MS - Walk for a Cure

                                                      

 Over 400,000 people are affected by MS in our country, including several of our own families  

at BA and David Osmond.  According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, "Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by the disease." 
                                       

This past week, Mrs. Varady, a member of our BA family, asked us to join her and her family in a walk for a cure for MS in Clark, NJ on April 14.  Our school rallied together for a jean tag day raising almost $300 for MS research.  Her son, Dan, who has been diagnosed with MS writes,

"Dear Benedictine Community,
Thank you all for your kind donation to fight Multiple Sclerosis.  It has been over 3 years in my journey and because of kind gifts like your school has provided, we are one step closer to beating this wretched disease... Please join Team Dan at Oak Ridge Park in Clark for the annual 3 mile walk on Sunday, April 14.
With Sincere Thanks,
Dan Varady

Ask Governor Christie

This past October,  our Campus Ministers testified before the House Committee in October with Assemblywoman Huttle on a newly proposed Anti-Human Trafficking Bill A3352.  It was passed in the House and recently by the Senate.  The Bill now waits for approval and the signature of Governor Christie.  Everyone can be involved and be a Modern Day Abolitionist to help keep our children safe and change history.

Please call or send an e-mail TODAY Governor Christie's Office and ask for his support. Together we can make a difference and protect our young people.

  Live in NJ? Tell Gov. Christie to sign the a -trafficking law 

http://act.polarisproject.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=13371

You can also sign a petition on Change.org regarding the treatment of children trafficked as victims and not criminals.

 - Sign our petition: Kids, Not Criminals

For more information, check the websites of Polaris.org or our Freedom Partner, .Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives

Benedictine Academy 21st Century Learning

First and foremost, Benedictine Academy is a Catholic college-preparatory school.  The sacraments are an integral part of our school life.  Today, during Holy Week, Mrs. DiGiaimo invited Father Joseph of Our Lady of Fatima to join us and offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation to our students and staff. 

 

Meanwhile, Ms. Feehan, and twenty-two accomplished art students participated in the Teen Arts Festival at Union County College. 

Sister Lucy Hernandez and her Spanish Club Students visited the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark during this sacred time of the year.

During extended Homeroom, Ms. Banks-Suggs and the Couponing for a Cause Club presented Ms. Laura Sodano of the Community Food Bank of Hillside with several dozen bags of food, diapers and wipes totaling over $400. from Coupons for Causes service project.

The Mission of the Community Food Bank is to give food, hope and help to the surrounding communities.  They have an active food stamp program, kid cafes, cooking school, kids closet, food box program for mothers and the elderly, and a teen leadership council. Thousands of families and children are served each day with food, clothes and hot meals. 

Support your local Community Food Bank and make a real difference in someone's life. 

Feast Day of St. Benedict

Each year, we honor a Benedictine Sister for their prayerful presence and unique contribution to our school.  This year, we ventured down a new road and honored a very special lay woman who has become the familiar face of Benedictine Academy for the past eleven years. 

Rosemary Anderson, our Director of Development, was honored as the Woman Behind the Scenes.  Rooted in the Benedictine Heritage, Ms. Anderson imbues the Benedictine Spirit.  She shares the Good Word about our beloved school everywhere she goes and in everything she does.  A quiet but extremely valuable presence, Rosemary organizes our Golf Outings, Donor Breakfasts, Hall of Fame evenings, bike a-thons, and so much more. 

She is grant writer, banner designer, idea developer, and servant of servants to all who need a helping hand.  Never too busy to respond, always with camera and pencil in hand, there is no job too big or too small for Ms. Anderson to respond to with a ready smile. 

As one student reflected, "God made Ms. Anderson when He needed a heart of compassion." 
"A delightful woman who listens and is patient", said another.
"She is passionate about our school and loyal." 
The 4 C's describe this 21st century woman:  Connections, Campus Clean-Up, Camera Shots, her husband the Cook!

The most touching part of the morning is when the Benedictine Academy Alumna Association inducted Ms. Anderson as their first ever honoree alumna!  Ms. Anderson responded with a heart-felt thanks to the entire community:  "I really love the school...  I believe God puts you in a place for a reason.... I do what I do for all of you, our BA students.... Remember, when you least expect it, someone will extend a hand to help you in the next step to be successful in life... Every teacher, every alumna, every donor believes in you - believe in yourself!"

The Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburga Monastery, the entire Benedictine Academy Community, Alumna, Mrs. Anderson's family and friends gathered together to honor our BA Woman of the Year!

A special thanks to Ms. DiGiaimo, Ms. Abraham, all the Staff and the Sophomore Students for organizing the celebration.  Grateful hearts to Karina and her mom for the most delightful balloon arch.

