Daily Summary - 9/29

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed God's second promise to Abraham. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #19 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.
• Read Chapter 4; Page 83, 1-19 due tomorrow, September 30th.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Reviewed notes for test tomorrow.
Current Assignments:
• Quiz Thursday (We do not have classes this Friday): Catholic glossary terms 31-40

9th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed Jesus as the Word of God. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Quiz Thursday: Catholic glossary terms 31-40

Oral Communications
Section A: Discussed Carnegie section 1.2.
Assignment for next class: Read and complete reflection questions for #3 on Carnegie reading list.

Section C: Finished presenting speeches.

Daily Summary - 9/26

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

8th Grade Religious Studies
Took quiz then answered student questions. As usual, questions about sin and Heaven and Hell dominated the conversation.
Current Assignments:
• Quiz Friday: Catholic glossary terms 31-40

Oral Communications
Section A: Discussed Carnegie section 1.1.
Assignment for next class: Read and complete reflection questions for #2 on Carnegie reading list.

Section C: Presented speeches.

Monday's Speakers
Ben C.
Baro J.
Nathan F.
Brendan D.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/25

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed God's Covenant with Abraham. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #18 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.
• Read Chapter 4; Page 83, 1-19 due Tuesday, September 30th.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed God the Father and the blessings he gives us. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Quiz Friday: Catholic glossary terms 21-30

9th Grade Religious Studies
Took quiz.
Began discussing Jesus and who he is.
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview moved to Thursday, September 24
• Quiz Thursday: Catholic glossary terms 31-40

Oral Communications
Section A: Began discussing How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Assignment for next class: Read and complete reflection questions for #1 on Carnegie reading list.



Section C: Presented speeches.

Tomorrow's Speakers
Taylor J.
Peter H.
Jay K.
Blake W.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/24

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed the Patriarch Abraham. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #17 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.
• Read Chapter 4; Page 83, 1-19 due Tuesday, September 30th.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed God the Father and the blessings he gives us. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Quiz Friday: Catholic glossary terms 21-30

9th Grade Religious Studies
Began discussing Jesus and who he is.
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview moved to Thursday, September 24
• Quiz Thursday: Catholic glossary terms 21-30

Oral Communications
Section A: Used today as a study period. Tomorrow we will begin discussing How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Assignment for next class: Read DC xiii-xxv.

Section C: Began presenting speeches.

Tomorrow's Speakers
Elliott T.
Joon Ho K.
Brian D.
Clinton S.
Allen F.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Professional Soccer Player Enters the Priesthood

This news is from this summer, but it is too good not to share it. This summer 26-year-old Chase Hilgenbrinck, captain of Major League Soccer's New England Revolution, announced his retirement from professional soccer. His reason: God was calling him to the priesthood.

You can read the whole article here, but here is a good pull quote:

"It's not that I'm ready to leave soccer. I wouldn't leave the game for just any other job. I'm moving on for the Lord. I want to do the will of the Lord, I want to do what he wants for me, not what I want to do for myself."

Daily Summary - 9/23

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed how sin continued after the Flood. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #16 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.
• Read Chapter 4; Page 83, 1-19 due Tuesday, September 30th.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed God the Father. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Test
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview moved to Thursday, September 24
• Quiz Thursday: Catholic glossary terms 21-30

Oral Communications
Section A: Finished presenting speeches.
Section C: Prepared speeches in computer lab.

Tomorrow's Speakers
Joshua G.
Johnathan R.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/22

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed the Covenant between God and Noah. (Handout)
This is a very interesting site about Noah's Ark. They recreated and studied the Ark to its exact specifications to determine if the story is even possible.
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #15 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed God the Father. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due TOMORROW. Don't forget to type it.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Students had time to review for test and ask questions.
TEST TOMORROW
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview moved to Thursday, September 24
• Quiz Thursday: Catholic glossary terms 21-30

Oral Communications
Section A: Began presenting speeches.
Section C: Discussed using keyword notes for the next speech. Prepared speeches in computer lab.

