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Dear Xavier Families,
It was wonderful to welcome our faculty, staff, and students back to campus after the winter break. The halls are once again full of energy, focus, and purpose as our community turns its attention toward finishing the semester strong.
On Tuesday, we gathered as a school community for our annual Blessings on the New Year Mass. During the liturgy, six members of the Class of 2027 were commissioned to represent Xavier at the annual XBSS Junior Leadership Retreat this March. Congratulations to Simeon Bos, Griffin McCarthy, Jack McGuire, Jerry Rowe, Brendan Russ, and Ethan Taylor. These young men, along with senior leader Sean O'Sullivan and faculty member and Ryken Service Society moderator Ms. Meghan Keefe, will represent Xavier at an important experience that challenges students to grow as leaders, deepen their faith, and reflect on their responsibility to serve others.
Following Mass, we held a special ceremony honoring our former President Rick Misenti '72. Mr. Misenti, Xavier's first alumni President, had his baseball jersey retired in the gym, joining Jeff Bagwell '86 and former Athletic Director Tony Jaskot '69. It was a meaningful moment that celebrated Mr. Misenti's lasting impact on Xavier as both an alumnus and a leader of the school.
On Thursday evening, we were thrilled to see an impressive turnout for our Junior Class College Workshop. The enthusiasm and engagement from students and families made for a productive and encouraging night as our juniors begin preparing for the next steps in their educational journey.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Xavier and for being such an important part of our community.
I wanted to share this Sunday's Gospel from Matthew 3: 13-17.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened up [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
This Gospel moment is one of the most important turning points in Jesus' life. It marks the beginning of His public ministry, but it does so in a surprising way through humility.
Jesus comes to John the Baptist asking to be baptized. John is confused. He knows who Jesus is and believes Jesus should not need baptism at all. Baptism was meant for repentance, and Jesus was without sin. Yet Jesus insists. He tells John that this moment is necessary to fulfill all righteousness. In doing so, Jesus chooses to step fully into the human experience, not above us, but alongside us.
For us as Catholics, this passage reminds us that greatness begins with humility and obedience to God's will. Jesus shows us that leadership is not about status or power, but about a willingness to serve, to listen, and to trust God’s plan, even when it feels uncomfortable or unexpected.
For parents, there is something deeply reassuring in these words. God does not speak with pressure or demands. He speaks with love and affirmation. Before Jesus performs miracles, before He teaches crowds, and before He suffers, God claims Him as beloved. This is a powerful reminder of how God sees each of our children, not for what they achieve, but for who they are.
At Xavier, this Gospel speaks directly to our mission. We strive to form young men who understand that leadership begins with humility, that faith calls us to action, and that every student is known, valued, and loved. Just as Jesus steps into the Jordan to begin His mission, our students are called each day to step forward in classrooms, on fields, on stages, and in service, grounded in faith and guided by conscience.
This passage invites all of us, parents, educators, and students alike, to reflect on how we are listening for God's voice, how we are affirming one another, and how we are preparing our young men not only for success, but for lives of purpose rooted in faith.
God Bless!
Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
- 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 (6:00 PM)
- Friday, Jan. 16: Winter Sports Pep Rally
- Saturday, Jan. 17: Senior Bowling Night @ Bowlero in Wallingford (6:00 PM)
- Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School / Offices Closed)
- Friday, Jan. 23: End of First Semester
- Saturday, Jan. 24: Sophomore Retreat #4
- Monday, Jan. 26: Start of Catholic Schools Week
- Tuesday, Jan. 27: Junior Ring Mass Practice (2:30 PM)
- Tuesday, Jan. 27: Freshman Class Night (5:30 PM)
- Wednesday, Jan. 28: Early Dismissal (12:30 PM)
- Thursday, Jan. 29: Junior Ring Mass (6:00 PM)
- Friday, Jan. 30: Financial Aid Applications Due
- Friday, Jan. 30: Underclassmen Service Hours Due
- Friday, Jan. 30: Last Day to Add / Drop Classes For Spring Semester
- Friday, Jan. 30: Report Cards Posted Online
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FROM THE FINANCIAL AID COMMITTEE
- Financial Aid applications for the 2026-27 academic year are now 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. The deadline for financial aid applications is January 31, 2026. ______________________________________________________
FROM THE ASSOCIATE PRESIDENTS
- On Friday, January 9th, a special report card with the results of your son's midyear exam grades will be published in OnCampus. Please keep in mind that midyear exams count as 10% of the overall grade for a full year course, and 20% of the overall grade for a fall semester course. Although midyear exams took place before Christmas break, the second marking period continues until Friday, January 23rd, when the fall semester will come to a close. A full midyear report card that reflects your son's grades from the first and second marking periods and the midyear exams, along with his midyear course averages, will be published on Friday, January 30th.
- Prepare for the SAT with Xavier's After-School Review Course. This course offers a focused and convenient way for students to strengthen key skills in Math and Verbal sections, helping them feel confident and prepared on test day. To enroll, log into OnCampus and select the yellow banner at the top of the screen. If you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Keereweer. ______________________________________________________
FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS
- 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.
- We have scheduled a schoolwide assembly on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Our guest speaker, Mr. Ben Tracy, will be addressing students 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.
- You have seen the impact Magnum, Xavier's facility service dog, has had on our community. Now you can help raise the next generation of service dogs. Forever In My Heart Foundation (FIMHF), the organization that provided Xavier with Magnum, is seeking foster families to provide socialization and basic training for puppies destined to serve veterans, children with autism, individuals with mobility challenges, and facilities like Xavier. By opening your home to a pup, you can play a vital role in nurturing a dog who will change lives, just as Magnum has done at Xavier. If interested, please contact Ms. Mira Alicki (860-490-2170) or Ms. Kim Arsenault (860-961-6726).
- Xavier is holding a Book Drive! We will be collecting new and gently used children's books for the Read to Grow organization. Read to Grow is a non-profit that has provided free books to families in Connecticut for 25 years. The organization distributes books to hospitals, community centers, and neighborhoods with the goal of making literacy a reality for all children. This is a great opportunity to clean out and help others at the same time! Please drop donations off in the box located in the front lobby from January 12th - January 26th. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Aresco in the Finance Office or Mrs. Marselli in the Media Center.
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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.
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FROM THE HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
- The Xavier Home and School Association is excited to announce the date for the 34th Annual Black and White Auction - Saturday, March 21, 2026. After last year's successful event, financially (we raised $85K!) but more importantly, socially we cannot pass on an opportunity to repeat it! If you were with us - let's do a sequel! if you missed it - here's your opportunity. "Let's feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'..." let's keep on Staying Alive!😉🪩We hope you will pencil it in on your calendars! More information is coming soon.
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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.
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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
Sweet Chili Breaded Chicken Sandwich w/ Pepper Jack Cheese
Side of Sweet Potato Fries
Pasta w/ Meatballs
TUESDAY
Chicken Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
WEDNESDAY
Chicken / Cheese / Taco Quesadilla
Penne Alfredo
THURSDAY
Cilantro Lime Grilled Flank Steak
Stuffed Shells
FRIDAY
Loaded Baked Potato Pulled Pork w/ Cheddar
Mac & Cheese
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