a St. Bernard student. 

Brother Pachomius (Gustavo) Alverado is 36 years old. He was born in Matanzas, Cuba. Brother’s mother and his sister, his only sibling, live together in Cuba. His father is deceased. While still in Cuba, Br. Pachomius attended university where he studied Social Media. Before completing his degree, he was hired by a marketing and public relations company in Bogota, Columbia. He held that job for two years during which time he learned of the Benedictine monastery of Tibati in Bogota. After several visits to the monastery, he decided to join them. However, after about a year and a half, he chose to leave Tibati before completing his novitiate. While at the monastery of Tibati, he met our Fr. Joel Martin, O.S.B., who was in Colombia recruiting for the Prep School. Fr. Joel apparently made a good impression on Br. Pachomius as the meeting led him to investigate St. Bernard Abbey and come to the U.S.A. to join us.

Having served their initial two months in the monastery as postulants, the three men will live as novices (beginners) in the monastery for one year plus one day, making it possible to profess their first vows on the Solemnity of the Assumption, 15 August 2015.  Remaining at the monastery for the entirety of their novitiate year, the novices will live the Benedictine life of prayer and work, and spend time studying the Rule of Saint Benedict, monastic tradition and spirituality, and Sacred Scripture.  They and the community will use this year to discern whether God is calling them to live the monastic life and its vows of Stability, Obedience, and Conversion of Life (conversatio morum) at Saint Bernard Abbey.

 

 

New academic year underway at St. Bernard

Students at St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman recently completed their first week of school.  Many were new students making new friends in a new town with new faculty members.  Many were returning to their school to begin a new chapter in their book of life. 

One hundred and eighty students in grades 7-12 began classes on August 11.  Sixty-three students reside at  St. Bernard from nine states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, West Virginia; and five countries:  Africa, Germany, China, Taiwan, and Korea. 
 

Min Gao

Each of the St. Bernard schools, Middle and High, began the first school day with an assembly.  Mr. Dan Baillargeon, high school headmaster, welcomed new students, faculty and staff, and informed students of new programs being offered.  He invited three faculty members to describe new programs being offered at St. Bernard Prep.  Miss Min Gao, a native of Shanghai, China, spoke about her opportunity to work at St. Bernard Prep teaching Mandarin Chinese.  St. Bernard is pleased to have Miss Gao, a recent Samford University master’s program graduate, on staff to assist our Asian community as well as teach the Chinese language and culture. 

Regina Willoughby

Mrs. Regina Willoughby, an alumnus of St. Bernard, spoke to the group about a competitive archery team as well as adding bowling, recently sanctioned as an interscholastic sport by the Alabama High School Athletic Association.



Br. Bruno Bravata

Br. Bruno Bravata, is serving as campus ministry coordinator, and invited students to get involved.  Students will be adopting residents at one of the several area nursing homes, each having on-going visits and completing a book to be presented to the resident and his or her family at the end of the year.  He also described a planned mission trip, and shared his enthusiasm for the Christian faith and life..

A Blessing concluded the assembly.  Faculty, staff, and students renewed  their commitment to education and community life.  All in the school vowed to renew their commitment to be men and women of integrity.  Each person promised to fully use their talents and gifts; to strive to be a good example for one another and to follow the way of Christ; and to dedicate themselves to the task of learning and to the pursuit of wisdom. 

Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., Chairman of the Board at St. Bernard Prep, closed the assembly with a prayer.

Baillargeon eager to start at St. Bernard Prep

Dan Baillargeon, the newly appointed Upper School Headmaster at St. Bernard Prep, has begun his work in his new position.  Dan and his wife, Megan,  moved to Cullman, AL, with their family of six children in early July.  As he undertakes his leadership role in the school, his plan for St. Bernard is simple: use the school’s vision statement as a mission and use the school’s Catholic identity of academic excellence as a guide.

Baillargeon brings the talents he has developed after eight years’ experience as a principal.  He has been involved in annual fund drives, branding, public relations, and grant writing.  In addition, his strong academic preparation includes his plan to complete studies for a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

“When Fr. Joel contacted me about the position, I had never heard of St.  Bernard, but when I came to visit, I knew St. Bernard and Cullman would be a great place for my family,” Baillargeon added.

Over the past few months the Upper School classroom building has been upgrades with a new roof and alarm system as well as new HVAC .   The bookstore has been re-organized, the small chapel has been renovated, and new wiring has been installed in the computer lab.  A new school receptionist position has been added to the foyer of the school.  Also a seating area in the Headmaster’s Office has been arranged, and just behind that area a newly designed meeting room. 

“I am really looking forward to getting the year started,” Baillargeon said.  “My respect for the faculty and students is of the utmost, so I have high expectations for all of us.”

School President, Fr. Joel Martin, said he welcomes the Baillargeons to Cullman and looks forward to seeing great things happen for St. Bernard Prep!  “Dan and his wife Megan have a beautiful family,” said Fr. Joel.  “Over the next 17 years all of their six children will attend Sacred Heart School in Cullman and graduate under their headmaster-father at St. Bernard Prep.  The family is a wonderful addition to the entire Cullman community, and their presence will be known and felt.”

St. Bernard Preparatory School is a private Catholic co-ed boarding and day school operated by the Benedictine monks at St. Bernard Abbey.  Follow St. Bernard Prep on Facebook or visit online at www.stbernardprep.com