T
he more things change, the more they remain the same. On September 16th, 2012 we
will be celebrating our 57th Annual Fall Festival.
What started out as a meeting in the back yard of some of our friends developed into the
Mount Michael Association. These friends decided to hold an annual Fall Festival to raise
money for the Abbey and St. John Seminary. The beginnings were small, but over the years
the enthusiasm and efforts of the Mount Michael Association made the Fall Festival a major
attraction in the Omaha area, drawing thousands of people.
Spearheaded by the boundless energy of Father Joseph Peters, O.S. B. and Father Mario
Gramlich, O.S.B., each year we had a major attraction for the Festival. Over the years, we
have watched a motorcyclist jump over twelve buses (we all held our breath on that one), hot
air balloon rides, Dunk a Monk (a real favorite for the students), a space shuttle on display,
and a classic car show. The Fall Festival was the Abbey’s only fundraiser. It was imperative
that it be successful because each November we had a note due on the loan for the seminary
building. The Lord blessed us and every year we met that obligation! Over all of those years,
we have had only three complete rainouts.
With the passage of time and the aging of the members of the Mount Michael Association,
who served us so well for so many years, the efforts to make the Festival a yearly success have
been passed on. With the generosity of our students, parents and staff, along with the help of
our friends and alumni families, the Festival continues to be a fun day for the whole family.
The Fall Festival remains the Abbey’s major fundraiser and its success is important to help us
meet our financial obligations.
Let this be our invitation to you to join us on September 16th, 11am-6pm, for a day of
entertainment, food, games, family and friends.
~ Abbot Raphael Walsh, O.S.B.
“Like” us on Facebook Facebook.com/Mount Michael Benedictine School
Follow us on Twitter @Mount_Michael
Volume 57, Issue 16
Fall 2012
Letter from the Abbot
Across the Midwest it has been a challenging
“We only
need to
believe
that, like
the rain,
grace
will come
our way
again.”
summer. To have summertime highs topping
the century mark is common. It is even possible
to string together any number of hot days. But
usually there is a break. Normally there is some
rain. There has been neither this summer. The
lawns around Mount Michael, which one could
mistake for Ireland in the spring, were brown
and dusty by early August. The grass has all
gone dormant. Fields of corn have dried up in
the unrelenting sun. Fr. John’s garden would not
survive except for constant watering. There has
been no rain. It is all a reminder that life is not
possible without water.
In a similar way, we could argue that a
spiritual life is not possible without grace. Our
growth in Christ relies on nourishment. That
nourishment is grace. The channels by which
we normally receive grace are the sacraments.
Whenever we attend mass, we have the
privilege of direct access to the Eucharistic
presence of Jesus Christ. In our hunger we are
fed. Whenever we take part in the sacrament
of reconciliation, we enjoy the forgiveness of
Christ. In our disorientation we find direction.
Although the grass is dormant, it is not dead.
Seeds of corn may bear no fruit this summer,
but they can be planted again. Eventually rain
will return. So it is with us personally. We may
have allowed ourselves to dry up and wither
like parched grass. Our spiritual life may be
dormant, but we can be rejuvenated. We can
grow again. We only need to believe that, like
the rain, grace will come our way again. That
grace will bring us life, light and hope.
~ Rt. Rev. Michael Liebl, O.S.B.
Campaign Update
We are happy to announce that we recently broke ground on our new wastewater treatment plant.
Construction of the plant is one of our goals for the Now is the Time campaign, which also includes
plans to significantly increase our school’s endowment in addition to building a new classroom facility.
“We are pleased that work is beginning on our new wastewater treatment facility. Built in the
mid-1950’s this plant is long overdue for renovation and replacement. It is through the generosity of
the donors to our Now is the Time campaign that this is possible. We want to thank them for their
support. It is through this campaign that the facilities of Mount Michael will be revitalized and
improved,” Dr. David J. Peters said
of the new developments.
Now is the Time to prayerfully
consider a gift to the campaign
if you have not done so already.
