Fall Festival 2010 - Mount Michael Benedictine School

Letter from the Abbot…The FallFestivalgives thechance torenew oldfriendshipsand createnew ones…When I was still a child, the parish in oursmall hometown used to have a parish festival.That was not unusual. All the parishes in thearea staged their own festivals. The purpose ofthe festivals was to raise money for the needsof the parishes. Organizing a festival demandsa significant investment of time and energy. Afestival requires planning. A festival requiresstaff to prepare grounds and buildings. A festivalrequires preparation of food and drink forvisitors. A festival requires volunteers to overseethe variety of activities which happen on the dayof the festival. It is a lot of work.Not surprisingly, today there is not a singleparish in the area in which I grew up whichholds a festival. All the parishes gave up festivalslong ago. The monetary return was never equalto the sweat equity, the value of all the hours ofwork that went into the festival. It seemed farsimpler to everyone involved simply to seek themoney by donations and other means.But something was also lost. All the workwhich was required for the festival broughtthe members of the parish together. Everyonecontributed in whatever way they were able. Itcreated a sense of community where disparateindividuals were working together for a commongoal. There was a sense of identification andpride. The festival brought visitors who had thepleasure of enjoying the parish hospitality. Oldfriendships were renewed. New friendships werecreated.Mount Michael has hosted the Fall Festivalfor over fifty years. There have been numerousoccasions in that time span when people haveasked, are we really making enough moneyat this event to justify the effort required?Perhaps if one only judged the Fall Festival interms of the monetary return, it would havebeen abandoned long ago. But the Fall Festivalis uniquely identified with Mount Michael.Some remember parachutists landing in theathletic fields on the day of the Festival. Someremember Fr. Joseph flying in a hot air balloonover the Festival grounds. Some rememberthe art show and the giant flea market. Someremember Mavis from the Old Home Breadcommercials signing autographs. Someremember a motorcyclist hurdling over a lineof buses a la Evel Knievel. To give up the FallFestival would represent not only the loss ofa distinguishing and distinguished tradition,it would preclude the chance of creating newmemories and stories. We would lose theopportunity for past friends of Mount Michaelto renew acquaintances. We would lose theopportunity for alumni to return to the groundsthat they had to clean the day after the FallFestival when they were students. We would losethe opportunity for many people to have contactwith the monks of Mount Michael.The Fall Festival represents the work, the timeand the energy of the monastic community, ofthe staff and of countless volunteers for overfifty years. There is no price tag that could fairlyaccount for that investment. But it was neverreally about the money anyway. It was alwaysabout touching the surrounding community ina personal way. If you have never made it to aFall Festival, we would love to have you come toenjoy its many attractions and to meet us. If youhave been here before, welcome back.Rt. Rev. Michael Liebl, O.S.B.Don’t Miss Abbot Raphael’s Article on Page 4!2Camp Mount MichaelEvery Mount Michael summer brings another Camp Mount Michael season(formerly known as Camp St. John). This summer marked the 43rd year of campand was attended by 250 boys from the Omaha area, with some campers evencoming from as far away as Kansas, Minnesota, California and Iowa.Campers were given the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activitieslike archery, swimming, Olympic day, campouts, hikes, computer games, horsebackriding and a camp favorite – Warball. Br. Mel and Br. August once again helpedout by caring for the horses and taking campers on horseback rides. The 2010Camp Mount Michael staff included Mount Michael alums Dave Levy ’02, AaronLockee ’06, Jono Matt ’06, Paul Hotovy ’07, Jimmy Bender ’07, Colten Venteicher ’08,Ben Larsen ’08, Derek Stieren ’08 and Brendan Walsh ’10.~ Eric Crawford ’00

ANNOUNCEMENTSMemorial InformationOften inquiries are made about our memorials,for relatives and friends, living or deceased. AtMount Michael one can enroll families or friendsin our memorial foundation. This consists of dailyremembrance at the Eucharist and the Divine Officeby the monks of Mount Michael Abbey. Uponenrollment, we will notify the family with a card.The suggested offering for this memorial enrollment is:INDIVIDUALOne Year $50Five Years $100Lifetime $250FAMILYOne Year $100Five Years $200Lifetime $500DeathsBirthsCaroline Cecilia, July 9th, 2010, 6 lbs. 7 oz.Dr. John P. (’98) and Mrs. Susanne HaasRowan Jeffery, July 7th, 2010, 8 lbs. 1 oz.Matthew (’93) and La Costa PotterMass 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 MichaelBenedictine Abbey22520 Mount Michael RoadElkhorn, NE 68022Ssgt. Michael BockAttended Mount MichaelChuck CaseyBrother of Patrick Casey (’80)Paul CircoGrandfather of Paul Morrison (’96)William KamppinenFather of Daniel Kamppinen (’12)Thomas R. SelzleFather of Jeffrey Selzle (’70)WeddingsMatt (’04) and Katy CoreMarried August 7th, 2010Jace (’05) and Whitney CristMarried July 24th, 2010Devin (’01) and Liz MoylanMarried August 7th, 20103