Tomorrow's Speakers
Kenny E.
Scott M.
Hobin L.
Keith M.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/19

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

8th Grade Religious Studies
Took quiz and answered student questions. Most of our questions today regarded angels and demons.
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

Oral Communications
Section A: Prepared speeches in computer lab.
Section C: Prepared speeches in computer lab.

Monday's Speeches
Ernie D.
Woo Hoon C.
Kevin L.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Happy Feast Day!

Today is the feast day of one of my favorite saints, St. Joseph of Copertino. He was the patron saint for me and the group of my closest friends in college. He is a very interesting figure. Just a few things about him:

He is the patron saint of students and test takers. Why? He was known for being extremely unintelligent, and he miraculously passed a very important test.

He is the patron saint of pilots. Why? When he would pray, he would often get so wrapped up in the love of God that he would literally float off the ground. (Notice the picture above.)

You can read his story here, and say an extra prayer today in his name for your son and his studies.

St. Joseph of Copertino - Pray for us!

Daily Summary - 9/18

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed how God used the Flood to start a new creation. (Handout)
This is a very interesting site about Noah's Ark. They recreated and studied the Ark to its exact specifications to determine if the story is even possible.
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #14 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Finished discussing characteristics of God. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Finished discussing the blessings we have from God our Father. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Thursday: Catholic glossary terms 21-30

Oral Communications
Section A: Prepared speeches in computer lab.
Section C: Discussed using keyword notes for the next speech.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/17

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Began discussion of the Great Flood. (Handout)
This is a very interesting site about Noah's Ark. They recreated and studied the Ark to its exact specifications to determine if the story is even possible.
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #14 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Began discussing characteristics of God. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed the blessings we have from God our Father. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Thursday: The Sign of the Cross and the Glory Be

Oral Communications
Section A: Began preparing next speech in computer lab.
Section C: Watched recorded speeches.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/16

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Began discussion of the Great Flood. (Handout)
This is a very interesting site about Noah's Ark. They recreated and studied the Ark to its exact specifications to determine if the story is even possible.
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #13 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Continued how the Trinity is like a family (or better, how families are a reflection of the Trinity. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed God as Father. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Thursday: The Sign of the Cross and the Glory Be

Oral Communications
Section A: Began preparing next speech in computer lab.
Section C: Watched recorded speeches.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/15

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed the spread of sin after Adam and Eve. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #12 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Continued our discussion of the Trinity. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed the "Omni-" characteristics of God. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Thursday: The Sign of the Cross and the Glory Be

Oral Communications
Section A: Discussed the use of keyword notes for the next speech.
Section C: Watched recorded speeches.

Daily Summary - 9/11

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Test today.
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #11 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Continued our discussion of the Trinity. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Took quiz.
Discussed the "Omni-" characteristics of God. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Thursday: The Sign of the Cross and the Glory Be

Oral Communications
Section A: Watched recorded speeches.
Section C: Presented speeches.

Daily Summary - 9/10

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed how Original Sin fits into the plan of Salvation through Jesus. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Test tomorrow. Completed handouts due.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Began our discussion of the Trinity. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how families are a reflection of the Trinity. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Thursday: The Hail Mary

Oral Communications
Presented speeches.

Tomorrow's Speeches
Nathan F.
Peter H.
Ben C.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/9

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed the Fall of Humanity. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Write a paragraph to answer this question: Which would be better: if Adam and Eve had never sinned, or if it happened exactly as it did and Jesus came to die for us?

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how to live the Call to Holiness as Subiaco Students.
Parents, you can now read your son's answers to how he plans to live the Mission of Subiaco Academy.
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Began our discussion of the Trinity. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Thursday: The Hail Mary

Oral Communications
Presented speeches.

Tomorrow's Speeches
Jay K.
Johnathan R.
Baro J.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Catholics, Politics, and Abortion

Here is a letter issued by the bishops of the Archdiocese of Denver in response to comments made by Vice Presidential Candidate Joe Biden, who like Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, claims to be Catholic and pro-abortion.

