Winter 2012 - Mount Michael Benedictine School

Letter from the AbbotThe fiftiethanniversaryis awonderfulreminderespeciallythis time ofyear thatChrist isindeed thelight of theworld.Every four years, all the abbots and priors ofthe Benedictine confederation gather at Sant’Anselmo, the Benedictine abbey, school andheadquarters in Rome. The two week meetingtakes place in mid-September. Business consistsof electing an abbot primate - the abbot whois chosen to lead Benedictine men worldwide; of ensuring the ongoing success of Sant’Anselmo itself; and of reporting about a varietyof initiatives that Benedictine monasteries areundertaking around the world.There is not much free time from themeetings, but Rome and the area surroundingoffer countless places of interest to visit. Oneof those is the basilica of St. Paul’s Outsidethe Walls. When St. Paul was arrested for histeaching, he appealed to the governor that hehad the right to have his case heard in Romebecause he was a Roman citizen. According toChristian tradition, following his trial St. Paulwas beheaded. The Romans, who believed thatbeheading was more humane, reserved thatform of execution to citizens. After his death,St. Paul was buried in a cemetery which, likeall cemeteries, was located outside the walls ofthe ancient city. The basilica today marks thelocation of St. Paul’s tomb. Recent archeologicalexcavations near the basilica continue to yieldnew information about the history of the area.On a Saturday, we traveled to St. Paul’s to seethe excavations. Intriguing to see, but not asinteresting as a display inside the basilica.Fifty years ago in October 1962, Pope JohnXXIII convened the Second Vatican Council.The purpose of the council as Pope John XXIIIenvisioned it was aggiornamento (Italian for‘bringing up to date’) - a word to convey aspirit of change and open-mindedness in thechurch. His intention was for the church toengage the modern world. The title of one ofthe most important documents of the council,Lumen Gentium (The Light of the Nations),underscores the hope of Pope John XXIII. TheCatholic Church is indeed the bearer of thelight of Christ for the world. The doors ofthe Church need to be open so that the lightof Christ can shine forth; so that the light ofChrist is accessible to everyone in the world.Pope John XXIII announced his intention toconvene the Second Vatican Council at St. Paul’sOutside the Walls on January 25, 1959. Headdressed a small group of cardinals gatheredthere for the concluding liturgy of the week ofprayer for Christian unity. He said, “Standingbefore you I tremble somewhat with emotionbut am humbly resolute in my purpose toproclaim a twofold celebration: a diocesan synodfor the city of Rome, and a general Council forthe universal Church.”These words, along with other documents,photos and videos marking the 50 th anniversaryof the Second Vatican Council, were on displayin the basilica. It was a thrill to see such asignificant event in the history of the churchso vividly recalled. The 50 th anniversary is awonderful reminder especially at this time ofyear that Christ is indeed the light of the world.Every year at Christmas time, we celebrate atthe darkest hour of the year the eruption ofChrist’s light into a fallen world. With greatjoy we realize that we are fortunate once againto witness the arrival of the new born lightof the world. Christ brightens the path toour salvation. But Christmas is also a tellingreminder that as Lumen Gentium makes clear,it is our personal obligation to bring Christ’slight into the world. Every act of kindness,consideration and charity which we perform forthe benefit of others makes Christ’s light shine.It is not what we receive, but what we give thatmakes Christmas meaningful.~ Rt. Rev. Michael Liebl, O.S.B.The MonasticCommunityCelebratesThree SpecialJubileesCongratulations Father Stephen, 25 years, Brother Francis, 50 years and Abbot Raphael, 60 years!2