To date, we have raised over $5.5
million towards our Phase 1 goal of
$10 million.
~ Kimberly A. Volpone, Director of Development
That In All Things
God May Be
Glorified
Rule of St. Benedict
2
Mass Information
If you find that your pastor is unable to
conveniently take care of Masses you wish to have
celebrated for your particular intentions, Mount
Michael Abbey welcomes the requests for such
intentions. We will see to it that the Masses are
celebrated as promptly as possible.
The offering you make should correspond with
that suggested by the diocese in which you reside.
Your pastor will be able to inform you of what the
stipend of a particular diocese may be.
$10.00 is the suggested offering in the
Omaha Archdiocese.
Please address such requests to:
Mass Intentions
Development Office
Mount Michael Benedictine Abbey
22520 Mount Michael Road
Elkhorn, NE 68022
Births
Henry Defreece
Mr. & Mrs. Todd (‘98) and Kourtney Defreece
Henry Lowell Levy
Mr. & Mrs. John (‘99) and Beth Levy
Erik Paladino
Mr. & Mrs. Luke (‘96) and Angie Paladino
Lucy Grace Walsh
Dr. & Mrs. Michael (‘99) and Katie Walsh
Marriages
Matt (‘01) and Kelly Adler
June 2, 2012
Matt (‘06) and Kelsey Goldsmith
July 28, 2012
Deaths
Memorial & Tribute
Information
Often inquiries are made about our memorials
and tributes for relatives and friends, living or
deceased. At Mount Michael one can enroll families
or friends in our memorial and tribute foundation.
This consists of daily remembrance at the Eucharist
and the Divine Office by the monks of Mount
Michael Abbey. Upon enrollment, we will notify the
family with a card.
The suggested offering for this memorial enrollment is:
INDIVIDUAL
One Year
$50
Five Years $100
Lifetime $250
FAMILY
One Year
$100
Five Years $200
Lifetime $500
Please send announcements to Kari Herbst:
kherbst@mountmichael.org
George Allen
Grandfather of Allen Dugan (‘05)
Thomas R. Burke
Friend of Mount Michael
David Dewald
Grandfather of John (‘07), Patrick (‘11)
and Peter (‘13)
Andy Fidler
Former Mount Michael Teacher
Robert Ginn
Friend of Mount Michael
Marie Kruger
Grandmother of Sean (‘12)
Mae Watson Lane
Grandmother of John Elster (‘09)
Marie Marino
Sister of Ann Louise Micek
Anna Stolarskyj
Friend of Mount Michael
Gerald Stovie
Friend of Mount Michael
Paul Walker
Grandfather of Greg (‘06) and Eric (‘15) Sullivan
Robin Wees
Sister of former Mount Michael teacher Misha Wees
Richard Weitkemper, Sr.
Grandfather of Sam (‘06) and Luke (‘09)
3
Memorials & tributes: may-July, 2012
4
In Memory of Christopher R. Assman ‘95
Mr. Patrick Assman
In Memory of Clint Boatman
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel and Sandra Kuchta
In Memory of David DeWald
Mr & Mrs. John and Terry Walters
In Memory of Duane Enderson
Mr. & Mrs. David and Debra Mahoney
In Honor of John Gutsmiedl
Mrs. Leana Dekock
In Memory of Roddy James
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel and Sandra Kuchta
In Memory of Melvin Knust
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher and Rebecca Gregory
In Honor of Michael McFayden
Mrs. Joan McFayden
In Memory of Rev. Melvin Merwald
Dr. & Mrs. Lou and Jackie Sojka
In Memory of John D. Moylan
Ms. Mary Adolfson
Mr. Matt Atchison
Mr. & Mrs. Vince and Linda Antonelli
Mr. & Mrs. Nick and Monica Bachman
Dr. & Mrs. Bill and Kelly Barnard
Ms. Marjorie Behn
Mr. & Mrs. Bill and Jeanette Behrendt
Mr. & Mrs. Dan and Julie Bode