CAREER DAY

It was an Amazing Day as we listened to 32 Professional Women, many of whom are BA Alumna, share the wisdom from their vast training and experience. 

Wincey Terry-Bryant, a BA Alumna of '83, gave a most dynamic inspiring opening speech on "WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A 21st CENTURY WOMAN?" 

She encouraged the students to get involved in something and to develop their gifts and talents.
It is important to set personal goals and benchmarks for yourself. Do your research. 
Name your dream job:  My name is ....My dream position is .... I am committed to .....
Articulate what you can do. "I am a voice and I deserve to be heard."

Our professional women guests included Doctors, Lawyers, Judges, CEO's, Public Relations Directors, Professors, and Computer Analysts.  They spoke in the fields of Health Sciences, Arts, Technology, Communications, Education, Law Enforcement, Career Services and Business Management.

Thank You Mary Young and Rosemary Anderson for organizing such an extremely informative and thought-provoking day!

Washing of the Feet

Jesus came to serve and not to be served.  Following in the footsteps of our Lord, we continue to serve the poorest of the poor through our Compassionate Action: 

• A.C.T.S. Club is collecting Pop Tabs for the Ronald Mc Donald House;
• African American Club is collecting Coupons for Causes to donate food for the Community Food Bank;
• National Honor Society is collecting money for Crop Walk; and
• Campus Ministry is holding a jean tag day and supporting a Walk-A-Thon to raise money for National MS research.

 We serve others because our goal is to BEE HOPE for our brothers and sisters in need. 

SERVING SUCCESS

"Andrea Goeglein is a media personality, author, publisher, CEO advisor and community activist.  
Above all, she is a Success Expert who puts the practice of Positive Psychology to work in her life and practice, ServingSuccess.  http://www.servingsuccess.com/

 

Andrea, a friend of Benedictine Academy, shares the most innovative inspirational information and a special offer for our families.  Her recent book, Don't Die with Your Song Unsung, is a story about a man named Gary Russo, who became known as the Second Avenue Sinatra. If you are interested in a copy of the electronic e-book, she has made it available to our family and friends for only 
99 cents!  Simply go to:  www. Amazon.com .  The Kindle Edition (you do not need a kindle) of Don't Die with Your Song Unsung by Gary Russo & Andrea Goeglein

This past week, Andrea posted our exciting story about Delivering Happiness on her blog.  http://www.servingsuccess.com/blog/
Blog Post  15  MAR  2013      

Delivering Happiness Pays it Forward – Again

The book, Delivering Happiness, by Zappo’s CEO, Tony Hsieh has ‘paid it forward’ in many ways. A business culture development book grounded in the research of Positive Psychology, has brought back the soul an inner city school’s culture on one coast and is seeding the resurrection of a city’s community soul on another.

A few months back, Don’t Die with Your Song Unsung had the opportunity to contribute to the Benedictine Academy’s culture of giving, when Gary Russo and I presented at their annual donor event celebrating the school’s Jefferson Award for service. Within weeks, hurricane Sandy leveled most of the seaside community where Gary Russo had a home. The Benedictine Academy stepped up to help the school that Gary’s daughter, Cara, attends. Culture, Positive Psychology, books, business, service and community have all merged to bring a school and a city, back to life. The city not just Gary’s East Coast community, but the downtown of  Las Vegas, NV.

The same process begun by the Benedictine Academy after reading Delivering Happiness is being used to bring Downtown Las Vegas back to life. Let’s hope that in a few years we see a video about Downtown Las Vegas as outstanding as the one just released by the Benedictine Academy. Take a moment and enjoy…Help pay forward the happiness a community culture can create. Thank you.
http://vimeo.com/59934983 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

In addition to green shamrocks and delicious corn beef, St. Patrick's Day is a time to commemorate   St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.  "Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but returned about 432 to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends grew up around him—for example, that he used the shamrock to explain the Trinity." (Encylcopedia Brittanica)

Cassedy Deegan, a Sophomore, entered an essay contest and won first place as she reflected on the Saint's good works for the Lord.  She, along with Sister Germaine and approximately twenty students joined the St. Patrick's Day Parade for the Archdiocese of Newark.






In honor of St. Patrick's bravery as a slave, several of our Student In Action Leaders went to school this Sunday to skype with students from the Toledo Ohio High Schools.  They exchanged their plans to combat human trafficking and promised to work together to help eradicate this human evil in our society. 

HABEMUS PAPAM

Yesterday afternoon, the white smoke could be seen as all the world waited to hear the Good News.  The crowds cheered welcoming Cardinal Jorge Borgoglio as our new Pope.