Memorial & TributeInformationOften inquiries are made about our memorialsand tributes for relatives and friends, living ordeceased. At Mount Michael one can enroll familiesor friends in our memorial and tribute foundation.This consists of daily remembrance at the Eucharistand the Divine Office by the monks of MountMichael Abbey. Upon enrollment, we will notify thefamily with a card.The suggested offering for this memorial enrollment is:INDIVIDUALOne Year $50Five Years $100Lifetime $250FAMILYOne Year $100Five Years $200Lifetime $500BirthsCecilia AntonelliDaughter ofMr. & Mrs. Chris (‘07) and Geneva AntonelliBryleigh Kathryn DesrosiersGranddaughter ofMr. & Mrs. Rocky and Kathy SnawerdtLincoln Alexander McKnightSon of Mr. & Mrs. Curt (‘01) and Holly McKnightMarriagesAddison James Killeen (‘04) and Rachel LeitOctober 12, 2012Michael Knott (Alumni parent) and Dianne PoneSeptember 21, 2012Justin Cheney (‘04) and Amy JuszykSeptember 15, 2012Joe Wolpert (‘05) and Judy WongSeptember 08, 2012Ron Kmiecik (‘05) and Katie GaffneyAugust 04, 2012Mass InformationIf you find that your pastor is unable toconveniently take care of Masses you wish to havecelebrated for your particular intentions, MountMichael Abbey welcomes the requests for suchintentions. We will see to it that the Masses arecelebrated as promptly as possible.The offering you make should correspond withthat suggested by the diocese in which you reside.Your pastor will be able to inform you of what thestipend of a particular diocese may be.Mass Intentions $10.00Please address such requests to:Mass IntentionsDevelopment OfficeMount Michael Benedictine Abbey22520 Mount Michael RoadElkhorn, NE 68022DeathsBrandon Buttry - Cousin of Alumnus Tom Buttry (‘01)LeVeta Danek - Grandmother of Jack (‘12) & Ben (‘13)PapeErnest T. Firmature - Friend of Mount MichaelMichael Wayne Franken - Friend of Mount MichaelFrank Hrbek - Friend of Mount MichaelBetty Ann Hood - Former Mount Michael EmployeeKathryn Kalenze - Sister of Mount Michael EmployeeKari HerbstIda Kenny - Grandmother of William (‘03) & Thomas(‘07) KennyAmelia Melroy - Aunt of CDS Employee Donna MapleRev. John Mika - Attended Mount Michael (‘62-’65)Dennis Murray - Brother of Steve Murray (‘80) Uncleof Evan Murray (‘12)Lois Rogert - Friend of Mount MichaelRichard Weitkemper, Sr. - Grandfather of Sam (‘06)& Luke (‘09)Jean Storm - Mother-in-law of Alumni Andy (‘01)Collins, Tom (‘08) Horgan & Jack (‘07) HorganHelen B. Szymanski Pecha - Grandmother of DavePecha (‘93), Mike Pecha & Stephen PechaRita Wageman - Great Grandmother of Ben Borsh (‘15)Dave Walsh - Brother of Abbot Raphael Walsh, O.S.B.Betty Watson - Grandmother of CDS Employee,Donna MapleCheryl Zugner - Family Friend of CDS Employee,Kristi SimasPlease send announcements to Kari Herbst:kherbst@mountmichael.org3

Memorials & tributes: august - november, 2012In Memory of Emmett DustinMr. Boyd and Mrs. Kathleen WestThe family of Emmett DustinIn Memory of Michael FrankenMr. Mick and Mrs. Patricia SchaeferIn Memory of Alice GeorgeThe family of Alice GeorgeIn Honor of Barbara and Donald E. LanspaMr. Mark LanspaWells Fargo Matching Gift ProgramIn Memory of Margaret McMenaminDr. Louis and Mrs. Jacqueline SojkaIn Memory of Pauline MerryweatherMr. Brian and Mrs. Londa VencilMr. Terry and Mrs. Lois KasperbauerThe family of Pauline MerryweatherMs. Sharron HolmesMr. Craig and Mrs. Wendy AddisonMs. Mary BaumanMr. Don and Mrs. Denise ChristensenMr. Deryl and Mrs. Janet HancockMs. Jennifer NiksichMr. Richard WaughMr. Tim ClementsMs. Kathleen MohleMs. Marlene NeesenMr. Herbert and Mrs. Shirley HarrisMs. Peggy VencilMr. Frank and Mrs. Carolyn VencilMr. J.G. VerzalMr. Lonnie and Mrs. Shirley HeldtCarson Wealth Management, LLCIn Memory of John D. MoylanMr. Don and Mrs. Debbie LerdalMr. Gary and Mrs. Kim PetersenMr. George GriebMr. Richard and Mrs. Darleen FitzgeraldMr. Patrick KeitgiesMr. Norman and Mrs. Rosella PavelMr. Steven and Mrs. Diane CaswellMr. John and Mrs. Debra BothofMr. James PalmerMr. Harold RichterThe Smith FamilyIn Memory of Silvestro OrsiMrs. Nancy BoeIn Memory of Helen PechaMrs. Jean PechaIn Memory of Georgann PesaventoMr. James and Mrs. Maureen WaldronMr. L. Matt and Mrs. Amy MalskettMr. Michael and Mrs. Deborah ConryMr. John and Mrs. Cindra AltmanMr. William and Mrs. Julies EricksonMr. Stanley and Mrs. De Ett HarlessMr. Richard and Mrs. Rita RonkMr. John and Mrs. Marianne CanlessMr. Thomas and Mrs. Mary BushMr. Bradley and Mrs. Christine GoschMr. Joseph and Mrs. Pamela HartnettMr. Chris and Mrs. Gina LypaczewskiMr. George RosnessMr. Dave and Mrs. Nancy RoshoneMr. Richard and Mrs. Laural RonkMr. David and Ms. Millie