Mr. & Mrs. John and Debra Bothof
Mr. & Mrs. Sam and Debbie Brower
Mr. & Mrs. Steven and Jeanne Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Doug and Donna Bruce
Mr. & Mrs. Frank and Mary Bruning
Mr. & Mrs. Pete and Judy Burke
Ms. Joedy Burton
Mr. & Mrs. Troy and Katie Carmichael
Ms. Dianne Carroll
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carter
Mr. & Mrs. Steven and Diane Caswell
Catholic Health Initiative
Mr. & Mrs. Adam and Amy Christensen
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin and Andrea Clanton ‘99
Mr. & Mrs. Scott and Jayne Clanton
Mrs. Elizabeth Clavin
Mr. Brandon Copple ‘01
Dr. & Mrs. William Corcoran
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore and Patricia Cox
Dr.. & Mrs. Richard and Diana Cupich
Mr. & Mrs. Bill and Sheri Danielson
Mr. and Mrs. R. L. and G.A. Dolan
Ms. Beulah Drees
Ms. Delores Drees
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick and Jeanne Duggins
Mr. & Mrs. Ken and Marilyn Dustin
Mr. Ronald Eckloff
Mr. & Mrs. James and Kathleen Ecklund
Ms. Sandra Kay Erickson
Ms. Shirley Falk
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph and Anita Fassero
Mr. & Mrs. Randy and Cathy Feurt
Mr. & Mrs. David and Cindy Finken
Mr. & Mrs. J. Michael Fitzgerald
Ms. Carroll Fleming
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff and Kathryn Freed
Ms. Ruth Freed
Mrs. Barbara Gard
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick and Susan Garland
Mr. & Mrs. Leonard and Elna Germer
Mr. & Mrs. Craig and Lori Graeve
Mr. & Mrs. John and Doreen Griffith
Mr. & Mrs. David and Mary Hahn ‘69
Mr. & Mrs. Gary and Anne Hargis
Ms. Jann Harrington
Mr. & Mrs. Russ and Emily Hjermstad
Dr. & Mrs. David and Mary Hoover
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony and Kylee Hudson
Mr. & Mrs. Richard and Angela
Humlicek Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Shane and Rachel Ideus
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen and Joan Ingram
Mr. & Mrs. Larry and Jan Jansky
Ms. Sandra Japp
Mr. & Mrs. Karl and Inga Jensen
Jesuit Community of Creighton Univ.
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff and Michale Kavan
Mr. & Mrs. Harold and Margaret Kinney
Ms. L. Christi Kjar
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard and Winifred Kouba
Mr. & Mrs. Joe and Raneta Laitner
Mr. & Mrs. James and Beatrice Lammers
Mr. & Mrs. Ed and Cleo Lamoureux
Mr. & Mrs. Art and Mary Langer
Mr. & Mrs. Joel and Erin Lanik ‘94
Mr. & Mrs. Bob and Susan Lanik
Mrs. Virginia Lanik
Mr. & Mrs. Duane and Marlene Larchick
Ms. Kathy Larkin
Ms. Deborah Lebbert
Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Joan Lieben
Mr. & Mrs. Don and Debbie Lerdal
Mrs. Rita Luettel
Mr. & Mrs. Kyle and Nicole Malone
Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Mary Marinkovich
Memorials & tributes: may-July, 2012
Ms. Kelli Martin
Masimore, Magnuson & Associates, PC
Ms. Barbara Martindale
Ms. Alice McGowan
Drs. Tom and Evelyn McKnight
Mr. & Mrs. Ted and Cindy Menzel
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin and Mary Miller
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin and Sara Moline ‘99
Mr. Richard Moline
Mrs. JoAnn Monahan
Ms. Kathleen Moran
Dr. & Mrs. Mike and Michelle Morrison
Mr. & Mrs. Mike and Glenda Mullen
Mr. & Mrs. Deane and Sharon Munro
Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy and Anne Nabors
Nebraska Welding LTD.