 Pope Francis I  has been described as a "humble leader, who is known for standing up for what is right and just."  Pope Francis I will lead the 1.2 billion catholics in the world into a new era of evangelizing. 

An advocate for the poor, Pope Francis I  rejected the privileges that accompanied his Cardinal position in Argentina.  In his simplicity, he gave up his chauffeur and rode the bus to work.  As a Jesuit, he is a defender of Catholic doctrine and has a deep interest for educating others in the faith. 

He is a reformer and desires that the entire Church be called to be missionaries once again.  Pope Francis I has a deep spiritual life marked by his life experiences of sorrows.  There is a most beautiful humble, gentleness that emanates from His Holy Presence.  We pray that we may all catch the Spirit of this most beautiful leader of our Church in this Year of Faith. 

Tony Melendez and the Toe Jam Band

Tony and the Toe Jam Band offered us encouragement and hope with a most amazing concert.  Tony was born without arms and has discovered through his music how to bring the Gift of Hope to our world.

Blessed with a kiss by Pope John Paul II in 1987, he brings the Spirit of God's love and strength through his music.  Tony Melendez and his band share their gifts of song and wisdom bringing healing, courage and hope to everyone present.  He is truly an inspirational hero to us all. 

"... I see a hand and when you raise your hand, it is a miracle to me.  We have a world waiting for your hands and eyes."

"... It is so enjoyable to see the face of Christ in all of you - don't ever lose it!"

"... The world acts as if what you wear and how you look defines who you are.  Only Jesus Christ defines you. Don't go by the world's image. God made you in His image and He doesn't make mistakes. You are His miracle. You are beautiful in His eyes.. . Know it in the depths of your heart."

" ...We can't be perfect, but we can be faithful. I lay myself down at the foot of the cross. Lord, let me be your hands and feet in this world."



 
"... Don't Compromise.  Real men look at the inner beauty of who you are, who you want to be...  When we look in the mirror, we matter. We don't need to Compromise."

"... The devil is everywhere. He will use you and abuse you. Don't be weak. Be strong in Christ!"


YES LORD. YES LORD. I SAY, YES LORD! AMEN!  




Our Gospel Choir sang a "Thank you" song to Tony and the Toe Jam Band in appreciation for the blessing of the time toegther.

 And enjoyed fellowship over the breaking of the bread...

 
  

COME TO THE WELL

The Campus Ministry Student Leaders have been working very hard this year raising awareness against  Human Trafficking, making hundreds of comfort bags for Hurricane Sand victims, collecting food for he homeless, and visiting nursing homes.  It was time to go to the well at United Water in Bergen County and be refreshed in the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, who is Living Water for us.   Called by Name,  each of Benedictine's Cor Defenders reflected on the spiritual connotation and scriptural passage for their name.  It was amazing to hear how the gift of who they are is reflected so clearly in the word of God.   Vanessa is our "Free Spirit", while Joyce is "Full of Joy",  Marina is our "Wonderful Gift"...

Having taken the Road Less Travelled, they reflected on where they have been, the Mission and Belief Statements of the School, and where they were being called to serve the Lord next.  They proudly and joyfully chanted our Mission and Belief Statements:

We are 21st Century LEADERS.
We LISTEN with the ear or our hearts in the Benedictine Tradition.
We are life-long LEARNERS who are critical thinkers and intellectually curious.
We LOVE rooted in the gospel values following JESUS as our first teacher.
We are responsible LEADERS who have a shared responsibility to build a culture of peace 
and a just world.
We treat everyone with dignity and respect.  Prayer & Eucharist is the apex of our daily lives.
We believe everyone can achieve academic success through self-discipline.
Service Leadership is our passion as we respond to the needs of the local and global communities.

NEW NAME

Frederick Douglass Family Foundation has new name and website.  Ken Morris, the great great great grandson is carrying on his legacy through education against human trafficking, modern day slavery.

Benedictine Academy students have joined forces with Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives to help abolish human trafficking .  Become a Freedom Partner and speak out to raise awareness, Together, we can and are making a difference.

Check it out: Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives http://www.FDFI.org     

KTU CARES - 2/17

Cindy Vero is the host of a Radio Show on Sunday mornings at 7 called "KTU Cares" where she has the honor of interviewing local celebrities and hometown heroes who are giving back to their communities!

A few weeks ago, Benedictine's Cor Defenders spoke out about the dangers of Human Trafficking on WKTU, 103.5 Radio Station. 

