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 For
any community named after an archangel the feast of St. Michael
is a big occasion on its calendar. However this year was unusually
special as accompanying the normal celebration, was Mount Michael
Biology teacher, Mr. Alan Wasmoen receiving the sacrament of confirmation.
Another difference this year was the time of the mass. While all
school masses are generally held in an in-service schedule during
the school day, this year the mass started at 7:30 PM to accommodate
the additional activities planned.
This year Fr. Michael
Liebl OSB presided over the mass, as is the custom on the feast
of St. Michael. Fr. John Hagemann led the student cantors, Steve
Christiansen and Jordon Cribbs, while, Lance Villeneuve and Mr.
Wasmoen’s wife Terri were the readers. Sr. Carolyn also played
a major though unnoticed role in all of this, by actually organizing
the confirmation and the reception in the dining hall that followed
the mass. Also involved were Dan Agnew and Marc Jergovic as alter
servers.
 The
mass started with all of the students filing in as usual. Soon followed
by the opening of the mass. Due to the nature of the feast day the
readings were about the war between God and Satan, and Michael’s
role in casting down the devil. This was followed by a short confirmation
ceremony for Mr. Wasmoen, followed by thunderous applause for him.
Fr. Michael, then had the task of attempting to merge the two topics
of confirmation and the feast of St. Michael into one homily. However
he managed to brilliantly and even managed a few laughs through
out as he compared various accounts of Michael in different contexts
and even drew a comparison to Star Wars and “The Force”.
Mr. Wasmoen and his wife and children brought forward the gifts
for communion. After communion Fr. Michael invited the kids to go
down to the dining hall for a reception for Mr. Wasmoen and some
treats. Once Mr. Wasmoen showed up he was once more greeted by applause
and catcalls. Making this a fitting end for a special day for both
the abbey and Mr. Wamoen. Article and Photos by: Tim Agnew
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