Mr. & Mrs. Art and Jun Neppl
Ms. Elaine Nice
Mrs. Dolores Novak
Mr. & Mrs. Paul and Karen Nowak
Mr. & Mrs. James and Barbara O’Brien
Mr. & Mrs. Terry and Linda O’Hare
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher and Christi Olsen
Mr. & Mrs. Stan and Joyce Olson
Mr. & Mrs. Joe and Joan Onodera
Mr. Robert Pamer
Mr. & Mrs. Randy and Terri Park
Mr. & Mrs. Brad and Melissa Peal
Mr. & Mrs. Gary and Kim Petersen
Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Catherine Pfeiffer
Mr. & Mrs. Bob and Ann Pick
Mr. & Mrs. Phil and Kathleen Powell
Mr. Walter Price
Mrs. Rose Mari Prochaska
Mr. & Mrs. Ed and Rose Regan
Mr. Dale Riehart
Mr. Dan Riha
Mr. & Mrs. Keith and Jacki Roumph Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Jim and Vicki Schmitz
Siegmund Physical Therapy, P.C.
Mr. & Mrs. Randy and Janice Smeal
Ms. Nancy Snider
Dr. & Mrs. Lou and Jackie Sojka
Mr. & Mrs. Ken and Janet Sorensen
Mr. David Spenner ‘63 and
Ms. Millie Stranathan
Mr. & Mrs. David and Debra Spicka
Mr. & Mrs. John and Mary Stratman
Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Tracy Stratman
Mrs. Alberta Sueper
Mr. & Mrs. Jim and Audrey Suing
Mr. & Mrs. Harley and Ann Swanson
Mr. & Mrs. Mike and Laurene Tarvin
Mr. & Mrs. Tom and Sue Tefft
Mr. & Mrs. Scott and Shiela Thomas
Mr. & Mrs. John and Tiffany Thompson
Mr. & Mrs. John and Mary Tokheim
Ms. Raejean Tripp
Mrs. Ruth Tuhy
Mr. & Mrs. Francis and Pat Tworek
Ms. Marjorie Vaculik
Mr. & Mrs. Tony and Becky VandenBosch
Mr. Leo VanErdewyk
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne and Mary
Vanmoorleghem
Ms. Ann Mae Vogltanz
Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Susan Voisin
Mr. & Mrs. Ray and Kim Volpone
Mr. & Mrs. Jim and Susan Walsh III
Mr. & Mrs. Jim and Melissa Walsh
Ms. Mary Wellensiek
Mr. & Mrs. Boyd and Kathy West
Mr. & Mrs. Andy and Kris Wiest
Mr. & Mrs. Duane and Glenda Wilson
Dr. John Wingender and
Mrs. MaryKay Miller
Mr. & Mrs. Robert and Barbara Witte
Dr. & Mrs. Michael and Joanna Wolpert
Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd and Regina Worthington
In Memory of Paul Nelson
Mr. & Mrs. John and Therese Wolters
In Memory of Cheri Rief
Mr. & Mrs. Marvin and Dorothy Rief
In Memory of James Rohlich
Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Jan DeCabooter ‘59
In Memory of Lenoard Schmitz
Dr. & Mrs. Bernard and Kathleen Kratochvil
In Memory of Anna Stolarskyj
Ms. Oksana Depa
Dr. & Mrs. Bernard and Kathleen Kratochvil
Mr. & Mrs. Peter and Sharon Loth
Mr. & Mrs. Wesley and Mary Wolfe
In Honor of Abbot Raphael Walsh, O.S.B.
Mrs. L. Joann Vorrath
5
Admissions
This fall Mount Michael welcomed the second largest incoming freshmen class in
school history. We are very fortunate to have such a talented and diverse group of young
men join the Mount Michael community. We are excited to have all of these young men
and their families here for the next four years.
That in All Things God May Be Glorified,
Eric Crawford ‘00
Class of 2016
Matthew Amao of St. Vincent de Paul, son
of Drs. Rasheed and Caroline Amao of Omaha, NE.