SpennerMr. Michael ScherrIn Memory of Lori RohDr. Martin and Mrs. Judy ScheerIn Honor of Emmet RootThe family of Emmet RootIn Memory of Leonard SchmitzMr. Joel and Ms. Ann CapesiusIn Memory of Jim StengelMr. Donald and Mrs. Marlene McCallIn Memory of Virginia TardyMr. John and Mrs. Phyllis FinneyMr. Frank and Mrs. Marge ZimmermanThe family of Virginia TardyMr. Devin and Mrs. Liz MoylanMr. Edward and Mrs. Rosalie FennellMr. Richard and Mrs. Peggy WhitakerMs. Catherine SchulzMs. Monica HumpalMr. George and Mrs. Arlene CooperiderMr. Philip and Mrs. Debra KnustIn Memory of Francis TichotaMrs. Maureen GrubarIn Memory of John TripenyMrs. Patricia TripenyIn Memory of Paul TripenyMrs. Patricia TripenyIn Memory of Tom VistyMr. William and Mrs. Jan De Cabooter4

national blue ribbon banner unveiledRepresentatives of the entire Mount Michael community of students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni andschool board members, along with dignitaries, were on hand for the unveiling of our National BlueRibbon banner and plaque. Talks were given by Head of School, Dr. David Peters, Omaha Mayor, JimSuttle, and stand-in’s for Congressman Lee Terry and Jeff Fortenberry. The Mount Michael choir andband also performed at the celebration.Mayor Jim Suttle congratulates Dr.David Peters, Head of School, with aplaque commemorating the achievementThe National Forensic League AwardsMrs. Eileen Sullivan the 2011-2012Leading Chapter Award in theNebraska South DistrictThis coveted award, based upon studentparticipation, is the highest honor the Leaguecan bestow upon a chapter. Only one school ineach district attains this designation each year,and it must wait at least five years before beingeligible again. This year, out of more than 3,000NFL member schools nationwide, MountMichael Benedictine School is one of only 108to receive the Leading Chapter Award.The award reflects 566 members of 49years. In that time, several hundred studentshave been taught communication, analysis,leadership, relentless dedication to the studentsand to forensic education. Your efforts trulyembody the NFL motto: “Training Youthfor Leadership.” Congratulations on thisremarkable achievement.Benedictine ValuesServiceCommunityHospitalityModerationIntegrityThe National SpanishExaminations Awards Mr. ChadSchuttler the 2012 Teacher StudyAbroad Scholarship Winner!Congratulations to Mount MichaelBenedictine School on having a teacherscholarship winner, Mr. Chad Schuttler, for theNational Spanish Examinations in 2012.Mr. Schuttler studied for four weeks inSpain. The scholarship provides opportunitiesfor teachers to continue their professionaldevelopment so as to design instruction andassessments from first hand experiences withthe Spanish language and culture.5

Dr. David Peters and Eric Crawford visit with families and the Great Wall; onehour outside of Beijing.Dr. David Peters attending the BoardingSchool Fair in Shanghai.10th to 12th grade students learn in a classroom atNiulanshan High School in Beijing.admissionsThis fall, the Mount Michael admissions office setout to recruit another group of highly talented eighthgraders to make up the 65 students who will compriseMount Michael’s Class of 2017. We are currentlyprojecting an all time record enrollment of 240students for the fall of 2013. The young men whohave shown serious interest in Mount Michael comefrom a wide range of backgrounds and places. Wehave already received applications from South Korea,China, Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, to name a few.17 of 19 current Korean families met with Dr. David Peters andEric Crawford for lunch while visiting Seoul, South Korea.This fall saw the debut of Mount Michael’s admissionsoffice’s Mount Michael TV Series. These videoswill follow one freshman, one sophomore, one juniorand one senior throughout their 2012-13 schoolyear. These videos are a great way for everyone tolearn more about what Mount Michael student lifeis all about. We feel there is a great deal of valuein showing everyone the type of community andenvironment that exists at Mount Michael.MOUNT MICHAEL TV (Episodes 1-3)Episode 1- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFP8QNXEvIU&feature=youtu.beEpisode 2- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbpYcdGgHrc&feature=youtu.be&hd=1Episode 3- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V-lghL9fgA&feature=youtu.beAs always if you know of any 6 th , 7 th or 8 th grade boys that you think might be a good fit at Mount Michaelwe’d love to have their contact information. You can submit your names via email or by phone to ecrawford@mountmichael.org or 402-253-0946.That In All Things God May Be Glorified,Eric Crawford ‘00Director of Admissions7

