Newsletter 3 - St. James Academy

PRAYING AND PLAYING WITH PASSION
�e Sophomore Retreat was held on February 11-12. According to Sr.
M. Luka, “�is was the best retreat ever at St. James. �e students were
truly drawn to God. It was evident in the fact that everyone participated.
�e students were so excited to be there and they enjoyed it all the way
through.” Sr. M. Luka also mentioned that at one point the students were
singing so loudly in the chapel, she had to close the door so the prayer
partners were not interrupted! She was very
impressed with the participation level of this
sophomore class.
Adoration was once again the highlight of the retreat. It was very
spiritual and moving. Reconciliation was also available to the students.
�ere were seven priests who were there to hear confessions, which
was a good thing because approximately 170 students took part in
this Sacrament.
A special thank you goes out to all the faculty and staff who made this retreat so memorable by
giving their time and sharing their love of Jesus with our students.
JOHN MUEHLBERGER SPEAKS AT YOUTH RALLY
John Muehlberger, Dean of Students and Head Varsity Football Coach at St. James, spoke at
the Archdiocesan Junior High Youth Rally at Prairie Star Ranch on February 27-28. He was
joined by Aquinas football coach Mike �omas and Miege football coach Tim Grunhardt.
Close to 800 seventh and eighth graders from around the Archdiocese were in attendance.
John was asked by Dana Nearmyer, Director of Youth and Young Adults for the Archdiocese, to
speak at the rally. �e three coaches centered their talks around a “locker room” theme, as if they
were speaking to their team at half-time. �ey spoke about how to live out your faith each day.
�ey had the opportunity to speak with a group of boys first, then girls. Coach �omas began
the talk speaking about persistence. Coach Grunhardt spoke about momentum and Coach
Muehlberger spoke about character. Coach Muehlberger challenged the kids to take what they learned home with
them so they could live it each and every day. Coach Muehlberger commented, “It was a successful event. It was great
for the kids to see all three high school coaches in a different light, away from the football field.”
Everyone seemed to enjoy the rally. Even the parents were impressed. One parent in attendance wanted to know if the
three coaches would be open to speaking again to the youth in Missouri. I guess we will have to wait and see!
ST. JAMES ACADEMY IN THE NEWS
Following is a link to an article about St. James Academy’s Community/House
System featured in the February 5, 2010 edition of �e Leaven.
Jill Ragar Esfeld, the writer, with help from some of our students and staff, did a
great job explaining just how amazing the House System is at St. James Academy.
We are thankful for all students, faculty, staff and administrators who live this
community life each day.
See it at http://www.theleaven.com/V31/v31n25house.html.