***************

To Catholics of the Archdiocese of Denver:

When Catholics serve on the national stage, their actions and words impact the faith of Catholics around the country. As a result, they open themselves to legitimate scrutiny by local Catholics and local bishops on matters of Catholic belief. In 2008, although NBC probably didn’t intend it, Meet the Press has become a national window on the flawed moral reasoning of some Catholic public servants.

On August 24, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, describing herself as an ardent, practicing Catholic, misrepresented the overwhelming body of Catholic teaching against abortion to the show’s nationwide audience, while defending her “pro-choice” abortion views. On September 7, Sen. Joseph Biden compounded the problem to the same Meet the Press audience.

Sen. Biden is a man of distinguished public service. That doesn’t excuse poor logic or bad facts. Asked when life begins, Sen. Biden said that, “it’s a personal and private issue.” But in reality, modern biology knows exactly when human life begins: at the moment of conception. Religion has nothing to do with it. People might argue when human “personhood” begins – though that leads public policy in very dangerous directions – but no one can any longer claim that the beginning of life is a matter of religious opinion.

Sen. Biden also confused the nature of pluralism. Real pluralism thrives on healthy, non-violent disagreement; it requires an environment where people of conviction will struggle respectfully but vigorously to advance their beliefs. In his interview, the senator observed that other people with strong religious views disagree with the Catholic approach to abortion. It’s certainly true that we need to acknowledge the views of other people and compromise whenever possible – but not at the expense of a developing child’s right to life. Abortion is a foundational issue; it is not an issue like housing policy or the price of foreign oil. It always involves the intentional killing of an innocent life, and it is always, grievously wrong. If, as Sen. Biden said, “I’m prepared as a matter of faith [emphasis added] to accept that life begins at the moment of conception,” then he is not merely wrong about the science of new life; he also fails to defend the innocent life he already knows is there.

As the senator said in his interview, he has opposed public funding for abortions. To his great credit, he also backed a successful ban on partial-birth abortions. But his strong support for the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade and the false “right” to abortion it enshrines, can’t be excused by any serious Catholic. Support for Roe and the “right to choose” an abortion simply masks what abortion is, and what abortion does. Roe is bad law. As long as it stands, it prevents returning the abortion issue to the states where it belongs, so that the American people can decide its future through fair debate and legislation.

In his Meet the Press interview, Sen. Biden used a morally exhausted argument that American Catholics have been hearing for 40 years: i.e., that Catholics can’t “impose” their religiously based views on the rest of the country. But resistance to abortion is a matter of human rights, not religious opinion. And the senator knows very well as a lawmaker that all law involves the imposition of some people’s convictions on everyone else. That is the nature of the law. American Catholics have allowed themselves to be bullied into accepting the destruction of more than a million developing unborn children a year. Other people have imposed their “pro-choice” beliefs on American society without any remorse for decades.

If we claim to be Catholic, then American Catholics, including public officials who describe themselves as Catholic, need to act accordingly. We need to put an end to Roe and the industry of permissive abortion it enables. Otherwise all of us – from senators and members of Congress, to Catholic laypeople in the pews – fail not only as believers and disciples, but also as citizens.

+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Denver

+James D. Conley
Auxiliary Bishop of Denver

Daily Summary - 9/8

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed the uniqueness of humans in Creation. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #9 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.
• Pg. 64, 1-27 due Tomorrow.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how to live the Call to Holiness as Subiaco Students.
Current Assignments:
• Reflection on Academy mission statement, due tomorrow by 9 a.m. Post your answers by clicking this link. Don't forget to read the directions for posting.
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

9th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how various saints lived the call to holiness.
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Thursday: The Hail Mary

Oral Communications
Speech preparation in the computer lab.
Presented speeches.

Tomorrow's Speeches
Scott M.
Ernie D.
Hobin L.
Keith M.
Brian D.
Elliott T.
Blake W.
Allen F.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/5

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how various saints lived the call to holiness.
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Hail Mary

Oral Communications
Speech preparation in the computer lab.