MOUNT MICHAEL BENEDICTINE SCHOOL DEANS LIST FIRST QUARTER 2012-2013SENIORSJUNIORSFIRST HONORS SECOND HONORS FIRST HONORS SECOND HONORSMichael Budler David Bastian John Beckman Nick BeckmanJohn Choi J.T. Cronin Diego Berrueta-Ochoa Austin BloomquistGabe Cohen Cory Keegan Robin Britt Matthew BohnhoffPeter DeWald Matthew Lingo Elijah Buckhold Jonathan CheungYutong Gao Joshua Policky Andrew Carpenter Benjamin ConnealyVincent Harvey Nick Scheer Spencer Connors Ryan DegenerHunter Hottovy Will Watson Jarrett Crnkovich Collin DonahueYoon Ho Kim David Wooten Garrison Emsick Evan PinkBenet Kinghorn Cameron Engel Austin RamaekersJoseph Kucirek Will Ernst Kyle SilkePaul Kujawa Jacob Eyth Colin SvobodaMark Loeffelholz Rowan Gruber Blake Tomich-BattenTommy Maliszewski Alex Hynes David UwinganjiConnor Moynihan Jared Jamrog Peter XuYun Sik OhCharlie JarosikJi Hoon ParkEun Woo JeeElliot PrusaHa Seul JeoungGrant RammKevin JewellJoshua RauterkusAndrew JohannesJacob ReckerThomas KalilRandy SpeerJimmy SteierMoon Sup KimJustin LytleJohn MikuliczMatthew OkaleboDaniel PavlikWilhelm SleddensJackson TaylorScott TownsendGriffin WillerDavis WilsonSOPHOMORESFRESHMENFIRST HONORS SECOND HONORS FIRST HONORS SECOND HONORSJonathan Alvine Ryan Anderson Logan Baumberger Ryan Reid Matthew AmaoJacob Batenhorst Jacob Bragg Jacob Bova Alexander Stoupa Samuel BohartCameron Bretsen Logan Kalkowski Matthew Coghill Chongshi Sun Joseph BuddDavid Choi Jun Woo Lee Jeremiah Connealy Jackson Thompson Kyle ColemanJonathan Collins Conor Luff Thomas D’Aquila Samuel Van Haute Raymond DorseyMarcus Cronin Mick Steier Matthew Davis Ryan Whitaker Mason LewisAugustin deMayo Stefano Tarantolo Tyler Degener Corbin Merkel-EvansAndrew Ernst Anthony Taylor Maximilian deMayo Alex MiklasZachary Frevert Nathan Thomas Randall Esquivel Jacob RamaekersChase GoddardMichael FischerJohn GutsmiedlPaul ForgetHarrison HohmanKalle HainesAlex HotovyNathan HazardJin Seo KimElliott HeinemanLogan LarsonJackson HitzemannAshton LegenzaJacob HudsonDun Fletcher LinBenjamin HynesJared MikulsZachary HytrekAndrew PaceDylan JohnsonYoung Joon ParkJin Gue JungZachrey StarmanChristian KellerLucas TuckerConnor KenneyAndrew WhitakerThomas WootenLuke KrajewskiNathaniel LaFaveLeo McGrathCase McNallyAaron MeyerRyan MoffittFIRST HONORS John Morrissey SECOND HONORS1. Minimum GPA of 3.5 Brendan Nicholas 1. Minimum GPA of 3.02. Satisfactory Conduct Alexander Raikar 2. Satisfactory Conduct8

Over the years I have been asked to write about variousmonks, especially at the time of anniversaries or as we sayin the monastery: jubilees. I feel that I never do justice tothose monks about whom I write. Each monk has his ownGod-given gifts which he uses each day within and outsideof the monastic community. Living and working as closelytogether as we do, there is the tendency to take for grantedwhat others see. What follows is a tribute to three goodmonks.In the abbey at Thanksgiving time, the monasticcommunity celebrated the jubilees of: Abbot RaphaelWalsh, Father Stephen Plank and Brother Francis Schmitz,whose monastic service equals 135 years. The gifts, talents,and accomplishments of each of these men are many andvaried.Brother Francis Schmitz celebrates his golden jubilee ofmonastic profession this year. Brother Francis sits acrossfrom me each day in chapel during our monastic prayer anddaily Mass--he is always there!! In fact, if Brother is notthere (which is extremely rare) someone will go to his roomto see if something is wrong. Among the monks, BrotherFrancis is known for the steadfastness and good examplehe sets for all of us at prayer, as well as his jovial personality,and the wry comments that he injects into almost everyconversation.Brother first came to Mount Michael in 1961 and wasamong the group of men who made up the first novitiateclass of Mount Michael Abbey. After a year of