AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME

At this special time of year, we remember and pray for the gross injustices of our humanity. On Wednesday, the George Street Playhouse came to Benedictine Academy today to present the play, "AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME: Remembering The World of Anne Frank" written by James Still. It is in the remembering that we become aware that it is our responsibility to prevent the hurt that is caused by stereotyping, discrimination and prejudices. The Holocaust, Darfur, Rwanda, and Bosnia are only a macrocosm of the injustices that go on every day in our cities & towns. All of our students discussed the issues and reflected on the importance of our Benedictine Mission to listen, learn, love and lead others to live in peaceful and harmony. At BA, we believe that every person has dignity and intrinsic worth.

SENIOR RETREAT

It was an amazing two days as the Senior Graduating Class of 2008 retreated at the beautiful retreat house of Stella Maris in Elberon, New Jersey this past Thursday and Friday. The graces and the blessings from our Lord overflowed in abundance beginning with the warmth of the sun on the golden sands of the beach to our surprise guests - the chaplains and tight-end football player #88, Mike Matthews, from the winning superbowl team, the New Jersey Giants!

Trust walks, knocking down walls, autographed footballs, tears of joy, and prayer filled our days from the early morning sunrise to the evening moonlight. We give thanks to our loving God and the myriads of people that made these two days so special, especially our retreat director and friend, Eddie.

Peer Mentoring Program

Our Senior Peer Mentors were amazing this past year and truly paved the way for our new Peer Mentors for the upcoming 2008-2009 school year. Sister Donna Jo, OSF and Mrs. Michalski, our Campus Ministers, were on the road once again to the Franciscan Spirituality Center in Ringwood with thirteen of our new Peer Mentors for an intense two day training session. Sr. Rosemary Napolitano, the Director of the Spirituality Center, trained our new Peer Mentors in group dynamics, confidentiality, deep listening, and critical thinking regarding teen issues. Our theme was "Me 2 We" as our students bonded as a new Campus Ministry Team. They were awesome and are eager to meet their new sisters, the incoming freshmen for the next school year!

JUNIOR RETREAT

It was a beautiful day at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in Ringwood, New Jersey. The challenge set before our soon-to-be Seniors was to follow our Lord, Jesus in serving others with compassion. The Juniors enthusiastically accepted the challenge as they reflected on their strengths and areas that required transformation. Then, after the breaking of the bread, they wrapped the towel around their waists, knelt before their sisters, and washed each other's hands/feet as a sign of their commitment to lead their younger classmates in loving service. Ed Craviolo, our Retreat Director, was joined by Sister Donna Jo Repetti, OSF and Mrs. Michalski, the Campus Ministers. Benedictine Academy is a Service Leadership School. Our Mission Statement is to Listen, Learn, Love and Lead.