Thanksgiving Food Drive

November is a time to give thanks to God for all the blessings in our life. Student Council and Campus Ministry joined efforts to reach out to the homeless families. The Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless said there were over 900 families without food this Thanksgiving. Hearing the cry of the poor, our students, staff and our families brought in turkeys, canned foods, and all the trimmings to almost fill a whole van. At Benedictine Academy, we believe that we have a moral responsibility to serve the local community. It is just one of the many ways our students have the opportunity to be Service Leaders in our world.

Peer Mentors at Work

The Senior Peer Mentors gathered together to hear God's Word. "Love one another as I have loved you," instructed our Lord Jesus. They discussed what it meant to be family, to be part of God's family, and to be part of the Benedictine Family. Hospitality, Prayer, and Service were three of the cornerstones of our faith that they discussed. Then they put God's Word into action by gathering games and dvd's to bring and share with the children that they were babysitting at the Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless. Their hearts were filled with peace and joy as they spread God's message of love. "Doing small things with great love" (Mother Theresa) is one of the many ways we are touching lives in the local community.

It's Peanut Butter & Jelly Time!

This past Thursday, the school community heard the cry of the poor and decided to take action. Over 80 students gathered together to make almost 500 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, complete with drinks, snacks, and prayers for the Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless. It was a fun-spirited event as students decorated the lunch bags with words of comfort and hope. As the students laughed and worked as one body, other students loaded the car with over 100 jars of peanut butter and jelly in an effort to fill the empty pantry shelves. At Benedictine Academy, we believe we can be the change we wish to see. Together, we can and are making a difference.

SOPHOMORE RETREAT

Jesus often went away from his day-to-day routine to pray and be refreshed.

This past Wednesday, our Sophomores followed in Jesus' footsteps as they retreated from the school day to become refreshed with our Lord.

"Who Moved the Cheese?" Life is not static. To grow, we often need to let go of the familiar or old perspectives that keep us from reaching our goal of true happiness. Are we HEM, or HAW, or SNIFF, or SCURRY? What do we spend our days chasing after? What obstacles are in our path that prevent us from accomplishing our goal? These are only a few of the questions the students discussed and reflected on with Eddie, our retreat guide and friend. The day concluded with a beautiful reconciliation prayer service at the St. Walburga Monastery. Thanks be to God and all of our donors who made this blessed day possible.

ALL SOULS DAY

We remember all of our loved ones and friends who have died, as we pray for their souls to be received into heaven. It reminds us that we may only have today to live our lives fully in love and kindness. We learned to embrace our past for what it is; to let go of old hurts or attitudes; and to move on to receive the new blessings God has for us here and now. A candle representing the Light of Christ was lit, prayers were shared, and memorial stones were received. The healing presence of our Lord touched each of our hearts. We prayed in a special way for family and friends, and in a special way for Rev. Edward Hinds who recently died.

"No One Should Be without One"

Yesterday, our Campus Ministers met with the Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless in preparation for their ministry to provide educational support to homeless children. Beatrice 's Place provides "each child with a one-to-one high school student tutor, who will assist the child with his/her homework, strengthening their academic skills, and mentor the child through troubled times." Our Senior Campus Ministers will also be reaching out to help their little sisters in need during the evening of November 5, while the parent(s) are attending a workshop. The facts reveal that children comprise nearly 1/2 of all the homeless in the United States. Along with the Coalition, we believe we are responsible to build a community of support, compassion and respect for our brothers and sisters in need. At Benedictine Academy, we can and are making a difference!

The Pearl of Great Price

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it...", said Jesus according to the Gospel of Matthew. " You are the most precious pearl, a great treasure... I chose you..." This past Friday, our school community was most blessed to hear a beautiful meditation on this meaningful Scripture passage presented by our Convocation Pro-Life speaker for Rachel's Vineyard, Ms. Donna Caprario Augustine, Class of 1972 a Benedictine Academy Alumna. Ms. Augustine was an inspiration to all as she shared the truth about the value of human life (a hidden treasure), the depth of God's mercy, the freeing power of forgiveness, and the hope we have been given through our Lord Jesus Christ. She ended with her sending forth prayer upon the students:

"Go share your light. Walk closely with God and you will know Peace. We wish you Peace."

Ms. Augustine, on behalf of the Benedictine Academy, we wish that the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be also with you. Amen.