St. Bernard holds Alumni Reunion 2009

St. Bernard recently held Alumni Reunion 2009 for the alumni of St. Bernard College, Junior College, High School and Prep School the weekend of June 26th , 27th and 28th. Alumni from Puerto Rico to California gathered for the weekend to renew their friendships and remember the stories of their time at St. Bernard.

The weekend began with an Alumni Golf Scramble held at Chesley Oaks Golf Course with over 40 players participating. Tee time was at 9:00 am on Friday, June 26th and golfers were on the course will early afternoon. A luncheon was served at the club house of the golf course during which the winners received their prizes and recognitions.

At 9:30 am on Saturday a reception for the alumni was held in the newly renovated Ave Maria Grotto gift shop and gardens. The gift shop displayed an expanded sales area as well as a porch veranda and new exhibits and displays. Several alumni expressed delight in seeing the newly erected bronze statue of Br. Joseph placed across from the main altar in the Grotto garden.

A town hall meeting conducted by Fr. Marcus Voss and Abbot Cletus Meagher was held in the Switcher Classroom Building to update the alumni on the life and activities of St. Bernard Abbey and School. It was reported that the Abbey continues to grow and recently receive five new candidates into its formation program. The students in the school continue to excel as is evident from the $3 million in scholarship awarded to the thirty-three seniors who graduated this year. The economic downturn has had a negative impact on the investments for both the abbey and the school. Both Fr. Marcus and Abbot Cletus underscored the important role the alumni play in helping the Abbey and School meet the current financial challenges. Immediately following the presentation, a question and answer session followed. At the conclusion of the meeting, lunch was served in the Dining Hall.

The Alumni Mass was celebrated at 4:30 pm in the Abbey Church with Abbot Cletus as the main celebrant. In this homily, Abbot Cletus spoke of the life of faith that we all share and expressed his thanks for the blessings we all have received.

The Alumni Reception and Banquet, which was held in the Fazi-Richard Athletic Center, followed the celebration of Mass. Anniversary classes had their pictures taken as the alumni gathered for a delightful evening of good food, long conversations and dancing.

St. Bernard to host Summer Open House

St. Bernard Prep in Cullman is hosting Summer Open House on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 2 p.m. Fr. Marcus Voss, President of St. Bernard Prep, said he hopes to give families the opportunity to see St. Bernard and the many benefits available at the school. “Many families are not aware of the wonderful educational option that is available to them at St. Bernard. I would invite everyone to come and see what we have to offer. We have an exceptional Middle School and High School which can help students grow and develop and become successful,” Fr. Marcus said.

The school, operated by the Benedictine monks at St. Bernard Abbey, serves students in grades 7-12. St. Bernard is a co-ed boarding and day school, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

“Just last May,” Fr. Marcus continued, “ we graduated thirty-three graduates. Those thirty-three graduates were offered in excess of $3 million in college scholarships. Our classes are small by design which allows our teachers to give more individual attention to our students. Students with average to good academic ability can learn to excel in our environment.”

Fr. Marcus concluded by saying, “We want our students to participate. We offer art, music, drama and athletics so our students can develop their talents in a variety of ways. Being well-rounded not only opens the doors to college, it also prepares a person for success in life.”

The Open House is designed for both commuting and resident students. Participants in the Open House will receive a tour of the campus, meet current students and have the opportunity to speak with parents who have students enrolled at St. Bernard.

To reserve a place at the Summer Open House, call (256) 738-6682 ext. 7110. To make application to attend St. Bernard, visit the website at www.stbernardprep.com and click on “Admissions” or call (256) 738-6682 ext. 7128.

St. Bernard to host Alumni Weekend 2009

St. Bernard in Cullman, AL will host the 2009 Alumni Weekend on Thursday, June 25-Sunday, June 28. Everyone who has attended St. Bernard High School, Junior College, College, or Prep School is invited to attend.

On Thursday a golf reception and team assignments will be held in Founders Hall. Friday will include a golf scramble at Chesley Oaks Golf Course or a town outing to specialty and antique shops. Friday evening all will take part in a buffet dinner and dance. Saturday will include a reception in the Grotto, town hall meeting, lunch cookout, and dinner banquet.

Special recognition for the anniversary year classes of 1949, ’54. ’59, and ’64, etc. and the Prep School classes of 1989, ’94, ’99, and 2004 will be given.

For more information regarding cost and registration, contact the school by calling (256)739-6682 or www.stbernardprep.com.