Letter from the Abbot…in allthings Godmay beglorified…We call ourselves Mount Michael BenedictineHigh School. For the past several years in theschool we have been emphasizing Benedictinevalues and what makes us truly Benedictine.We have a faculty committee who researchedspecial Benedictine values we want to live thisschool year in a special way. In fact, the focus forthe faculty and staff day of reflection before thestart of the school year was on the Benedictinevalues the committee suggested. Theseparticular values are: Community (presentedby Abbot Michael); Integrity (Abbot Raphael);Hospitality (Father Louis); Moderation(Brother August); and Service (Prior Richard).But most important, this school year wehave two new faculty members with strongBenedictine roots. One is a Benedictine Sisterfrom Yankton, South Dakota, Sr. Carol JeanVanDenHemel, O.S.B., MA, who will beteaching theology/religion and helping incampus ministry. Her educational backgroundincludes: Bachelor of Science from NorthernState University, 1997; Special Studies, MountMarty College, 1999; Masters in Education:Curriculum and Instruction, MarquetteUniversity, 2010. The other is Tom Sanders, whowill be teaching Latin and tennis and actingas an assistant dean. He is a graduate of theBenedictine school in St. Louis called St. LouisPriory School. The school enjoys an enviablereputation for excellence in academics andBenedictine formation.We are thrilled with these additions, and bothare delighted to be a part of Mount MichaelBenedictine High School and of our efforts tolive Benedictine values in the school so “thatin all things God may be glorified.” (Rule ofSt. Benedict)Abbot Raphael Walsh, O.S.B.Photo by Brother LukeWELCOME NEW FACULTY and STAFFFaculty from left to right: Nic Laue, PE Teacher; Tom Sander, Latin Teacher (night class), TennisCoach and Assistant Dean; Sr. Carol Jean VanDenHemel, O.S.B., MA, Theology/Religion Teacherand helping with Campus Ministry; and Trisha Steele, Admissions Coordinator.4

Development NewsHow Can I Help Continue the Mount Michael Legacy?We hear this frequently in the Development Department...the truth is there are many ways that our donorscan do more for Mount Michael’s future. Why not make a statement about your thoughtfulness by continuingyour Mount Michael support through your ESTATE PLAN?Here are just a few ways:+ REMEMBER US IN YOUR WILL. Simple and inexpensive...your attorney can guide you. Throughyour will you can gift a particular item, a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate.+ LEAVE BANK ACCOUNTS, CD’S, FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS. Ask your account manager forassistance in leaving these assets to benefit Mount Michael’s mission on into the future.+ INCLUDE US IN TAX-BURDENED PROPERTY. Income tax and estate tax savings are possibleif your beneficiary arrangement includes Mount Michael. Retirement accounts like your IRA are goodexamples. Also, U.S. SAVINGS BONDS make tax-wise bequests.+ CONSIDER LIFE INSURANCE AS A GIFT. Contribute an old policy that is no longer needed, orsimply include us in the beneficiary arrangement. Tax savings can be substantial.Of course family comes first! PLANNED GIVING through your estate is appropriate only when all familyneeds have been met. If any of the PLANNED GIVING ideas discussed here are of interest to you, please callme at (402)253-0964...I would be happy to meet with you and your advisers.~ Kim Volpone, Director of DevelopmentSeptember 201018 2nd Annual Youth Rally19 55th Annual Fall FestivalOctober 201015 Alumni GatheringNovember 201011 Night of Knights Kickoff PartyDecember 201019 Breakfast with SantaApril 20119 22nd Night of KnightsJune 20113 DJ Sokol Memorial Alumni GolfClassic4 Alumni ReunionJuly 20119-10 Mount Michael Alumni ServiceRetreatMore events added as information becomes available! Check back each issue,or visit our website at www.mountmichaelhs.com.5

