Being Part of the Benedictine Spirit

Eighteen of our Campus Ministry Leaders had the unique privilege of attending a workshop with Sister Mariette at the Benedictine Spirituality Center of St. Walburga Monastery. The students inclined the ear of their hearts to Sister as she shared her insights and wisdom to the inner workings of the Rule of St. Benedict. "The love of Christ" comes before all else... humility is the staircase to heaven ... obedience means listening to the One who loves you and cares for you. Following our Lord's example, they broke bread together (shared pizza and cookies), laughed together, performed skits of the various parts of the Rule, and ended with joining the Benedictine Sisters in Chapel for Vespers. It was a fun and worthwhile experience for all.

Benedictine Academy is more than a school community. We are members of the Benedictine Family. This Tuesday, our Freshmen Students will be taking a personalized tour of the St. Walburga Monastery. Know we carry all of our families and friends in our hearts and pray for you each day.

Mass of the Holy Spirit

The Opening School Mass was celebrated on the Feast of Padre Pio with the entire school community, family members, and the Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburga Monastery. Our celebrant and long-time friend, was Father James Worth of St. James the Apostle Church in Springfield . Father Jim was on fire with the SPIRIT as he shared a thought-provoking homily on new beginnings and the opportunity to make a positive difference in someones life today and in the days ahead. Our Campus Ministry Praise Dancers and Gospel Choir shared their gifts of praise in song and dance, literally touching all of our souls.

At the conclusion of Mass, each new freshmen and transfer student received the gift of the Sacred Bible presented by a member of the graduating Senior Class, in memory of an alumnae, Cathy Donnelly Ferruggia, Class of '62.

Mr. Jennings, our Principal, also inducted the Campus Ministers for the new school year.

Remembrance of September 11

This Friday, we gathered as one sacred community to pray for our loved ones and all who had died in the terrible attack on our nation eight short years ago. As our Senior Campus Minister sounded the bell in remembrance, we listened with the ear of our hearts to the silence and prayed that our Lord would bring peace to our troubled world.

Although we cannot change history, we strongly believe we can Be the Change for a better world. According to the Gospel of Matthew and the Rule of St. Benedict, we were reminded not to hold onto anger or nurse a grudge. "The love of Christ comes before all else... love your enemies... pray for those who persecute you." It all begins with our words, our actions, and the disposition of our hearts. The prayer service concluded with everyone, one family under God, praying our Lord's prayer - the Our Father.

Peer Mentoring Program for Incoming Freshmen

The Senior Campus Ministry Students have been meeting, training, and preparing in anticipation for welcoming the new graduating class of 2013. Their message is simple: Study hard, work to the best of your potential, and get involved in the myriad of sports and clubs that Benedictine Academy has to offer. Our Senior Peer Mentors, known as the "F.a.m.i.l.y." are an amazing group of young ladies. They have undergone an intense training program led by Sr. Rosemary Napolitano, the Director of the Franciscan Spirituality Center. The Peer Mentors delved into such topics as group dynamics, confidentiality, deep listening, peer pressure and current teen issues. A letter explaining the program can be found on Sr. Donna Jo Repetti's, OSF or Mrs. Linda Michalski's Teacher Web Pages. The Senior Peer Mentors are awesome and eager to meet their new sisters, the incoming freshmen, for the new school year!

Mount St. Francis Spirituality Center

"He (Jesus) went to the mountain-top and prayed..." . Following our Lord, the entire Staff went to the Ramapo Mountains to pray and listen with the ear of their hearts. Each year, the Benedictine Academy Staff gathers as one sacred community to pray together, laugh together, break bread together and prepare to begin the new school year with God as our guide. This year, our school theme is Learn to Love and Love to Learn. Having a passion for academic learning and treating each other with respect and care are two of the cornerstones of our Mission Statement at Benedictine Academy. We are on fire with the Spirit to pass the flame of Knowledge and Wisdom to our students. This academic year of 2009-2010 holds new promises of high achievements for our students in the areas of technology, the sciences, the arts and sports.

Good News!

We recently received the Good News from Free the Children. Our O'Ambassador Club documentary, Stop Human Trafficking, was named in the top 10 creative DVD's by Free the Children. A special article will be released in their We Generation magazine this fall and the final judging for the number one DVD will be held next month. Stay tuned for the results. In the meantime, we ask for your prayers as we continue to do the Lord's work by helping the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. (Oh yes, please pray that we win, too!)