Record number attends Camp St. Bernard

Seventy-five boys and girls from North Alabama are participating in the first week of summer camp located on the campus of St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman, AL. The first week, which is designed for youngsters ranging in age from seven to ten years of age, opened on Sunday, May 31st and will continue until Friday, May 5th. Two more weeks of summer camp will follow on June 7-12 and June 14-19 and are designed for 10-14 year olds.

Camp Director, John Arndt, said he is very pleased with the large number of participants this year. “It has been fantastic having a record number of campers” he said. “The kids are happy which speaks well for our counselors,” Arndt continued. “The campers are constantly on the move. As soon as one activity ends, everyone wants to know what the next activity is going to be.”

Camp Saint Bernard helps each individual camper gain skills that will enable him or her to achieve a strong sense of self. The campus is taught to be confidence and self-responsibility in a safe, enjoyable, and supervised setting.

One activity especially enjoyed by the campers was being marooned on the “lava boat.” Greyson Gerding, a first-year camper, said this has been his favorite activity during his first day. As Grayson explained “You have a board over four barrels and a gigantic stick. You have to push the stick, and move a barrel to the front without falling into the lava- which is really the grass.”

“One of the goals at Camp Saint Bernard is to provide a recreational environment in which campers can gain a deeper understanding of the manner in which they are related to their natural environment and their fellow man,” said John Arndt. “As stated by patron St. Bernard, a monk of the 12th century, ‘You will find something more in woods than in books. Trees and stones will teach you that which you can never learn from masters.’ "

Camp Saint Bernard offers day and boarding camps during the summer with each camp session lasting one week. June 7-12, and June 14-19 are camps with activities and sessions designated for 10-14 year olds. For more information contact John Arndt at 256-739-6682 or http://www.campstbernard.com/.

St. Bernard graduates 33

St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman graduated thirty-three seniors on Sunday, May 24 in an impressive ceremony conducted in the Abbey Church and under the direction of Fr. Joel Martin, Headmaster of the School. After welcoming members of the Board of Directors, the faculty, the staff and the invited guests, Fr. Joel noted that this year’s graduating seniors had the distinction of earning over $3.3 million dollars in scholarships to colleges and universities.

As part of the 25th anniversary celebration of St. Bernard Preparatory School, the St. Bernard Board of Directors established the “Distinguished Alumnus Award” to be given annually to an alumnus chosen for the honor. Fr. Marcus Voss, President of St. Bernard Prep School, presented over this portion of the graduation ceremonies. After reading the citation, he concluded by saying, “St. Bernard takes pride today in presenting its inaugural ‘Distinguished Alumnus Award’ to a family man, an entrepreneur and a friend – Roy H. Drinkard.”

In the citation, Fr. Marcus noted that Mr. Drinkard was “a distinguished American citizen, an accomplished business and community leader, a dedicated family man and a committed seeker of God’s eternal Truth. Reared and educated in Cullman County, he graduated from St. Bernard High School in 1938 having been trained by a stalwart Benedictine faculty. He proudly served his country during World War II as a U.S. Marine in the Pacific theater. He currently holds the office of President of Drinkard Development, a company with commercial interests that extend across the southeast and beyond. This man, whose business acumen has led his industrial colleagues to select him to represent their common interests, has served as President of the Cullman County Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Cullman Planning Commission, as well as Chairman, President and Director of the Industrial Development Board of the City of Cullman. He currently serves on the Boards of Wallace State Community College, Troy State University and the Helen Keller Foundation Board. Blessed with a variety of interests and the stamina to pursue them, this remarkable man is especially devoted to his family and his faith. In a public recognition, his family was named by Cullman County Farm-City as the Outstanding City Family for 2007. A life-long member of the First Baptist Church, he calls himself a Benedictine-Baptist in recognition of the religious values and training that were instilled in him during the formative years of his youth.”

Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Birmingham, the Most Rev. David E. Foley gave the commencement address. “You have had an experience that will last a lifetime,” he said to the graduates. “You will be remembered for your goodness and all the hilarious happenings between yourselves and your teachers. You will be remembered by the monks here.”

Bishop Foley encouraged the students to live their faith and live the values they have been taught. “We live in two worlds – the visible and the invisible. Catholic Education and particularly St. Bernard Prep School takes into account the fact that you have acquired not just truths about things you can see, but that you have been formed in mind, body, and spirit. To hold these elements securely in your grasp, will ensure a future destiny full of hope, happiness and joy forever.”

