Community takes break, observes Ash Wednesday

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         Retreat. A word all students enjoy to here. This last Wednesday, Mount Michael pupils broke out of their normal regiment and spent a morning in prayer for Ash Wednesday.
       The morning commenced as Sr. Carolyn gave an overview of the day, and junior Matt Core and senior Tim Hall read scripture- the notable parable of the Sower and the Seeds. Fr. John Hagemann gave a presentation on passion, using as examples Jim Kane, a priest and an inmate. Kane, known by many as a stern coach who wanted only the best out of his athletes, passed away recently and displayed great passion for his sports as well as respect for the monastic community. Hagemann recalls rising in the early hours of the morning to condition for cross country, not because the team was required to practice, but because Coach Kane's passion urged them to succeed. The Mexican priest was killed as a martyr during the Mexican Revolution, while the inmate, Manuel Hernandez, "saw the light" and reformed his life while in prison in California. Hagemann also noted junior Joe Hoeschen, who volunteers at the Francis House, and senior Jared Conforte, who shares his passion for singing with the crowds at the basketball games and music concerts.
       The students were then given a short break and returned to the chapel with Fr. Richard Thell and the majority of the monastic community awaiting. As Fr. Richard demonstrated visually in a picture how Satan could tempt people , the students refreshed their minds on the value of reconciliation and Fr. Daniel Lenz burned bona opera of papers inscribed with personal sacrifices from each of the 141 students. "The fire of Fr. Dan was exquisite. It made me contemplate the reason for lent and how Jesus died for us." When Fr. Daniel had finished, the students went to one of the six confessionals and received the ashes from their bona operas when they were finished. The students where given an extended break as they had completed their penance. "Even though I am not Catholic, I found the day very inspirational," said freshman Uchechukwu Ohia.
       A mass service was also held with Abbot Theodore serving as the celebrant. With the monastic community present, the sophomore students were moved to the balcony. Sophomore Ron Kmiecik along with freshmen Tim Backes and Phil Schulte read during the celebration. In his homily, Abbott Theodore related people to the giant Red Cedar trees of the western United States: The Red Cedar trees are very tall but are dependent on other trees to stay up because they have shallow roots, just as we are dependent on each other to keep in line and make proper decisions. He also used a branch as an example of unity, showing that the limb is weak at the tips where the branches are far apart, but it is strong toward the trunk where they are close. Commented sophomore Lance Villeneuve, "Fr. Abbot demonstrated that as a community, we can help each other along. I mean, having close friends really keeps your spirits high and helps you look optimistically toward your future endeavors."
       The retreat in fact did have an impact on many students as they look forward to lent. "It was very spiritual and a good blessing to begin the lenten season," said junior Pat Cogar. "This morning's prayer services were appropriate for the season of lent. I would like to share my gratitude to Sister Carolyn, Fr. John, and all others involved Wednesday morning," commented freshman Kyle Bradshaw.
       "I felt it was a very enlightening religious experience," noted the very felicitous junior Dan Herman. "I feel holier than thou. That's the impact it had on me." Sophomore Brent Lockee added, "It would be nice if we could have these breaks more often. I find them very advantageous as both a break from school and a chance to get closer to God." - Article and photos by Scott Lindgren