Matthew was the school geography bee champion in
2011 and 2012 and represented his school at the St.
Thomas Aquinas Club Academic Challenge.
Logan Baumberger of Trinity Lutheran,
son of Mr. and Dr. Pat and Sandy Baumberger of
Fremont, NE. Logan was awarded a medal from the
Serra Club for mass service, 2nd place in the Trinity
Lutheran Engineering Fair and a four quarter honor
roll student.
Ben Benes of St. Patrick’s-Elkhorn, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Dave and Kelly Benes of Omaha,
NE. Ben qualified for the World Vex Robotics
Championships and was a member of a national
robotics championship team.
Sam Bohart of Lux Middle, son of Drs. Andy
and Patty Bohart of Lincoln, NE. Sam was a four
quarter honor roll student and awarded a Mount
Michael Benedictine Presidential Scholarship based
on his performance on the entrance exam.
Jacob Bova of St. Columbkille, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Mark and Amy Bova of Bellevue, NE. Jacob was
a member of National Junior Honor Society, served as
the captain of St. Columbkille’s Academic Decathlon
and Book Bowl teams and was awarded a Mount
Michael Benedictine St. Michael scholarship based on
his performance on the entrance exam.
Seth Broadstone of St. Stephen the Martyr,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Brad and Kellie Broadstone of
Omaha, NE. Seth was awarded hardest worker on his
KWAA football team and voted team player on his
basketball team.
Joseph Budd of St. Roberts, son of Dr. and
Mrs. Steve and Lori Budd of Omaha, NE. Joseph has
participated in a service camp for Youth Serve and
helps at Operation Others to deliver food to needy
families.
6
Matthew Coghill of St. James, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Gregg and Susan Coghill of Omaha,
NE. Matthew participated in jazz band and honor
band, music in Catholic Schools, was an honor roll
student and awarded a Mount Michael Benedictine
Presidential Scholarship based on his performance on
the entrance exam.
Kyle Coleman of St. Patrick’s-Elkhorn, son of
Mr. and Mrs. John and Marilynn Coleman of Omaha,
NE. Kyle qualified for the World Vex Robotics
Championships and was a member of a national
robotics championship team. Kyle was awarded a
Mount Michael Benedictine St. Gabriel Scholarship
based on his performance on the entrance exam.
Jeremiah Connealy of St. Mary’s-Bellevue,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Carla Connealy of
Bellevue, NE. Jeremiah was awarded a medal from the
Serra Club for his service and reverence as a server,
was a four quarter honor roll student and awarded
Mount Michael Benedictine St. Gabriel Scholarship
based on his performance on the entrance exam.
Thomas D’Aquila was homeschooled, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony and Jennifer D’Aquila of
Bennington, NE.
Matt Davis of St. Patrick’s-Elkhorn, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Roger and Lynette Davis of Omaha, NE.
Matt was a Gold Honor Roll student, qualified for
the World Vex Robotics Championships and was a
member of a national robotics championship team.
Tyler Degener of Buffett Middle, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Michael and Kayleen Degener of Omaha,
NE. Tyler achieved Summa Cum Laude at Buffett
Middle School and was awarded a Mount Michael
Benedictine Presidential Scholarship based on his
performance on the entrance exam.
Class of 2016
Maximilian deMayo of Christ the King, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Miles and Lynn deMayo of Omaha,
NE. Maximilian was awarded a Mount Michael
Benedictine St. Michael Scholarship based on his
performance on the entrance exam.
Kameron Diaz of St. Stephen the Martyr, son
of Ms. Ann Marie Marasco and Mr. Ken Diaz of
Omaha, NE.
Ray Dorsey of Millard North Middle, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Dierk and Rhonda Dorsey of Omaha, NE.
Ray was an honor roll student.
Paul Dougherty of St. Vincent de Paul,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Duane and Amy Dougherty of
Omaha, NE. Paul was awarded a medal from the
Serra Club for his service and reverence as a mass
server.
matthew dugick of Holy Cross, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Gary and Laura Dugick.
