Peace Cranes

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5) In anticipation of our convocation speaker, Dr. Michael Fowlin, our Peace & Justice Campus Ministers gathered together to make 295 origami peace cranes.

Sadako was a little girl who had developed leukemia as a result of the explosion of the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima. She started to fold paper cranes in the hospital a year before she was to die. Her wish was that there would be no more war in the world and only peace would prevail on earth.

We continue this practice of Peace at Benedictine Academy. Our Campus Ministers wrote a message of peace on each of the wings of the paper cranes. These peace cranes will fly free over Dr. Michael Fowlin at the conclusion of his presentation this Thursday, November 4. Come and join us as we are made instruments of God's peace.

Prayer Vigil for Eric

Our students gathered around Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to pray for her intercession for the healing of Eric LeGrande, the Rutgers football player

who was severely injured in a game a few weeks ago.

In the candlelit vigil, our fingers passed over the beads of the rosaries

as our lips prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries of he Holy Rosary.

At Benedictine Academy, we believe in the power of prayer

and the mystery of the Eucharist.

"Amen I say to you, if two of you agree on earth

about anything for which they are to pray,

it shall be granted to them by My heavenly Father.

For where two or three are gathered in My Name,

there I am in the midst of them. "

Matthew 18:19-21

Habitat for Humanity

"Dreams take shape" as our Senior Campus Ministers, Sisters of the Spirit, help finish building a home for Habitat for Humanity. Our Campus Ministers know they serve the Lord by serving others. As they worked hard on a most beautiful autumn day, they prayed that the homeowners would enjoy their new home. "Habitat for Humanity puts an end to poverty housing." Together, we can and are making our world a better place. Benedictine Academy has recently been awarded the honor of being a certified Jefferson Award Youth Initiative School, as well as being an authorized a United States Presidential Volunteer Service Organization. Each year our students are recognized for their outstanding service to the local communities. Their inspiration is our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Time

PBJ Campus Ministers heard the cry of the poor and organized a Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive to fill the pantries of the Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless. Panera Bread donated dozens of loaves of bread and the Franciscan Sisters donated two HUGE 5 lb. cans of Peanut Butter. Benedictine Students and Staff joined together in solidarity donating dozens and dozens and dozens of jars of peanut butter & jelly.

Then it was Peanut Butter & Jelly Time after school this Friday! Over 80 students came to decorate lunch bags and make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. Everyone had an amazing time as we made over 190 sandwiches. Then off we went to deliver the goodies to the Elizabeth Coalition for the Homeless. It was just in time as the pantries were bare and people were waiting for the kindness of someone to drop off bags of food.

At Benedictine Academy, we believe we have a shared responsibility in caring for the needs of the local community. We can and are making our world a better place to live.

Junior Retreat

The Junior Class headed for the Ramapo Mountains to retreat at the beautiful Franciscan Spirituality Center in Ringwood, New Jersey. It was a peace-filled day as they walked the sacred grounds enjoying God's Presence in the gentle breeze. From Our Lady of Lourdes in the grotto to our Lord's Agony in the Garden, our students had time to reflect with their Benedictine Sisters over the breaking of the bread.

As a special surprise, Eddie of Eagle's Wings, brought a guest from Tenafly Nature Center - the resident Barred Owl and the Red-Tailed Hawk. Both birds are permanently injured and cannot be released into the wild. As we read from Scripture, Wisdom Passages and words of encouragement from Isaiah, we listened and learned of the nature of two of God's most beautiful creatures. Abby, the friend of the hawk and owl said only one thing was essential, "No Hooting Please!" Our Juniors returned home soaring like eagles!

Spanish Heritage Celebration

For the past week, Benedictine Academy has been celebrating Spanish Heritage Month. Each morning, when we gather together as one sacred community for prayer, a student shared knowledge regarding the Hispanic culture and their great people in history. The more we understand who we are and each others heritages, the more we value the human dignity of one another.

The Gospel Choir practiced mornings and afternoons to prepare to lend their voices for the closing celebration.

Freshmen Retreat

Last week, the Freshmen gathered together to build community with God and one another. As they listened with the ear of their hearts to each other's stories, they came to know and appreciate more deeply the gift of God's Presence in one another.

Our school theme this year is Team Power. Led by six of our Seniors and our Retreat Director, Eddie, they learned that they could soar like an eagle. In formation like the Blue Angels, a synergy is created that produces A+ results. It was a fun-filled experience as they laughed together, prayed together, ate together, and formed close friendships with God and their new Sisters.

"B" is for Benedictine and seeing the beauty of God in each other....

Psalm 91. 1 " He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide ...

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings, bear you on the breath of dawn..."

LIVING ROSARY

Every year it is a tradition at Benedictine Academy to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Rosary at St. Walburga Monastery Chapel. On Thursday, October 7, the entire school community joined their voices in prayer for Mary's intercession on our behalf.

It is said that when we pray the Hail Mary's, our prayers are placed as beautiful roses at the feet of Jesus, our Lord. Mary, Mother of Jesus, is Mother to us all, regardless of our faith.

Our Senior Campus Ministers, known as Sisters of the Spirit, led each decade of the rosary in the language of their culture. How blessed are we to have our Heavenly Mother to protect and guide us through our lives. Holy Mary, Mother of God pray for us... Amen.

Breast Cancer Walk

Last week was a very important day. As one sacred community, our school walked in solidarity with our brothers and sisters to raise awareness and funds for a cure for cancer. Sister Germaine, our President, led the way with our Senior Students and Mr. Jennings, Principal, and the rest of the community joined in the 3K walk.

Mrs. Rodrigues and the Portuguese Club collected over $2400. to donate toward cancer research.

May our God of love heal all who are suffering with cancer, most especially our family and friends. May their pain cease… May their strength increase…. May their fears be released… May God’s blessings, love and peace surround them. Amen

Feast Days Galore!

Feast Day of St. Therese (known as the Little Flower), Guardian Angel Day, and Feast of St. Francis are pouring down blessings from heaven on Benedictine Academy. The Senior Campus Ministers were busy distributing Guardian Angel Prayer Cards and friendly stickers to their classmates as they passed through the hallways throughout the day. Sharing kindness and a smile with their Sisters filled their hearts with joy.

Angel of God My Guardian dear

to whom God's love commits me here.

Ever this day be at my side,

to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

This month is also National Keep a Positive Attitude Month. Each day we are encouraging one another to give a smile to every one we meet. Ariana says, "a little positive spirit goes a long way in changing someone's day." So join us in BEING THE EFFORT and BE THE CHANGE!