 CLICK KTU CARES: ACTIVE LINK TO INTERVIEW on 2/17
KTU CARES - 2/17

Sergent Mike Jones of the Elizabeth Police Force recently joined our team to help abolish Human Trafficking, a Modern Day Form of Slavery.  He opened the radio interview by referring to our team as Benedictine Academy's "Do-Gooder Squad".

WKTU is the Number One Radio Station in New York City with over 5.4 million weekly listeners.

If the truth be known, we have an entire student body of "Do-Gooders".  Every student and staff at Benedictine Academy believes we have a shared responsibility to build a more, just and peaceful world.   Each of our students have learned to listen with the ear of their hearts, and follow the Lord's will in leading others to help our neighbor in need. And when we do live for this higher purpose by delivering happiness to others, we find our lives have new meaning and happiness is delivered in return one hundred fold.

ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE

The Benedictine Cor Defenders had a very informative phone conference this past Wednesday with Tracy Thompson, Assistant Attorney General, NJ Division of Criminal Justice, Human Trafficking Program Director. We discussed the next course of action both for the State and our Freedom Partner Team for helping abolish Human Trafficking, Modern Day Slavery.

Our students listened and learned that there continues to be a great need to educate our young people and the general public against the dangers of Human Trafficking.  We know that  President Barack Obama and the United Nations have continued to ask that we raise awareness and our voices about this hideous crime.  If we remain ignorant about the evil that is being done in our society and the world, then innocent young people could fall victim to being trafficked.  At Benedictine Academy we are saying NO MORE and are doing something to change our history with regard to slavery.

 

We shared our efforts to date and our eager to begin joining forces with our government so that together, we can raise awareness to the people in our communities and hopefully end Modern Day Slavery once and for all.   "THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!"

A special thanks to Rowena Madden of the N. J. Governor's Office for assisting us in our efforts.

FIRST FRIDAY LITURGY

Msgr. Anselm Nwaorgu was our celebrant as our school gathered together as one sacred community for the celebration of the Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist.  "Jesus, Remember Me" was our song of prayer as we entered and went in peace from the Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburga Monastery Chapel. 

LENT is "not usual time".  It is a time to "rend our hearts, not our garments" and reconcile with our Lord.  Today's reading, Genesis 37, was the story of Joseph and his brothers.  Msgr. Anselm once again shared a dynamic homily breaking open the Word for us to hear. 

Envy and jealousy in the brothers' hearts enslaved Joseph and attempted to murdered him.  The truth is that their their envy and jealousy enslaved their own hearts and killed off their own ability to be free to love and be happy.  They did not realize they were already complete with how God made them uniquely themselves. 


In the Gospel, we heard the parable of the Vineyard Owner.  The vineyard is for all of us. Our future is so bright if we remember the marvels the Lord has done for us and ask the Lord for the grace to rid us of those thoughts of envy and jealousy that enslave our hearts.  It is then, Msgr. Anselm reminds us, that this LENT will not be a time "as usual".  Amen.

We give thanks to Sister Karin, organist and vocalist, and Ms. DiGiaimo, Liturgy Club Moderator, for sharing their gifts and talents in our Eucharist Celebration, that is always so beautiful and sacred.

After the conclusion of our Celebration of the Eucharist, the Students In Action Team honored  Beatrice Thompson and the Gospel Choir for their outstanding dedication and service in music and song to the Benedictine Academy community all year long.  Ms. DiGiaimo, the Gospel Choir Moderator,awarded each member with a Jefferson Awards Students In Action Certificate as the entire student body joined in with a tremendous round of applause.

Gospel Choir members included Beatrice  (Student Leader), Nylah , Denisha , Rhodalin , Destinee , Jada , Ramira , Eunice , Alexander , Karol, Janelle , and Rodrie.

Lectio Divina

It is FRIDAY and it is LENT!  Our Benedictine tradition is for the school to make their Friday
 mini- pilgrimage to the St. Walburga Monastery Chapel in silence as they prepare for Lectio Divina.  Lectio Divina is Latin for "divine or holy reading".  This Benedictine tradition of reflective prayer dates back to St. Benedict, himself, in the 6th century.

 Read Scripture -Meditate - Pray - Contemplate.

Each Friday during the season of Lent, the entire school reflects on the Word of the Lord embraced by the beautiful silence that fills the chapel walls.  Last week, Sister Marita led us on our walk into the desert of our hearts to meet our Lord. 

Abstinence Program

This past week, we invited the N.J. Family Policy Council to present the truth about the importance of abstinence until after marriage.  In our society, our young people are bombarded with lies about relationships and promiscuity.   Premarital Chastity and the Sanctity of Marriage are fundamental teachings of the Church, rooted in Scripture, that we must fully embrace for our real happiness.