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Dear Xavier Families,
Happy New Year from all of us at Xavier High School. We hope your holiday season was filled with joy, reflection, and time with loved ones. As we step into this new year, our mission of fostering growth, leadership, and faith in each of our young men remains our guiding light.
On Monday, the halls of Xavier will come alive again as our students return, bringing their energy and ambition back to campus. It is a moment that always feels like a fresh chapter with new opportunities to learn, grow, and lead. Our faculty is rested and ready to inspire and challenge every student to make the most of the months ahead.
Over the holiday break, our Falcons represented Xavier with pride and determination on courts, mats, and ice rinks across the state. Our winter sports teams competed fiercely and embodied the grit and sportsmanship that define this community.
As we embark on this new calendar year, let us carry forward the spirit of the season, which is one of gratitude, hope, and service to others. Together, as a community rooted in faith and tradition, we will make 2026 a year to remember.
May God continue to bless you and your families. We look forward to seeing all our students back and ready to take on the new year with purpose and passion.
I wanted to share this Sunday's Gospel from Matthew 2: 1-12.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
"'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.'"
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
This Gospel tells the story of the Magi, wise men who notice a star and choose to follow it, even though the journey is long, uncertain, and leads them far from what is familiar. They do not have every answer when they begin. What they have is the courage to seek truth and the faith to keep moving toward it.
Herod, by contrast, is troubled by the birth of Jesus. He represents fear, insecurity, and the temptation to protect power rather than pursue what is right. The Magi listen instead for God's voice, and when they encounter Christ, they respond with joy, humility, and generosity, offering the very best of what they have.
At Xavier, this Gospel reminds us that our students are also on a journey. Each young man is learning to recognize the stars in his own life, teachers who guide him, challenges that stretch him, and moments of faith that call him forward. Like the Magi, he is invited to seek truth with curiosity, to choose courage over comfort, and to trust that God is present even when the path is unclear.
The Magi return home by another route, changed by their encounter with Christ. That is our hope for every Xavier student. Through faith, learning, service, and brotherhood, they leave Randolph Road transformed and ready to walk a new path with wisdom, integrity, and hearts open to God's call.
God Bless!
Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
- Monday, Jan. 5: Classes Resume (A Day)
- Tuesday, Jan. 6: Blessings on the New Year Mass (9:10 AM)
- Thursday, Jan. 8: Makeup Entrance Exam
- Thursday, Jan. 8: School Counseling Office Mandatory Jr. Student / Parent Night (6:30 PM)
- Friday, Jan. 9: Ryken Society Canned Food Drive
- Sunday, Jan. 11: Sophomore Retreat #3
- Tuesday, Jan. 13: Fall Semester Art Show (3:00 PM)
- Tuesday, Jan. 13: 8th Grade Honors Dinner & Recognition Night
- Friday, Jan. 16: Winter Sports Pep Rally
- Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School / Offices Closed)
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FROM THE DIOCESE OF NORWICH
The Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis will end on Epiphany. Special graces, called Indulgences, are available to pilgrims at Saint Patrick Cathedral. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. we will have Adoration and pray the Liturgy of the Hours along with confessions so the faithful may have one last opportunity to participate in the Holy Year graces. Please join Bishop Reidy and our priests on Epiphany at the Cathedral. Please see the Diocesan website, www.norwichdiocese.org for more details. ______________________________________________________
FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS
- Parents: Your sons have been reminded of our hair and grooming policy. If your son is in need of a haircut, please make sure he has it taken care when we return from break on MONDAY. A reminder that burst fades are not allowed. Failure to do so will result in detention and / or ineligibility from activities and sports. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
- The Fall Semester Art Show will take place on Tuesday, January 13 at 3:00 pm. Students and parents are invited to view in the work in the front foyer. The show will remain on display for the entire week.
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FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
- Scholarships for our senior students are now available. You can review the scholarships in Naviance to search for ones relevant to your son.
- Junior Students & Parents: Please save the date for our mandatory Junior Parent & Student Night on Thursday, January 8th at 6:30 pm. This important evening will officially kick off the college planning process, and essential information will be shared to help students prepare for the year ahead.
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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 MENU NEXT WEEK!
MONDAY
Cajun Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich w/ Pepperjack Cheese, Chipotle Sauce, & Fried Banana Peppers
Ziti w/ Meatballs
TUESDAY
Chicken Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
WEDNESDAY
Breaded Beef Cutlet Sandwich
Penne Alfredo
THURSDAY
General Tso's Chicken over Rice
Chef Special Pasta
FRIDAY
Philly Chicken Sandwich
Mac & Cheese
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