Opening School Mass and Picnic
      This year the traditional opening school mass and picnic were once again held under the pines near the Guest House. The entire student body and their families were invited. The mass this year, however, had a small twist compared to past years.

      The classes at Mount Michael usually commence on a Monday near the end of August. However, this year the students returned on a Wednesday instead, which caused a problem for planning the mass and picnic. Traditionally, they had been held on the Sunday night before the students moved in. However, this year the tradition was moved to the Sunday following the start of school with the expected outcome to be larger than previous years.

      The short mass conducted by Abbot Raphael and was followed by announcements from various board leaders in the school. After this, the families began eating their picnic dinners and enjoyed the company of fellow students and faculty. This year’s senior class indulged in a smorgasbord, compliments of the senior mothers.

      The evening always poses a good start for the school year and everyone is able to catch up after the long summer with students and faculty. As always, the Mount Michael emphasis on a strong prayer life is witnessed as the entire community begins the school year with mass and prayers. -Andy Ciaccio