Faculty Retreat Led by Fr. Stephen
       Every year the entire Mount Michael faculty, staff, and monastic community gather for a retreat as the final preparation for the school year.  A bit different than in past years, the retreat leader was one of the Mount's own.  Fr. Stephen Plank O.S.B. our guidance counselor and French teacher directed the retreat. The topic was "Benedictine Values".  Fr. Stephen presented the staff with a bit of Benedictine history and descriptions of a myriad of Benedictine values found within the Rule of Saint Benedict which has been guiding Benedictines for 1,500 years.

      He concluded the retreat by challenging the faculty and staff with continuing to explore those values which are at the "core" of Mount Michael.  The Faculty and staff will meet again this fall to whittle down the list of values and prepare a document that sets forth those particular values that will help focus the entire Mount Michael community on what it is that makes us Mount Michael Benedictine.

     Among those values presented where: Prayer, Work, Lectio, Learning, Balance, Community, Leisure, Justice, Peace, Moderation, Hospitality, Stewardship, Leadership, Respect, Care of the Individual, Frugality, Stability/Commitment, Conversatio, Service, Listening/Obedience, Chastity, Humility, Responsibility, Reverence, Joy, Love, Celebration, Discipline (Leading to Freedom), Accountability, Gratitude, Honesty, Mindfulness.