Youth RallySaturday,September 18 thEvent Schedule2:00pm2:30pm4:00pm5:00pm6:00pm7:00pm8:00pm9:00pm9:30pm10:00pmCampus OpensHusker Game will beavailable to watchPraise and Worship withSocial ContradictionMassCookoutWelcomeAnnouncements/Matt Regitz Message/Dave Regitz - FollowPerrySkit/Testimonials/AdorationClosing Prayer/AnnouncementsIce Cream SocialCampus ClosesPhotos for this article by Brother Luke6

Saturday, September 18 th , Mount Michael will be hosting the 2 nd AnnualYouth Rally with its theme taken from Ephesians 1:3-5. This rally is designedto bring teens together to inspire them through the Gospel and the Life ofJesus Christ.The rally will open with music from Social Contradiction, a student-ledband, followed by celebration of Mass outside at 5pm before a dinner. Therally will be led again this year by brothers Matt and Dave Regitz of Prince ofPeace Youth Ministry in Houston, Texas. Matt and Dave will deliver the mainsegment of the evening using their many gifts in ministry, including music, thattruly bring people closer to God. Adoration and reconciliation stations will beavailable for students to utilize. After closing prayer and announcements, therewill be an ice cream social before all leave campus by 10pm.The Youth Rally is intended for youth 6 th grade and up throughout theOmaha diocese. This is an approved event by the archdiocese. Mount Michaelis extending the invitation for this amazing experience to all faiths as a way tobring us all together to worship “Our God,” making it a powerful experienceregardless of religious background. This Youth Rally is a way to show the peopleof our Archdiocese and Omaha that Mount Michael is an amazing place, withvalues that center on community, prayer and of course Jesus Christ.The students and staff of Mount Michael are very excited to see you there!All Faiths are Welcome!7

ALUMNI NEWSPhoto by OmahaWorld-HeraldPhoto by OmahaWorld-HeraldWantto ReadMore?Zach NelsonMount Michael AlumnusZach Nelson ’79, CEO of thecomputer software companyNetSuite Inc. of San Mateo,California, is investing in Omaha’s NighthawksUnited Football League team. “It’s a very strongleague financially and strategically. When yousee the quality of the football and the qualityof the business plan, it’s amazing,” Nelsonwas quoted in the Omaha World-Herald. TheNighthawks’ season opener is Friday, Sept. 24,against the Hartford Colonials at RosenblattStadium in Omaha.While at Mount MichaelZach competed at the statelevel in both football (as ahalfback and linebacker) andbasketball (as a forward).Matt StampCheers! To Mount Michael AlumnusMatt Stamp, class of ’95, was recently featuredin the Omaha World-Herald for winning theGuild of Sommeliers’ inaugural U.S. SommelierChampionship and was named the guild’sfirst-ever “Top Somm.” His achievement comeswith great notoriety, considering his level ofcompetition.Sommelier and Master Sommelier arenot easy positions to hold in the food andbeverage world. Posted on the Court of MasterSommeliers website, there are 105 professionalswho hold the title Master Sommelier in NorthAmerica and the American Chapter. Of those90 are men and 15 are women. There are 170professionals worldwide who have earned thetitle Master Sommelier. This title guaranteesthat a candidate is among the most qualifiedin the industry, with outstanding tastingand evaluation skills, wine knowledge andoutstanding abilities in service and beveragedepartment management. Many of the finesthotel and restaurant beverage programs have aMaster Sommelier at the helm.Stamp credits his family’s restaurant,V. Mertz, for giving him the tools and theopportunities to advance up the wine ranks.“The Master Sommelier exam is an extremelydifficult undertaking. With just over 100 in theUS, and a pass rate hovering around five percent,preparing for the exam requires an immenseamount of sacrifice and dedication.” Stamp said,“Beyond working as a sommelier on the floorat The French Laundry 65 plus hours a week,I spend an additional 20 to 25 either writingabout, tasting, or studying wine. Without thework ethic instilled in me by my parents andat Mount Michael, I would be hard-pressed tofind the hours in the day. Ultimately, being asommelier is all about providing good service topeople, and I find it immensely rewarding.”James ClarkJames Z. Clark, Class of 2006, just graduatedfrom the University of South Dakota with adegree in History, class of 2010. On Thursday,August 26 th , James was commissioned as aSecond Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. James ison his way to Ranger school at Fort Benning,in Columbus, Georgia, September 17 th . FortTo read full articles about Mr. Zach Nelson and Mr. Matt Stamp, pleasevisit the Mount Michael website (Alumni Page) www.mountmichael.net orvisit the Omaha World-Herald at www.omaha.com.Photos by James’ sister, Lauren Clark8