Monday's Speeches:
Kenny E.
Woo Hoon C.
Kevin L.
Taylor J.
Brendan D.
Joon Ho K.
Clinton S.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Of interest to parents

The students in my 8th and 9th grade Religious Studies classes, have an assignment in which they are to reflect on how the mission statement of Subiaco Academy affects them. They are to post their answers on this blog. You can read them here.

For those of you whose sons board at Subiaco, I am sure that you do not get to see much of the work that they do. I thought you might appreciate this chance to get to see their thoughts.

Daily Summary - 9/4

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed the Creation story in Genesis. (Handout)
Current Assignments:
• For next class read # on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.
• Pg. 64, 1-27 due Tuesday, 9/9.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how various saints lived the call to holiness.
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Our Father

9th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how various saints lived the call to holiness.
Current Assignments:
• Reflection on Academy mission statement, due this morning. If you have not yet posted your answers, please get them posted as soon as possible, so that you can still earn some points.
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz tomorrow: The Our Father

Oral Communications
Speech preparation in the computer lab.
Speeches begin Monday.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

Daily Summary - 9/3

Feast of St. Gregory the Great
Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Classes were shortened, so that all could attend mass for the installation of the new headmaster.

Scripture
Reviewed the terms that we have covered so far.
Current Assignments:
• For next class read #8 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.
• Pg. 64, 1-27 due Tuesday, 9/9.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how various saints lived the call to holiness.
Current Assignments:
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz Friday: The Our Father

9th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how various saints lived the call to holiness.
Current Assignments:
• Reflection on Academy mission statement, due tomorrow.
• Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
• Quiz tomorrow: The Our Father

Oral Communications
Speech preparation in the computer lab.
Speeches begin Monday.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)

How can you live the Mission of Subiaco Academy?

SUBIACO ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT

Subiaco Academy, a boarding/day school, is dedicated to providing young men with the opportunity for a college preparatory education in a stable and structured environment nourished by Christian values. The Subiaco experience also provides the opportunity to create a sense of community, which is a reflection of Catholic Benedictine traditions of service to God, respect for self and others, mutual support, and the value of work.

Therefore, we require our students to:

• Demonstrate maturity and responsibility within the community
• Demonstrate honesty in their behavior and speech
• Respect all persons, including parents, teachers, deans, fellow students, themselves and God
• Demonstrate proper care of all property: their own, the school’s, and their peers
• Nourish a desire for excellence in all aspects of life

As Subiaco Christian gentlemen, our students should strive to be generous in serving God through serving others.

---------------

For each of the things expected from a Subiaco student (listed as bullets below) answer the following 3 questions:

1. Why is this important?
2. What is practical way I can do this in my daily life?
3. How can doing this make me closer to God?

• Service to God
• Respect for self and others
• Mutual support
• The value of work
• Demonstrate maturity and responsibility within the community
• Demonstrate honesty in their behavior and speech
• Respect all persons, including parents, teachers, deans, fellow students, themselves and God
• Demonstrate proper care of all property: their own, the school’s, and their peers
• Nourish a desire for excellence in all aspects of life

Freshmen, post your answers in the comments section below by 9:00 tomorrow (Wednesday, 9/3) Thursday, 9/4. All comments posted after 9:00 will be considered late. Do not forget to read the directions for posting.

8th graders, post post your answers in the comments section below by 9:00 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, 9/9). All comments posted after 9:00 a.m. will be considered late. Do not forget to read the directions for posting.

Daily Summary - 9/2

Today's Mass Readings
Today's Feast Days

Scripture
Discussed the senses of Scripture. (Handout)
For next class read #7 on the reading list. Be ready for a quiz.

8th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed the Universal Call to Holiness. (Handout)
Next quiz: The Our Father

9th Grade Religious Studies
Discussed how various saints lived the call to holiness.
Assignments: Reflection on Academy mission statement, due tomorrow. Monk interview due Tuesday, September 23.
Next quiz: The Our Father

Oral Communications
Finished discussing speech expectations and requirements.
I presented a speech I gave in college following the same requirements.

Resources and handouts for speech preparation:
• Speech evaluation form
• Outline sheet
• Speech structure checklist
• Soyouwanna Deliver an Effective Speech (from soyouwanna.com)