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Dear Xavier Families,
I hope this note finds you well and that your family has enjoyed a restful and joy-filled winter break. There is something sacred about these quiet days in the middle of the year, a chance to slow down, to be together, and to take a breath before the calendar turns once more.
We are excited to welcome our students and faculty back on Monday, energized and ready to take on the second semester. At Xavier, it is another chance for our young men to grow in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and most importantly, in character.
This week also marked the beginning of the Lenten season. Lent calls us to prayer, to sacrifice, and to reflection. It is a season rooted not in perfection, but in intention, a deliberate turning of our hearts toward God.
For us as Catholics, Lent is not simply a tradition on the calendar. It is a journey. Forty days to look inward. Forty days to practice discipline. Forty days to recommit ourselves to serving others with humility and compassion. In the rhythm of school life, filled with classes, practices, deadlines, and activities, this season invites us to slow down and ask what truly matters.
At Xavier, we will continue to walk this Lenten path together. Through campus ministry opportunities, service initiatives, and moments of shared prayer, our students will be encouraged to reflect on how they can grow, not just academically, but spiritually.
Our 30 Falcons and and adult chaperones who traveled to Guatemala had a powerful experience, embracing the call to serve others and carrying out the mission of Xavier and the Xaverian Brothers. As they return home, we pray for their safe travels and look forward to hearing about the impact of their journey.
As we move forward in the school year, we continue to challenge our students to be men of character, faith, and service, both inside and outside the classroom. Thank you for your continued support of Xavier and all we do to shape the young men entrusted to our care.
I wanted to share this Sunday's Gospel from Matthew 4: 1-11.
At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread." He said in reply, "It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God."
Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone."
Jesus answered him, "Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test."
Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, "All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me."
At this, Jesus said to him, "Get away, Satan! It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve."
Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.
This Sunday's Gospel from Matthew tells of Jesus in the desert, forty days of fasting, hunger, and temptation before He begins His public ministry. In His weakness, the devil tempts Him three times: to turn stones into bread, to test God's protection, and to trade worship for power.
Each temptation strikes at something deeply human.
First, comfort. "Turn these stones into bread." Jesus reminds us that life is about more than physical needs. "One does not live on bread alone." We are sustained by truth, by purpose, and by the Word of God.
Second, control. "Throw yourself down." Prove that God will protect you. Jesus refuses to test God. Faith is not about demanding guarantees. It is about trusting in Him.
Third, power and recognition. "All the kingdoms of the world I shall give to you." Jesus chooses worship and obedience over influence and prestige.
The desert reveals who He is and Whose He is.
At Xavier, this Gospel speaks directly to our mission. Our young men will face their own temptations to chase comfort over character, recognition over integrity, and status over service. We live in a world that measures success in visible ways such as grades, trophies, college banners, and applause.
But we know that formation goes deeper.
We strive to form young men who understand that achievement is important, but faith is foundational. That leadership is not about power, but service. That perseverance through challenge, through their own desert moments, builds the strength and character that will sustain them long after their four years here.
Like Christ in the desert, we pray our students grow into men who stand firm in truth, trust deeply in God, and worship Him above all else.
That is the kind of strength that lasts.
Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
- Sunday, Feb. 22: First Sunday of Lent
- Monday, Feb. 23: CLASSES RESUME
- Wednesday, Feb. 25: Early Dismissal (12:30 PM)
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Early Dismissal (12:30 PM)
- Thursday, Feb. 26: Parent Teacher Conference (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM)
- Friday, Feb. 27: Senior Service Hours Due
- Sunday, Mar. 1: Second Sunday of Lent
- Monday, Mar. 2: AP Applications Assessment Week Begins
- Tuesday, Mar. 3: Spring Freshmen Leadership Day (11:55 AM)
- Thursday, Mar. 5: Ben Tracy Presentation
- Thursday, Mar. 5: Mini Open House (6:00 PM)
- Friday, Mar. 6: AP Applications Due
- Friday, Mar. 6: Spring Musical at Mercy (7:00 PM)
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FROM THE FINANCIAL AID COMMITTEE
- Financial Aid applications for the 2026-27 academic year are still being accepted. For those seeking financial aid for the 2026-2027 academic year, we invite you to complete the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. The application can be accessed at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3CHKL. Financial aid at Xavier is awarded to families with demonstrated need, ensuring resources are thoughtfully allocated to those who require assistance. Families facing temporary financial hardships are encouraged to contact the Head of School to discuss special arrangements. ______________________________________________________
FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS
- The 2026-27 one-page school calendar is available HERE. A full calendar will be made available later this spring.
