Celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit

As we begin all good works, we begin our new school year with the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit. It is a wonderful tradition to walk en masse, as one sacred school community, across the street to the Benedictine's Sisters beautiful monastery chapel to celebrate Liturgy. Our dearest friends, Monsignor Bill Hatcher and Father Jim Worth of St. James Parish in Springfield, were our Presiders of the Word and Music.

As the Gospel Choir sang so joyfully, Open the Eyes to our Hearts Lord, each of our new students received the gift of their own personal Bible. In loving memory of alumnus Cathy Donnelly, this tradition began many years ago, originating from the friendship of two beautiful young women who went to Benedictine Academy. At Benedictine Academy, you enter as strangers and leave as sisters!

NEW Interactive Science Lab

The Most Reverend Bishop Manuel A. Cruz blessed our new Interactive Science Lab this past week. Reverend Monsignor Kevin Hanbury, Brother Ralph Darmento, Sister Sharon Mc Hugh and the Benedictine Sisters, Mrs. Cynthia Readlinger, BA Staff, friends, and alumnae celebrated and gave the Lord glory due His Name in thanksgiving for our new lab .


Following Sister Germaine Fritz's (President) inspiring opening remarks, Mr. Ken Jennings (Principal) shared a few of the outstanding accomplishments of our student achievers. Whether it was attending a summer program at Princeton University, participating in an International Seminar in Ireland, performing in the NJPAC Theatre Performing Arts Program, or interning at Trinitas Hospital as part of their pre-nursing/medical program, our AP SCHOLARS and younger underclass women were learning and growing.



At Benedictine Academy, we believe that every student can be challenged to pursue leadership opportunities. Critical thinking and intellectual curiosity are the cornerstones to success.

"The Call within the Call"

It was on September 10, 1946 that Mother Teresa received the "Call within the Call" to leave Loreto and go into the slums of Calcutta to bring Jesus' love to the poor.

Mother Teresa would have celebrated her 100th birthday this year. She would often say, "Do Something Beautiful for God". The students at Benedictine Academy decided to "Do Something Beautiful for God" by collecting 100 bags of nonperishable food items for the poor and the homeless. At Benedictine Academy, we believe that every student is called to be a leader and give service to the community. It is a shared responsibility for us all.

Feast Day of the Blessed Mother

September 8, Wednesday, was the birthday of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Mother to all us. We celebrated as we gathered to pray as one sacred community. Earlier that morn, Sisters of the Spirit ( S.O.S.) made the preparations to distribute 200 munchkins to all the Staff and Students.

The Gospel Choir sang so beautifully Hail Holy Queen. We could feel the Lord's blessing upon us, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, as we started the new school year.

WELCOME BACK!

We hope you had a wonderful summer. There are so many exciting new things happening at Benedictine Academy this new school year.

• This Wednesday, The Most Reverend Bishop Manuel A. Cruz will be blessing our new interactive science lab. It is truly phenomenal. A must see on your next visit.


• As the last phase of the installation of the new laptops, docking stations and smartboards in every classroom, the library/media center is equipped new laptops and smartboard. Our entire school building is now wireless for easy student Internet access.


• Dr. Michael Fowlin (Actor, Psychologist, Poet) will be visiting at 9:00 a.m. on November 4 to speak to our students about discovering the beauty within and around us. He is a dynamic speaker who has spoken to millions of youth and adults across the country.



• New York Times Best Selling Author of THE SHACK, William Paul Young, will be making a special appearance at Benedictine Academy. He will be speaking to our school community fin the afternoon of November 10 at the St. Walburga Monastery Chapel. All friends and families of our school community are welcome. Stay tuned for more details.

The Guidance Department has a new look. Sister Donna Jo Repetti is working with all the students across the grades. Her goal is for every young lady to achieve her personal best and attend the college of her choice. Sister will be speaking at the October BAPA meeting. It will prove to be a most fruitful evening for all who attend.

These are only a few of the dynamic programs underway at Benedictine Academy. Check our Home Page for a more complete listing of dates and events.

"I am the Potter and you are the Clay"

The Benedictine Staff went off to the beautiful Ramapo Mountains to pray and experience the work of the Potter's hands. Our theme this school year is Teamwork. We believe that we are one sacred community and Jesus is the First Teacher of every classroom. United together, Staff, Students and God create a synergy that produces extraordinary A+ results. It was an amazing experience. If you ever have the opportunity, stop by Bostree Studio and Gallery in Sugarloaf, New York. Ray Boswell, the Potter, will welcome the opportunity to meet you and show you around!