novitiate,Brother Francis professed his vows as a Benedictine monkon the feast of Saint Joseph, March 19, 1962. Althoughhe is now retired, he has held many jobs here at the abbey;he has worked in the kitchen, on the grounds, and alongwith Brother Andrew was responsible for establishing theChristmas tree farm of the 1980s.Mount Michael alums from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s willremember Brother most for his fanatical support of allMount Michael athletics--especially basketball. Manywho are reading this article will recall Brother Francis onthe sidelines of the basketball court sitting behind (or, attimes, next to) Coach Jim Kane. During the more heatedbasketball games, both Coach Kane and Brother Franciswould freely offer advice (encouragement?) to the refereeswhen they thought an errant call had been made.What many of the athletes of those days might notknow was that after football and basketball games, Brotherwould wash the team uniforms. For many, many years, heworked well into the night making sure that the MountMichael uniforms were laundered and repaired; he tookgreat pride in his work and our teams always had theiruniforms ready and clean for the next game. He is stillan avid fan of all Mount Michael sports ,and of courseNebraska football.Father Stephen Plank first came to Mount Michael asa freshman in high school in 1977. After graduation in1981, he went to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas;he then entered the novitiate at Mount Michael andprofessed his vows as a monk 25 years ago on July 19, 1987.He studied theology at the Catholic University of Americaand was ordained on April 16, 1994. Since that timeFather Stephen has continued his academic interests; heholds several degrees including degrees in counseling andschool administration. Currently he is a full time memberof the Mount Michael Benedictine faculty; he teaches allthe French classes, a college planning class, a psychologyACCOMPLISHMENT OF TIMEclass and is the college guidance counselor.Over the span of 25 years, Father Stephen has beena Dean in the school, Spanish teacher, biology teacherand principal. His forte is languages and for many yearsFather Stephen has been a teacher in and chairpersonof Mount Michael Benedictine’s foreign languagedepartment. As a sign of his excellence and hard work inhis field, he was awarded the 2009 Outstanding Teacher ofthe Year Award by the Nebraska International LanguageAssociation.Father Stephen is a voracious reader: fiction, nonfiction,current events, entertainment, etc. He is a good“go-to” person for reading suggestions and reviews. Hisextensive knowledge of history and all things French giveshim plenty of material for very well informed homilies.He is a gifted homilist; he was able to use this gift andshare his thoughts on 25 years of monastic profession inhis homily at our monastic Thanksgiving Day Mass.Sixty years ago on May 30, 1952, Abbot RaphaelWalsh was ordained a priest at Conception Abbey inMissouri. He was appointed as first abbot of MountMichael on October 6, 1964. Over the years much hasbeen written about him in the pages of the Michaeleenand he, himself, has written many articles for thispublication, most recently as president of Mount MichaelBenedictine. Although his assignment as presidentcame to an end two years ago, he is not retired. (Thatword is not in his vocabulary.) He continues to serve thecommunity by his faithful attendance at the Divine Officeand Mass, his weekly and weekend pastoral assignments,and his work in the Mount Michael Development Office.When Abbot Michael needs a priest for any last minuteassignment he knows he can count on Abbot Raphael,who is more than willing to help.When he retired as abbot in 1989, Abbot Raphaelspent 13 years as a parish priest at Saint James Parish inOmaha. He worked hard at that assignment and stillmaintains contact with many of the friends he made there.He stays current with what is happening in the churchthrough the almost daily reading of Catholic publications.When he is not in prayer, reading or working he likes toplay golf upon which he says is good for his humility (andprayer life).At 85, his energy is amazing, and more than one monkhas mused that he hopes to have even a small portion ofAbbot Raphael’s