After the commencement address, Fr. Joel announced this year’s graduation awards. Nino Christorpher Cumba YuTiamco received the valedictorian award while Kristen Nichole Meyer was named salutatorian. In giving the general excellence medal, the highest award given to a graduating senior, Fr. Joel stated that “the criteria for this award requires that a student must be enrolled at St. Bernard Prep for the last two full years, be dedicated to academic excellence, exercise leadership and represent the values of the school.” The 2009 general excellence medal was presented to Maria Teresa Mueller.

Diplomas were presented to the seniors by Abbot Cletus Meagher with Fr. Marcus Voss assisting him. After the awarding of the diplomas, Nino YuTiamco gave the valedictory address. “It is such a great honor to stand before this crowd,” he said. After recognizing his follow graduates, he thanked all the parents for their support and encouragement. He paid special tribute to the parents and grandparents who flew from Korea and the Philippines. To all the parents he said, “You are the ones who held our hands through it all.”

YuTiamco congratulated his fellow graduates for their accomplishments. “Our class is one of a kind,” he said. “We were the largest freshman class when we arrived here four years ago and we have excelled in the scholarship money we have received.” He concluded his remarks by encouraging his classmates “to be the best in whatever you can.”Fr. Joel Martin ended the ceremony by issuing a challenge to the students. “We need challenges because we come alive in struggles,” he said. “We have high expectations for your future. You’re made for greatness. Go and take St. Bernard with you.”

Music for the graduation exercises was provided by Dr. Rebecca Whited, organist, as well as the Alabama Pipes and Drums Corps. The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Honor Guard of the Fr. Leo Carter Assembly 2624 also participated in the ceremonies.

Following the prayer and dismissal by Abbot Cletus Meagher, a reception was held in the St. Bernard Dining Hall.

8th Grade Graduation at St. Bernard Middle School

Graduation ceremonies held on Thursday, May 21st, marked the completion of the course of studies for twenty-one students enrolled in the Middle School program of St. Bernard Preparatory School. These graduates were part of the first class to complete both years of enrollment in the Middle School that opened its doors in the 2007-08 academic year. Abbot Cletus Meagher, Chairman of the Board for St. Bernard Prep, served as main celebrant of the Mass celebrated in the Abbey Church. During the service he told the students, “Last year may have been our first class to graduate from the Middle School, but you are the first class to complete the first two years.”

Abbot Cletus reminded students that not only did they receive a quality education, but equally as important, their learning took place in a faith-based environment. “With your learning comes wisdom , and wisdom is knowledge. Don’t lose sight of the wisdom that keeps God first. Through him all things are possible.”

“You have been given a strong foundation to prepare you for your high school years. Always remember and be grateful to your parents, grandparents, teachers, alumni and friends who have made great sacrifices so that you can receive the gift of a private education at St. Bernard Prep,” Abbot Cletus said. “You have been prepared, now it is up to you.”

One of the highlights of the evening was the awarding of diplomas to each graduate. These were presented by Abbot Cletus who was assisted by Fr. Marcus Voss, President, Fr. Joel Martin, Headmaster and Mr. John Tekulve, Assistant Headmaster for the Middle School.

A reception held in the St. Bernard Dining Hall followed the ceremonies.

Abbot Cletus Meagher re-elected

Abbot Cletus has been re-elected to serve as Abbot at St. Bernard Abbey until the age of 75. The community met on May 14-16, and re-elected Abbot Cletus to serve them for the next ten years as the their spiritual leader.

Abbot Cletus, the 9th Abbot of St. Bernard, submitted his letter of resignation as mandated by the Constitutions and Directives for the American Cassinese Congregation at the age of 65. At the time he took office the mandatory retirement age was 65, but has since been raised to 75 years of age.

Entering the monastery in 1964, Abbot Cletus made his first vows in 1965. Since that time, he has served in about every capacity in the abbey. He has served as novice master, prior, was pastor for many years at Sacred Heart Church in Cullman. Abbot Cletus said, “Saint Bernard has provided me with home, and education. The support of community has been there with every part of my life. Now I have the opportunity to give back to the community through the work and responsibilities of the job given.”

The community at St. Bernard Abbey affirmed Abbot Cletus’ leadership over the past 14 years at 3 o’clock Friday afternoon. “I consider it a gift and grace from God to be able to serve as the community leader,” Abbot Cletus said.

The role of Abbot is a call to obedience. “I am honored to accept this role and to serve the community in whatever capacity is needed,” Abbot Cletus said.