Randall E. Esquivel of St. Patrick’s-Elkhorn,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Randall and Maria Esquivel of
Omaha, NE. Randall was awarded with the National
Spanish Exam 2012 Plata Award and the 2012
Sportsmanship award for 8th grade PAL basketball
players.
Michael Fischer of Fremont Bergan, son of
Dr. and Mrs. Brett and Kris Fischer of Fremont, NE.
Michael was awarded the Academic Achievement and
Citizenship awards.
Jack Flaxbeard of Millard North Middle,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark and JoAnn Flaxbeard of
Omaha, NE. Jack was an honor roll student.
Michael Ford of St. Cecilia’s, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Derek and Margy Ford of Omaha, NE. Michael
finished third in the Omaha district for History
Day and qualified for the state history competition.
Michael was awarded a medal from the Serra Club for
his service and reverence as a mass server.
Paul Forgét of St. James, son of Ms. Cathy
Forgét of Omaha, NE and Mr. Stephen Forgét of
Lyon, NJ. Paul was a member of St. James’s math and
science competition teams.
Kalle Haines of Buffett Middle, son of Ms.
Mary Schlegelmilch of Omaha, NE. Kalle was a
four quarter honor roll student, a member of Junior
National Honor Society, a World Vex Robotics
competition qualifier and a member of the Blair and
All City Music Festivals honor bands.
Brenden Hall of St. Stanislaus son of Ms.
Traci Hall of Omaha, NE. Brenden was awarded the
Altar Server Appreciation Award, Academic Award,
Citizenship Award, Eagle Reader Award, Golden
Gems Scholarship and the St. Stanislaus Ladies Guild
Scholarship.
Michael Hall of St. Stanislaus, son of Ms.
Audra Ratliff of Omaha, NE.
Nate Hazard of St. Vincent de Paul, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Mark and Teresa Hazard of Omaha, NE.
Nate was awarded a Mount Michael Benedictine St.
Raphael Scholarship based on his performance on the
entrance exam.
Elliott Heineman of Buffett Middle School,
nephew of Mr. David Heineman of Omaha, NE.
Elliott was awarded a Mount Michael Benedictine
Scholarship based on his performance on the entrance
exam.
Jack Hitzemann of St. Stephen the Martyr,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Linda Hitzemann of
Omaha, NE. Jack was awarded a Mount Michael
Benedictine St. Raphael Scholarship based on his
performance on the entrance exam.
JT Hudson of St. Stephen the Martyr, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Jamie and Tina Hudson of Omaha, NE. JT
was awarded the St. Stephen Christian Spirit Award
and the Leadership Award and was a Gold Honor
Roll student. Ben Hynes of St. Joseph, son of Drs. Phillip
and Diane Hynes of Lincoln, NE. Ben was a Gold
Honor Roll student, a Math Counts team member, a
People to People student ambassador and a Duke TIP
Scholar. Ben was awarded the St. Joseph Exemplary
student award and a Mount Michael Benedictine St.
Gabriel Scholarship based on his performance on the
entrance exam.
7
CLASS of 2016
Zach Hytrek of St. Stephen the Martyr, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Jackie Hytrek of Omaha,
NE. Jack was an honor roll student.
Dylan Johnson of St. Patrick’s in Elkhorn, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Todd and Gazelle Johnson of Omaha,
NE. Dylan was a four quarter honor roll student
and was awarded a Mount Michael Benedictine St.
Raphael Scholarship based on his performance on the
entrance exam.
Jin Gue Jung of Okrun Middle, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Eul-Yeon and Yoon-Suk Jung of Yeonsu-gu,
South Korea.
Mason Lewis of Fremont Bergan, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Mel and Mindy Lewis of Fremont, NE.
Mason was awarded an Academic Achievement
Award, a Bergan Leadership Award and participated
in Honor Band and drama.