energy upon reaching that age. WhenI asked Abbot Raphael what his 60 years of priesthoodhave meant to him, he said that as a novice he loved topray Psalm 23 because of the verse, “One thing I ask of theLord and this I seek that I may dwell in the House of theLord all the days of my life.” He went on to say that “after67 years as a monk and 60 years as a priest I thank Godthat my prayer has been answered.”In his homily to the monastic community onThanksgiving Day, Father Stephen acknowledged the 135years that he, Abbot Raphael and Brother Francis havegiven to monastic life. And of you who have met one or allof these monks knows that they do what they do becauseof their love of God, His Church, and for their vocationto Mount Michael. For this, all of us are grateful and weknow that Mount Michael will continue to benefit frommany more years of their prayer and service.Ad Multos Annos!!Prior Richard, OSB9

DEVELOPMENT NEWSYear End GivingYour year-end support is especially critical tohelping the Mount Michael Benedictine Communityto continue to educate the future leaders of tomorrowand thinkers and doers who will strengthen and leadthis community. As 2012 comes to an end, and anew year with new opportunities unfolds, there areseveral options to make a year-end investment inMount Michael Benedictine in the most tax-wise andeffective manner.Your gift at this time will also provide support tothe Now is the Time Campaign. With a goal of $10million, the Campaign will result in an increasedendowment to attract and retain the finest facultyand talented students, add a new academic facilityand renovate the existing structure. The Waste WaterTreatment Facility is in progress and will be finishedin April of 2013. This is a necessary infrastructureimprovement. The campaign is currently at $5.7million.A gift of cashChecks can be mailed to Mount Michael Benedictine,22520 Mount Michael Rd., Elkhorn, NE 68022or personally delivered to The Development Office,Monday - Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.IRS regulations indicate that a check mailed to usis considered delivered on the day it is mailed. Agift sent through the mail must be postmarked byDecember 31, 2012 to be deductible in that year.For your convenience, year-end gifts can be madeby credit card online at any time at https://www.mountmichael.com/Pages/Advancement/OnlineGiving. Automatic draft options are alsoavailable. Questions should be directed to donate@mountmichael.org or call 402-253-0964.A gift of appreciated stockIf you have appreciated stock, you may be ableto make a very tax-wise gift to Mount MichaelBenedictine. When you give appreciated stock, youmay be able to take a deduction for its full value, notjust its original cost, and may avoid the capital gainstaxes that would be incurred if you had sold it. TheDow is at a level matching values back in 2007, beforethe “recent unpleasantness” of the recession. Those ofyou who have stocks you have owned for many yearsmay be back up to previous levels, and if you were aninvestor who bought at the 2009 low point, you mayhave doubled your investment.For information on donating securities, please callKimberly Volpone at 402-253-0964.Beneficiary ReviewAs the year winds down, and as you consider yourfinancial and tax situation, this is also a good timeto do a quick review of your total charitable givingand to review important documents. Amongthose documents should be those with beneficiarydesignations, e.g. life insurance policies, retirementplans, etc. Make sure those designations are up to dateand in line with your other legal documents, and thatthey have included those people – and organizations– that you intend to remember. Using a beneficiarydesignation is a very easy way to include MountMichael Benedictine Abbey and School in your estateplanning.This information should not be construed as investment,tax or legal advice. Before making your charitablegift, please consult with your financial, legal and otheradvisor.BREAKFAST WITH SANTASUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2012NIGHT OF KNIGHTSSATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2013ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENTFRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2013ALUMNI REUNIONSATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2013More events added as information becomesavailable! Check back each issue,or visit our website at:www.mountmichaelhs.orgTo view casket purchase opportunities, please visit:www.mountmichael.org10

