Xavier High School Parent Weekly Newsletter - December 12

It was a fun and meaningful week at Xavier, filled with community, faith, and holiday spirit as our students prepared for their midterm exams. Moments like these remind us that even in busy academic seasons, there is always room for joy, reflection, and connection.

We began the week on Monday by coming together in prayer to celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Gathering as a school community for Mass is always a grounding experience and a reminder of the values that guide us each day at Xavier.

The holiday spirit continued throughout the week in creative and spirited ways. Our faculty and staff brought cheer to campus with a Christmas Door Decorating Contest, transforming hallways into festive spaces that lifted everyone's spirits. On Tuesday, students embraced the season by dressing in festive outfits and twin costumes for a spirited contest. The day was made even sweeter as students enjoyed hot chocolate and candy canes during lunch.

Wednesday brought another burst of creativity as classes dressed as characters from classic Christmas films. Our freshmen channeled the mischief and mayhem of Home Alone 1 and 2. Sophomores brought the timeless charm of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Juniors wandered the halls as if they had stepped straight out of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Seniors transformed into the residents of Whoville from The Grinch. Faculty and staff kept everyone laughing with their best takes on Christmas Vacation. The day was filled with creativity, school spirit, and the kind of shared laughter that makes Xavier feel like home.

On Wednesday evening, Xavier and Mercy joined together on Randolph Road for a magical Winter Concert filled with talent, joy, and the spirit of the season. Thank you to the talented performers, devoted directors, and every family and community member who filled the room! Mr. Berlyn and his performers put on a great show!

On Thursday, we held our annual Ugly Sweater Contest and students received goody bags of treats ahead of exams, generously provided by our Home and School Association. We are deeply grateful for the Home and School Association and the vital role they play in our community. Their continued support, generosity, and dedication help strengthen the partnership between school and families and enhance the daily experience for our students in meaningful ways.

We closed the week on Friday with our Christmas Prayer Service, offering our community a quiet and reflective moment as we look ahead to the weeks to come. It was a beautiful way to pause, give thanks, and center ourselves in faith during this busy and joyful season.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Xavier High School. As midterm exams begin, we keep our students in our prayers and wish them focus, confidence, and success.

I wanted to share this Sunday's Gospel from Matthew 11: 2-11.

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"

Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me."

As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

'I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.'"

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

In this Sunday's Gospel, we meet John the Baptist at a moment of deep uncertainty. He is in prison, cut off from the world, and sends his disciples to ask Jesus a profound question: "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" Even the great prophet who spent his life preparing the way for the Messiah experiences doubt.

Jesus does not answer with a title or an argument. Instead, he points to what is happening around him: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who suffer from leprosy are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor." In other words, look at the fruits. Look at the lives being changed. Look at the hope being restored. The work of God becomes clear when we see transformation in people, especially the most vulnerable.

Jesus then speaks to the crowd about John and reminds them that John is more than a prophet. He is the messenger promised long ago, the one who prepares the way. Jesus adds that in the kingdom of heaven, greatness is not measured by status or achievement. It is measured by humility, faithfulness, and trust.

At Xavier, this passage reflects the heart of our mission. Jesus teaches us that faith is not just spoken. It is lived. Every day in our classrooms, halls, and athletic fields we witness quiet but powerful signs of God at work in our community.

We also take to heart the example of John the Baptist. Like John, our role as educators, parents, and mentors is to prepare the way. We help our young men grow into people of character, compassion, and conviction. We do not point them toward ourselves. We point them toward something greater: a life shaped by faith, integrity, and service.

God Bless!

Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School

• Sunday, Dec. 14: Third Sunday of Advent
• Monday, Dec. 15: Midterm Exams Begin (Secondary Dress Code)
• Friday, Dec. 19: Make Up Exams (Starting at 9:00 AM)
• Sunday, Dec. 21: Fourth Sunday of Advent
• Wednesday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve (School/Offices Closed)
• Thursday, Dec. 25: Christmas (School/Offices Closed) 
• Friday, Dec. 26: Artie Kohs Classic (5:30 PM / 7:15 PM)
• Saturday, Dec. 27: Artie Kohs Classic (5:30 PM / 7:15 PM)
• Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year's Eve (School/Offices Closed)
• Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year's Day (School/Offices Closed)
• Monday, Jan. 5: Classes Resume (A Day)
• Tuesday, Jan. 6: Blessings on the New Year Mass (9:10 AM)
• Sunday, Jan. 11: Sophomore Retreat #3

FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS 

LINO'S LUNCH MENU NEXT WEEK