Volume 6, Issue 2
August 20, 2007
St. Bernard of Clairvaux
St. Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church was born in Burgundy, France in a castle near Dijon. Early on his parents sent him to school where he was a remarkably pious young man. He entered the Cistercian Order in 1112. Soon after profession of vows he was sent to found a monastery at Clairvaux. As a young abbot he published a series of sermons on the Annunciation. These marked him as a most gifted spiritual writer, especially noted for his development of Mary's mediatorial role. He founded many monasteries, advised popes, and performed miracles. He died on August 20, 1153.
A Famous Prayer written by St. Bernard, The Memorare
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Message from the Secretary for Education/Superintendent
In the July 13, 2007 issue of the Catholic Universe Bulletin, Bishop Lennon shared the priorities set by the United States Bishops at their meeting in New Mexico in mid-June. The priorities are: 1) catechesis – what to teach, how to teach and where to teach, 2) family life – in particular the joys of marriage and family life, 3) vocations – the fact that everyone is called by God to a special vocation, and 4) respect for life – with special attention to programs that further respect, protection, and support for human life. Bishop will dedicate a full article to each priority over the next four issues of the Catholic Universe Bulletin. How might you and your staff address these priorities with your students and parents?
From October 5-26, 2008, Pope Benedict the XVI will convene the Synod of Bishops to discuss the theme: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” The secretariat of the Synod of Bishops prepares guidelines or an outline called the lineamenta, to help guide discussion on the synod’s theme in every local Church over the next 12 months. The area superintendents will be sharing information with principals at regular meetings during the year to help you prepare your school communities for this great event.
Special Thanks . . .
To Sr. Mary Pat Cook and her staff for once again hosting the New Teacher Orientation, Thursday, August 9, 2007. The all-day event was a fitting welcome to new teachers as they prepare for their first real teaching experience, or for those returning to teaching after a respite. The excellent hospitality and lovely facilities certainly added to the day.
To Roger Abood, President-Principal of St. Peter Chanel High School for hosting the annual Plenary Gathering of principals and DREs this past week, August 15, 2007. He and his gracious staff did everything possible to make our gathering a success. Hospitality was A+ from students, custodians, staff and administration.
We acknowledge the effort that both facilities put forth to be ready for these meetings ahead of what might be their regularly scheduled maintenance. We are very grateful!
We remember in prayer. . .
Frank Dobos and his two daughters, Beth and Sue, on the death of Jean Dobos, wife and mother. Frank served as Deputy Superintendent and in various capacities in the Diocesan Education Office.
Frank Przybojewski, Principal of St. Clare School on the death of his mother, Helen.
Joan Agresta, Principal at St. Anselm School on the death of her mother, Bettie.
May Jean, Helen and Bettie rest in peace.
Congratulations, Sister Miriam Claire Kowal, OSBM
Sister Miriam Claire was elected Superior General of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great this past July in Rome at the order’s General Chapter. The order is international belonging to the Eastern Rite of the Catholic Church. It is comprised of provinces in Argentina, Croatia, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, Ukraine, and the USA. The order also serves in Brazil, Hungary, and Italy. As Superior General, Sister Miriam Claire and her Council are charged with oversight of the order in all parts of the world. We congratulate Sister Miriam Claire and pray for a successful term of office and blessings on her community. St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic School and the Byzantine and Roman Catholic dioceses will miss you!
Catholic Family Day at Jacobs Field
The second annual Catholic Family Day at Jacobs Field will take place on Sunday, September 16, 2007. Father Bob Stec, Pastor of St. Ambrose Parish will celebrate Mass at 10:30 am in the lower reserved seating section in right field. After the Mass, you and your family can purchase lunch in one of the all-you-can-eat picnic plazas located behind the lower reserved seating section. The buffet lasts from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and includes hot dogs, rigatoni, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ chicken, potato salad, baked beans, cookies and Pepsi fountain beverages. You may eat at the buffet or bring the food back to your seats. The buffet has come-and-go privileges. Cost of buffet is $18.95 for adults, and $8.95 for children 10 and under. Cost of game tickets are Lower Reserved $18.00, Mezzanine $12.00, Bleacher $10.00. You received the flyers for ordering tickets at the Plenary Meeting. If you did not or if you have questions, please call Customer Service at 216.420.4487 or email cservice@indians.com.
Children two and under do not require a ticket to the game or picnic. All kids 14 and under will receive a Spongebob SquarePants Bobsterz upon entry to the ballpark and may run the bases after the game.
And, of course, the Tribe hosts the Central Division Kansas City Royals at 1:05 pm. Go Tribe!
Unique Learning Experience!
Looking for a unique and entertaining educational experience for you and your students? The Mobile Planetarium from Edu-tainment by Kramer seems to be just such an experience. You can bring museum quality planetarium shows directly to your students without the hassle and liabilities of traditional field trips. What you need is an indoor space such as a gymnasium that can accommodate the M5 Mobile Planetarium, 16’x16’x10’H; two (2) separate 110 volt, 20 amp power supply (separate circuits); and one person to act as host and assist the event. Mobile Planetarium has a variety of programs including, Stellarium, 3D photo-realistic skies; The Dinosaur Prophecy, giant reptiles coming to life; Microcosm, extraordinary adventures inside the human body; Save A Life Tour, a high-impact alcohol awareness program; and Season of Light, a holiday program combining astronomy and holiday traditions. For more information call 616-791-0095 or 1-888-655-7263.
A Prayer written by Father Nuzzi
We hope that the teachers who attended Father Nuzzi’s presentation on either Thursday or Friday were inspired for the coming school year. Here is a prayer, Father wrote:
1 Corinthians, Chapter 13: A Teacher’s Paraphrase
If I could explain everything perfectly to my students, but did not love each one of them, I might as well be talking to an empty room. If I could find all the answers to educational problems and did not love, my efforts would be futile. If I could buy every kind of educational aid and sacrificed to do so, but did not have love for my students, it would be a complete waste.
Love is patient when it is necessary to repeat a concept over and over to a student who is having difficulty.
Love is kind when an irate parent accuses and berates other teachers or me.
Love is not jealous when the other teacher has an entire class of well behaved and extremely intelligent children while mine are not so great.
Love is not proud or boastful when my students improve greatly and really want to come to my class.
Love is willing to yield my schedule and plans to fit in with the needs of others.
Love does not scream at my class when they misbehave, but seeks to help them understand the importance of self-discipline.
Love does not broadcast all of my students’ problems and misdeeds to those in the lounge.
Love keeps trying even when it seems a student will never understand long division or the difference between an adverb and an adjective.
Teaching methods, bulletin boards, textbooks, yes, even computers, will eventually be discarded, but love is everlasting.
These three things I have learned through teaching: endurance, patience and love. And, the greatest of these is love.
Father Ron Nuzzi