forever tied to the landThese last few months of 2012, we in the Catholicworld have been reminded of what happened fifty yearsago—the opening of Vatican Council II. In fact, our tablereading presently is: The Spirituality of Vatican II by Fr.Anthony Ciorra.I was in the eighth grade then – 1962. The very nextyear I would come to Mount Michael Benedictine whichwas then St. John’s Seminary. I must admit that it wasa very exciting time of my life and many, many thingswere opened for me, which until then were rather closed.Pope John XXIII really became a hero for me at thattime. He became know as “good Pope John.” My fraternalgrandmother often reminded me that I should payattention to this pope and even pray to him for help in myseminary education, especially since he chose the name:John!I also have to admit that fifty years later the Vaticandocuments are still exciting because so much seemspossible. And I would have to admit that listening toFr. Anthony Ciorra’s conferences on Vatican II is reallywonderful.I have already gone back to some of the documents thatwere written at that time. I still find them refreshing, filledwith hope and encouragement.There is one aspect of the document on religious life(Perfectae Caritatis—Decree On Renewal of ReligiousLife) that will always stay with me -- the plea for religiousorders to stress the spirit of their founders. For usBenedictines that would mean going back to The Rule ofBenedict and the life of Benedict and trying to glean theessentials of the way of life prescribed in those documents.Then adapting the essentials – the charism of monastic lifeand living it in present times. We used the word charism alot in those days.Perhaps one could say that the charism of Benedictineshas much to do with St. Benedict’s motto – Work and Pray.St. Benedict set up a structured schedule for monastics forprayer and work. We certainly follow that way of life hereat Mount Michael Abbey. Of course, there is down time aswell and time for relaxing and resting!For me, work involves the land—particularly, the threeacres of Mount Michael’s garden.To be a true Benedictine, one needs to be connectedto a particular place. In a sense, a Benedictine needs to begrounded – rooted. We are one of the few religious ordersthat take the vow of stability. We promise to stay in oneplace. Of course, there are exceptions to this, but we do takethe vow of stability.I have now been here at Mount Michael – in this place– for nearly fifty years. In the fall of 2013, it will be fiftyyears!!In many ways, I do feel tied to the land here. I haveactually worked the land here – at least part of it most ofmy life. In many ways, I do feel grounded – maybe evenrooted.However, I also have Franciscan roots. When I firstcame to Mount Michael, I had no intention of being aBenedictine monk. I wanted to be a Franciscan. I had agreat uncle who was a very impressive Franciscan. (Finda fuller version of this story on my blog on the abbeywebsite.—A Benedictine with Franciscan Roots).I would have to say that I feel both spiritualities –charisms—Benedictine and Franciscan – are compatible.Both have much in common and both deal with the landand simply with creation. Albeit, there are no films (ofwhich I am aware) about Benedictines as explicitly andromantically involved with creation and God’s creaturesas the story of Francis and Clare presented in Zeffirelli’s,Brother Sun, Sister Moon. Nonetheless, even with a quickperusal of the Rule of Benedict, one can find manyreferences to the land, the garden, providing food for thecommunity and generally the care of creation. The longestchapter in The Rule of Benedict is chapter 7 – Humility.If one really understands humility, he/she will know thathumility involves the word humus—soil – land. I wouldsay that St. Benedict understand much about the land andbeing tied to it!So besides spending time with some of the documentsof Vatican II, I intend on planning, planting and workingthe garden in 2013—this Year of Faith—in honorof St. Benedict and St. Francis and also their