ALUMNI NEWSBenning is home to the Maneuver Center and is considered a leader indeveloping infantry tactics and weapons.Many of James’ family and friends were in attendance for hiscommission; they all take great pride in James and his accomplishmentand thank Mount Michael for giving him the tools to succeed in life.James’ mom and dad said, “We believe Mount Michael brought our sonfrom mediocrity to something everyone can be proud of. Mount Michaelhas instilled in James a dedication to Honor, God, and Country.”Prior Richard Thell, O.S.B., remembers James well from literatureclasses. “He was one of my best readers and always enjoyed the novels westudied in class,” he said. “Whenever I see one of our alums doing well Ifeel a sense of pride. I know that all of us at Mount Michael feel thisway; we hope our graduates carry some of what they learned here withthem. I am especially proud of James---what he did in college and nowhis service to our country.”“It’s all in the Family” – Student and Alumni ParentPhoto by Brother Luke at Annual ‘Back to School’ Mass and PicnicDon Wilson ’78, Cooper ’14, Davis ’14Jeff Jamrog ’83, Jared ’14(not shown) David Wooten ’87, D.J. ’12Dan Loeffelholz ’78, Zach ’11, Mark ’13Steve Murray ’80, Evan ’12Sean Kenney ’84, Noah ’11, Jacob ’12Volume 56, Issue 9Fa l 2010FALL FESTIVAL 2010This year marks the 55th year of the Fa lFestival. From its inception, the festival hasbeen a ‘Thank-You’ to a l the volunteers,parents and community supportersthroughou the year. Fifty-five years ago thebiggest problem facing festival planners wasthe dus that would blanke the campus theday of the festival. After planting “20 fineoak trees over 25 fee ta l” to provide shadeand a shield from the dust, the monasticcommunity was able to focus on the fun atthe festival. With those tree sti l shadingus today, the festival entertains over 10,000guests. Traditiona ly, guests were encouragedto bring items from their gardens to help se la the “Country Store.” Present day, FatherJohn Hagemann has more than enoughvegetables, jams, je lies and flowers to supplythe Farmer’s Market!The festival has certainly changed over theyears, but its purpose ha stayed the same.The Fa l Festival is our “friendrasier” andreunion for a l connected to Mount Michael.Again this year, we would like to thank a lof our volunteers, alumni, alumni families,current families and community supporters!Parking, entertainment and admissionare a l free again this year! As you enter thefestival, be sure to register a the HospitalityBooth for give-a-ways, gree the Abbotsand members of the monasti community,pick up your festival program and purchaseyour play cards to use on the Midway. TheMidway wi l be fi led with games for a l agesand delicious food.Entertainmen this year is top notch!Kicking off the morning festival wi l be theOmaha North Drum Line parading up anddown the Midway. Omaha Prime Quartetwi l be serenading guests throughou themorning as we l. Taking the stage at11:00am wi l be Colombian Kumbe Dancers.At 1:00pm the youth can crowd the stagefor a repeat performance by Fo low Perry,led by Dave Regitz out of Houston, Texas.At 4:00pm wi l be the Johnny Ray GomezShow! Johnny Ray has been headlining inOmaha’s entertainment scene for 50 years.His versatile show delights the young and theyoung at heart.For more information about a l ourperformers this year, maps, couponsand more, visit our website atwww.mountmichaelhs.com.Charlie Collins ’85, Mike ’12Bob Recker ’84, Jacob ’13John Drahota ’82, Zach ’14(not shown) Steve Gass ’79, Alex ’12(not shown) Matt Sojka ’79, Michael ’12Want to Receive the Michaeleen via Email?Contact development@mountmichael.orgor go to our website and download the latest issue:www.mountmichaelhs.com…Traina child inthe wayhe shouldgo, andwhen heis old hewill notturnfrom it…Proverbs22:69