- With winter weather upon us, please note Xavier High School's notification procedures and our policies for cancellation of school and for make-up days. The information can be found here.
- On Thursday, March 5, Ben Tracy will do a presentation for our students on on digital citizenship, online safety, and responsible social media use. Topics that are especially important for our students at this time. This assembly is an important opportunity for students to gain practical guidance on navigating the digital world responsibly. As online interactions and social media continue to play a significant role in students' daily lives, it is essential that they understand how to make safe, respectful, and informed choices.
- The Xavier Robotics Summer Camp is open to all students currently in grades 5th through 8th. The camp is from 9:00 am to noon on July 13-17 at Xavier and costs $300. More details and the registration form can be found HERE.
- Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, February 26 from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. Parents will have the option of meeting with teachers and school counselors in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams. Signups for conferences will be required regardless of the type of conference chosen. Conference slots will be 10 minutes in length and will be filled through a first-come-first-serve process. Information regarding conference signups will be e-mailed to parents on Friday, February 20.
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FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
- All home athletic events for the sports of Basketball, Hockey, and Wrestling require purchase of admission through our online ticketing platform GoFan. Please click here to purchase your tickets or season pass.
- Spring Sports Registrationis open! If your son plans on playing a sport this spring, he must be registered through Arbiter Registration, even if he has already played a sport this school year. As a reminder, please make sure the nurse has a copy of your son's most recent physical. Physicals are valid for 13 months from the date of the exam. You can register your son here.
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FROM THE HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
- Tickets, sponsorship, ad and general support opportunities are now open for your consideration to help us make the 34th Annual Black and White Auction a success and a night to remember! This year's event, presented in partnership with the Atlas Outdoor Living Company and the beautiful Woodwinds in Branford, CT will offer six hours of good food and beverages, exciting prizes and prize drawings and of course time for dancing!
We are excited to introduce the start of the Xavier HSA's Impact Award program at this annual event. The XHSA's Impact Award honors an individual whose selfless generosity, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting and indelible impact on our sons, helping shape their character, direction, and future. We are honored to announce that the inaugural recipient of the Xavier Impact Award is Mr. Rich Feitel, The Director of Alumni and Development. Details of the Honoree Program can be found on the Auction website.
Please share the details with your family and friends and invite them to share this community celebration and fun(ds) raising. All are invited!
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- This year's JUNIOR RETREAT takes place March 12-14, 2026 at the Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center in Litchfield. The theme is An Upperclassmen Journey: becoming a leader. There are a limited number of spots. You can register your son today in the OnCampus Parent Portal.
- As a friendly reminder, the service requirements for each respective class, as well as the due dates, are as follows:
- CLASS OF 2026: 30 hours due FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026
- CLASS OF 2027: 35 hours due FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026... 30 additional senior hours will be due MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2027
- CLASS OF 2028: 40 hours, due WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1st, 2026... 40 additional hours due SENIOR YEAR, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1st 2028
- CLASS OF 2029: 40 hours due sophomore year, THURSDAY, APRIL 1st, 2027... 40 additional hours due senior year, THURSDAY, MARCH 1st 2029
If your son needs service hours, opportunities remain listed and the list is frequently updated OnCampus (under NEWS and FEATURED CONTENT). To view this more easily, CLICK HERE or just scan the QR Code hung around school.
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FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
- Parents of Seniors - Scholarships are listed in Naviance. Look through to find ones relevant to your son.
- Parents of Juniors - Be sure your completed Record Release form and Parent Brag sheet are turned into the School Counseling office.
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FROM THE ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
- Tickets are $100 each. Only 800 will be sold and the winner takes home 25,000 dollars.
- Ticket numbers will be sent via email. When purchasing a ticket, you must provide an email address. Ticket numbers will not be sent out in the mail.
- The drawing will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8 at Xavier High School. You do not need to be present to win, but you must be at least 18 years old to purchase.
- Purchaser of the winning ticket is responsible for all taxes. In accordance with IRS regulations, all state and federal taxes will be withheld by Xavier High School.
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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT
- ASSE International is partnering with Xavier High School to welcome international high school exchange students, ages 15-18, into your family and create bonds that will last a lifetime. Hosting an international student offers a unique cultural exchange experience for both the student and your family. To learn more about hosting an international exchange student click here or contact Chris Sansone, Director of Enrollment.
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Lino's Lunch Next Week
MONDAY
Chicken Parm over Penne
Pasta w/ Meatballs
TUESDAY
Chipotle Chicken & Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast Only (Half Day)
THURSDAY
Breakfast Only (Half Day)
FRIDAY
Fish Taco or Fried Dough
Mac & Cheese
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