femalecounterparts – St. Scholastica and St. Clare.It seems appropriate to dedicate the flower areas ofthe garden to the female saints and the vegetable areas tothe male saints. Since St. Francis had a way with animals,perhaps he will deal with the deer and raccoons, creaturesthat really love the produce of the garden. And sinceSt. Scholastica (story in the Dialogues of St. Gregory)was influential in her intercession with God in regardto an abundant rainfall, perhaps we might, through herintercession, have bountiful rains this next growing season.God Bless,Father John Hagemann, OSBalumni - Mark yourcalendars!Breakfast with SantaSunday, December 23, 20129:30 am Mass in Chapel10:30 am Breakfast and Cookie Decorating in Armory11:00 - 11:45 am Visit with SantaBasketball TournamentSunday, January 6, 201311:00 am in the PalaceRegistration forms available on the websiteHappy HourThursday, January 10, 20135:30-7:30 pmat Liv Lounge - 2285 South 67th Street5th QuarterSaturday, January 26, 20134:00/5:30 pm against South Sioux Cityfollowed by Pizza & Beer in the Student Dining Room11

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEP A I DMAIL U.S.A.A Quarterly Publication ofMOUNT Mount Michael MICHAEL Benedictine BENEDICTINE ABBEY Abbey & SCHOOL22520 Mount Michael Road • Elkhorn, NE 68022-3400Phone 402-289-2541www.mountmichael.comAbbotRt. Rev. Michael Liebl, O.S.B.School President Abbot Rt. Abbot Rev. Raphael Michael Walsh, Liebl, O.S.B.Director of DevelopmentKimberly Volpone VolponeSchool Head Principal of School Dr. Tom David Ridder J. PetersDirector of AdmissionsEric Crawford, ’00Michaeleen MICHAELEEN StaffEditorAmanda Kari HerbstErwinMonastic EditorRev. Very Richard Rev. Richard Thell, Thell, O.S.B. O.S.B.Contributing Publishing EditorsMary Brother Cormier Benedict Mary, O.S.B.Publishing EditorsFather Mary CormierJohn Hagemann, O.S.B.Brother Father John Luke Hagemann, Clinton, O.S.B.Brother August Luke Clinton, Schaefer, O.S.B.O.S.B.Brother August Schaefer, O.S.B.Mount Michael DirectoryMount Michael ChapelVisitors are always welcomeDaily Mass 7:15am • Sunday Mass 9:30amSaturday Mass 8:00am 8:00amLiturgy of the Hours (Monday-Saturday)Morning Praise 6:30amNoon Day Prayer 11:45amVespers 5:15pmNight Prayer (In the Abbey) 7:00pmSt. Benedict Guest HouseGift Shop/Lunches/Teas/DessertDay RetreatsBr. Brother Jerome Jerome Kmiecik, Kmiecik, 402-206-2069Vocation MinistryFor information about monastic life:Brother August, vocations@mountmichael.orgOblates of St. Benedict DirectorBr. Prior Jerome Richard Kmiecik, Thell, O.S.B., 402-289-2541 402-206-2069x1002oblates@mountmichael.orgrthell@mountmichael.orgAlumni AssociationFor information about meetings/events or or to toreport news: 402-253-0953alumni@mountmichael.orgWorld Prayer Wide Needs Web and Spiritual Directionwww.mountmichael.org Abbot Theodore, O.S.B., (Abbey) 402-206-2089www.mountmichaelhs.orgSchool Admissions(School)www.mountmichael.netEric Crawford, 402-253-0946(Alumni)Prayer admissions@mountmichael.orgNeeds and Spiritual DirectionAbbotDevelopment Theodore,OfficeO.S.B., 402-206-2089School Kim Volpone, Admissions 402-253-0964Eric kvolpone@mountmichael.orgCrawford, 402-253-0946admissions@mountmichael.orgDevelopment OfficeKim Volpone, 402-253-0964kvolpone@mountmichael.orgBOARD Board OF of DirectorsDIRECTORSJude Beller, ’92William Jeremy BelskiJ. BehrendtJude Eric Crawford, Beller ’92 ’00Eric Robert Crawford D. Goldsmith’00Robert Laura HickmanD. GoldsmithLaura Robert Hickman LanikSara Rt. Rev. York Michael Kenny, Liebl, Ph.D. O.S.B., ’68ThomasDr. Barb McKnight,MarcheseM.D.Dan MatuszekRobertThomas LanikMcKnight, M.D.Rt. Mary Rev. Kay Michael MillerLiebl, O.S.B. ’68Mary Ravi Nath, Kay Miller Ph.D.Brian Dr. David Morrissey J. Peters’84Ravi Matt Nath, Pick, ‘95Ph.D.Br. F. Stephen James Pope, Plank, O.S.B. O.S.B., ‘81Thomas Todd RohwederRidderBr. August Schaefer, O.S.B.ToddRev. Louis RohwederSojka, O.S.B., ’81Rev. Audrey Louis SuingSojka, O.S.B. ’81Audrey Mark Theisen, Suing ‘68Rev. Prior Richard Thell, O.S.B.Kimberly VolponeRt. John Rev. Wagner, Raphael ’67Walsh, O.S.B.Bernard Rt. Rev. Raphael J. Wilson, Walsh, Jr. M.D. O.S.B.’84EmeritusBernard J. PeggyWilson, SokolJr., M.D., ’84Emeritus Peggy SokolIn thisIssue…1Merry Christmas5Blue Ribbon BannerAdmissions72 & 9Accomplishments