ALUMNI NEWS…JudyKennedy,“I am soexcited forKevin, andhope theshow willbe a hit!”…Mount Michael Alumnus in HollywoodTop Row - Kevin Kennedy, Executive Producer/Creator/Writer; Carol Mendelsohn, Executive Producer;Greg Walker, Executive Producer/Showrunner; Harry Gantz, Executive Producer; Bottom Row - JurneeSmollett; Jerry O’Connell; Jim Belushi.Cast photo courtesy of CBS.comTune in to CBS Wednesday nights, 10/9cfor the newest series premiere of “THEDEFENDERS.” Executive Producer KevinKennedy, Mount Michael Class of ’79,has collaborated with his writing partnerNiels Mueller and fellow producers CarolMendelsohn, Joe Gantz, Harry Gantz, and GregWalker to create this new show for the fall CBSline up. As posted on the CBS website, “THEDEFENDERS” is a drama about two colorfulLas Vegas defense attorneys who go all-in whenit comes to representing their clients. Nick andPete are the local go-to guys with an eclecticclient list who are still looking to hit their ownjackpot. Leading the law firm of Morelli &Kaczmarek are Nick Morelli (played by JimBelushi), an earnest, hard-charging attorneywho represents his clients to the best of hisability, no matter how big or small the case;and his partner, Pete Kaczmarek (played byJerry O’Connell), whose passion for the law ismatched only by his love of fast cars, beautifulwomen and expensive clothes. Joining them intheir growing law practice is new associate LisaTyler ( Jurnee Smollet), an enthusiastic youngattorney looking to put her exotic dancing daysbehind her; and their young assistant, ZoeWaters (Tanya Fischer), a spunky and sweetingénue who is eager to please her bosses. WhileLady Luck shines on their legal careers, thepartners have their hands full when it comesto their personal lives. With Pete busy cruisingthe Vegas Strip for his latest romantic conquest,Nick is focused on repairing a fracturedmarriage to his estranged wife and remainingpresent in the life of their young son. No matterthe offense, Nick and Pete aim to prove thatwhen the stakes are high, they’re willing to betthe house on the clients they defend in Sin City.Judy Kennedy, Kevin’s mother said “I am soexcited for Kevin, and hope the show will be ahit!” Kevin currently resides in West Hollywood.10

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEP A I DMAIL U.S.A.A Quarterly Publication ofMount Michael Benedictine Abbey & SCHOOL22520 Mount Michael Road • Elkhorn, NE 68022-3400Phone 402-289-2541AbbotSchool PresidentDirector of DevelopmentSchool PrincipalDirector of AdmissionsMichaeleen StaffEditorMonastic EditorPublishing EditorsRt. Rev. Michael Liebl, O.S.B.Abbot Raphael Walsh, O.S.B.Kim VolponeTom RidderEric CrawfordAmanda ErwinRev. Richard Thell, O.S.B.Mary CormierFather John Hagemann, O.S.B.Brother Luke Clinton, O.S.B.Brother August Schaefer, O.S.B.Mount Michael DirectoryMount Michael ChapelVisitors are always welcomeDaily Mass 7:15am • Sunday Mass 9:30amSaturday 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. Jerome Kmiecik, 402-206-2069Vocation MinistryFor information about monastic life:Brother August, vocations@mountmichael.orgOblates of St. BenedictBr. Jerome Kmiecik, O.S.B., 402-206-2069oblates@mountmichael.orgAlumni AssociationFor information about meetings/events or toreport news: 402-253-0953alumni@mountmichael.orgWorld Wide Webwww.mountmichael.org (Abbey)www.mountmichaelhs.org (School)www.mountmichael.net (Alumni)Prayer Needs and Spiritual DirectionAbbot Theodore, O.S.B., 402-206-2089School AdmissionsEric Crawford, 402-253-0946admissions@mountmichael.orgDevelopment OfficeKim Volpone, 402-253-0964kvolpone@mountmichael.orgBoard of DirectorsWilliam J. BehrendtJude Beller ’92Eric Crawford ’00Robert D. GoldsmithLaura HickmanSara York Kenny, Ph.D.Thomas McKnight, M.D.Robert LanikRt. Rev. Michael Liebl, O.S.B. ’68Mary Kay MillerBrian Morrissey ’84Ravi Nath, Ph.D.Br. James Pope, O.S.B.Thomas RidderTodd RohwederRev. Louis Sojka, O.S.B. ’81Audrey SuingRev. Richard Thell, O.S.B.Kimberly VolponeRt. Rev. Raphael Walsh, O.S.B.Bernard J. Wilson, Jr. M.D. ’84Emeritus Peggy SokolIn thisIssue…1 4 6 10Fall Festival New Staff Youth Rally Gone Hollywood