Xavier High School Parent Weekly Newsletter - December 5

This week, our community came together to celebrate one of our most cherished traditions, Founders Week, a time dedicated to honoring the legacy of Theodore James Ryken and Saint Francis Xavier. It is always a meaningful stretch of days on campus, an opportunity to pause and reflect on the Xaverian values that guide our mission: Humility, Trust, Zeal, Compassion, and Simplicity.

Each day, our students and faculty took part in activities rooted in those core values. During lunch waves, students participated in contests where they wrote what these values mean to them, offering reflections that were thoughtful, sincere, and distinctly Xavier. We also recognized members of our community who best represented each days value, presenting awards to students, faculty, and staff whose actions reflect what we hope to instill in every young man who walks through our doors.

A highlight of the week was our annual Mass in celebration of the feast day of Saint Francis Xavier. Before Mass began, we had the privilege of honoring Mr. Lyons as this year's recipient of the Ryken Award. His life and work reflect the heart and soul of Xavier High School, a daily commitment to forming young men of character, faith, and purpose. As a Catholic school sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers, we remain dedicated to fostering the spiritual, academic, and physical growth of our students, challenging them to use their God given gifts in service to others as they continue to live our motto: Be A Man.

At the conclusion of Mass, our community celebrated one of its most beloved figures. Brother John received a few early Christmas surprises from Santa's elves, a small token of gratitude for all he does for our school. As one of just three Xaverian Brothers who are still teaching at XBSS Sponsored Schools in the United States, his presence is both a gift and a living reminder of our roots. He offered a brief but heartfelt message to our students, reminding them that they are the legacy of the Xaverian Brothers and of Theodore Ryken.

Looking ahead, the excitement of the season continues. Next week, our students will enjoy a variety of Christmas activities before turning their attention to midterm exams, which begin on December fifteen. We are proud of the work they have put in throughout the semester and will support them as they prepare for these important assessments.

Thank you for your partnership and trust. We are grateful for your sons, for the energy they bring to our community, and for the many ways they help keep the Xaverian mission alive each day.

I wanted to share this Sunday's Gospel from Matthew 3: 1-12.

"John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea
and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
A voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
John wore clothing made of camel's hair
and had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and wild honey.
At that time Jerusalem, all Judea,
and the whole region around the Jordan
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.

When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees
coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers!
Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.
And do not presume to say to yourselves,
'We have Abraham as our father.'
For I tell you,
God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees.
Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
I am baptizing you with water, for repentance,
but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.
I am not worthy to carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand.
He will clear his threshing floor
and gather his wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

In this week's Gospel, John the Baptist emerges from the desert with a message that is as urgent today as it was two thousand years ago: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." John calls people to wake up, to turn back toward God, and to make room in their lives for what truly matters. His voice fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah and reminds us that God's work in the world often begins with an invitation to change our hearts.

John's vivid imagery, from his simple clothing to his direct words, is not meant to frighten but to clarify. He challenges the crowds, including the Pharisees and Sadducees, to show their faith through their actions rather than rely on their background or titles. A life rooted in goodness, justice, and humility is the good fruit he describes.

This passage is important because it prepares us for the coming of Christ, not only in the liturgical season but in our everyday lives. John reminds us that transformation begins with honesty, reflection, and a willingness to grow. As we move through the school year, it is an invitation for all of us, students, families, faculty, and staff, to consider how we can better live our values and help prepare the way for God's grace in our community.

God Bless!

Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School

• Saturday, Dec. 6: Freshmen / Sophomore Semi-Formal (7:00 PM)
  
• Sunday, Dec. 7: Second Sunday of Advent
• Monday, Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary Mass (9:10 AM)
• Wednesday, Dec. 10: Winter Concert (7:00 PM)
• Friday, Dec. 12: Christmas Prayer Service (9:10 AM)
• Sunday, Dec. 14: Third Sunday of Advent
• Monday, Dec. 15: Midterm Exams Begin (Secondary Dress Code)
• Sunday, Dec. 21: Fourth Sunday of Advent
• Wednesday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve (School/Offices Closed)
• Thursday, Dec. 25: Christmas (School/Offices Closed) 
• Wednesday, Dec. 31: New Year's Eve (School/Offices Closed)
• Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year's Day (School/Offices Closed)

FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS 

LINO'S LUNCH MENU NEXT WEEK