SBP Middle School sponsors four families at Thanksgiving

Middle School students at St. Bernard Preparatory School contributed to the St. Vincent DePaul organization at Sacred Heart Church to make Thanksgiving special for four families in the local community. Originally each class was to adopt one family, but the overwhelming support made it possible for the two combined classes to support four families for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Ms. Martha Ann Warnke, Religion instructor, organized a grocery list and asked for items to be contributed for each box. The grocery list consisted of a turkey, stuffing mix, green beans, sweet peas, sweet corn, evaporated milk, canned pumpkin, deep dish pie shells, jello pie filling, graham cracker pie shells, instant mashed potatoes, canned sweet potatoes, spiced apple rings, marshmallows, dinner rolls, sugar, imitation vanilla, cake mix, canned frosting, turkey roasting pan, cake baking pans, roasting bag for turkey, thanksgiving table cloth, plates, napkins, cups and cutlery.

Students selected the items to contribute, and brought it in two-fold. Smiling Ms. Warnke said, “We are so happy with the outpouring support of this project. Cash contributions allowed for each box to be stuffed not only with a turkey, but a ham too.”

St. Bernard Prep encourages students to participate in community service projects. Principal, William Calvert said the teachers are to be commended for their participation in this project as well. Calvert commented, “They were our best leaders in reminding students of the blessings we enjoy daily.”

Thanksgiving Service held at St. Bernard

Students at St. Bernard Prep School celebrated Mass recently during the school’s Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service. Traditionally each year St. Bernard students and staff are given the opportunity to invite clergy representing their various congregations and religious traditions.

Fourteen ministers from the area took part in the service composed of prayers, psalms, scripture readings and hymns, and students offer thanks and petitions to God as they lay symbols of their lives before the altar.

The Rev. Michael Deering, St. Elizabeth Anne Seton Church, Gardendale; St. Henry’s Church, Warrior presented the sermon . Father Deering’s homily reminded students of the importance of giving thanks.
“In today’s world an act of kindness leads to gratitude which earns respect,” Deering said. “Take time to give thanks for everything and especially the farmers who planted the potatoes for your thanksgiving dinner, the truck drivers for their prompt delivery to your grocery store, and especially to the host preparing the dinner.”

The St. Bernard Choral Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Rebecca Whited took part in the service.

The service was followed by a dinner for all guests, students, faculty and staff. The guest clergymen were served by the students.

St. Bernard Prep Headmaster, Fr. Joel Martin, O.S.B. said, “This is an opportunity for all of us in the school community to give thanks to God for the many gifts we have received, and to do so along with those pastors, ministers and priests who are so important in the lives of our students. These men and women are very busy, so we are all impressed with and grateful for their taking time to join us.”

SBP Open House successful

Officials for St. Bernard Preparatory School were very pleased at the level of interest shown in the middle and high school program operated by the Benedictine monks at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman. More than 50 guests attended the two hour Open House to gather more information about the curriculum and programs offered.

“Interest is growing in our Middle School on the local level,” said admissions director, Dr. Donna Bryant. Students from the surrounding area were looking at joining the middle school program at semester break as well as next year. “Next year is predicted to be the worst funding year for our public school systems in the state of Alabama, so parents are beginning to explore the benefits of private education,” Bryant added.

St. Bernard offers a college preparatory curriculum in a Christian environment. Annually St. Bernard students perform well above the national average on the ACT. Small classes, scholarship offers, and a safe environment are some of the appealing attributes of the school.

St. Bernard boasts newly renovated dormitories, a state of the art athletic complex, and technology enhancements in the classroom. Headmaster, Fr. Joel Martin said he was extremely pleased with the interest shown. “We always enjoy having visitors explore the many opportunities offered at St. Bernard.”

Students who are interested in learning more about the day to day campus life may schedule a shadow visit. Shadow visits are arranged by contacting the Admissions Officer, Dr. Donna Bryant at (256)739-6682 or email admissions@stbernardprep.com.

St. Bernard Prep is a day and boarding school for students in grades 7-12. For more information contact the school at (256)739-6682 or visit www.stbernardprep.com.