Chan Gi “Brian” Kang of Sindo Middle, son
of Mr. Byoungkook Kang and Mrs. Jae Nam Ahn of
Busan, South Korea.
Michael Mancuso of St. Vincent de Paul,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Kolleen Mancuso of
Omaha, NE.
Chip Karlson of St. Wenceslaus, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Bart and Sheila Karlson of Omaha, NE.
Leo McGrath of St. Wenceslaus, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Kevin and Mary McGrath of Omaha,
NE. Leo was awarded a Mount Michael St. Gabriel
Scholarship based on his performance on the entrance
exam.
Christian Keller of St. Stephen the Martyr,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Catherine Keller.
Christian was a Gold Honor Roll student, a two
time St. Stephen the Martyr Spirit Award recipient
and a Duke TIP Scholar. Christian was awarded a
Mount Michael Presidential Scholarship based on
his performance on the entrance exam and recently
earned the scout rank of Life.
connor kenney of St. Joseph of Lincoln, son
of Dr. and Mrs. Sean ‘84 and Tracy Kenney.
Ian Kirwan of Otte Middle School, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Daniel and Suzanne Kirwan of Blair, NE.
Ben Kohlmeier of Concordia Junior High, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Ron and Mia Kohlmeier of Omaha,
NE. Ben has volunteered for the Hope Center for
Kids and the AAA Counseling Center.
Luke Krajewski of St. Wenceslaus, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Matt and Machelle Krajewski. Luke was
an honor roll student for the past three years and was
awarded a Mount Michael Benedictine Scholarship
based on his performance on the entrance exam.
8
Nate LaFave of Russell Middle School, son of
Mr. Dave LaFave Jr. and Ms. Beth LaFave of Omaha,
NE. Nate was awarded the Presidential Award,
Outstanding Journalism Award, Woodmen American
History Award and a Distinguished Honor Roll
student. Nate was awarded a Mount Michael St.
Gabriel Scholarship from Mount Michael based on
his performance on the entrance exam.
Case McNally of St. Joseph, son of Drs. Mike
and Annette McNally of Lincoln, NE.
Corbin Merkel-Evans of Lewis and Clark,
son of Dr. and Mrs. Don and Shelly Evans of Beaver
Lake, NE. Corbin was a member of Junior National
Honor Society and was awarded a Mount Michael
Benedictine St. Gabriel Scholarship based on his
performance on the entrance exam.
Aaron Meyer of St. Vincent de Paul, son of Mr.
and Mrs. James and Deanna Meyer of Omaha, NE.
Alex Miklas of St. James, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Bill and Gina Miklas of Omaha, NE.
Alex has been an honor roll student for the past two
years and was voted team captain for his baseball,
football, and basketball teams this past year.
Ryan Moffit of St. James, son of Ms. Teresa
Walters of Omaha, NE. Ryan was awarded a medal
from the Serra Club for his service and reverence as
an altar server at mass and was an honor roll student.
CLASS of 2016
John “Jack” Morrissey of St. Patrick’sElkhorn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Brian ‘84 and Kris
Morrissey of Elkhorn, NE. Jack was awarded his
black belt in Tae Kwon Do and his purple belt in
Ju-jitsu.
Brendan Nicholas of Mary Our Queen, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Patty Nicholas of Omaha,
NE. Brendan was awarded Principal’s honors and is a
Sergeant at Arms for the Colombian Squires.
Ben Nigro of St. Gerald, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Scott and Estelle Nigro of Ralston, NE.
Alexander Raikar of St. Patricks, son of Dr.
and Mrs. Shane and Kathy Raikar. Alexander was
awarded a medal from the Nebraska Soccer League
for division championship in the fall of 2011, received
recognition as a server at mass and was on the honor
roll at St. Patricks.
Jacob Ramaekers of St. Vincent de Paul, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Michelle Ramaekers of
Elkhorn Nebraska. Jacob was awarded a Certificate
of Merit for deep faith and outstanding excellence in
the St. Vincent de Paul vocations essay contest and a
Mount Michael Benedictine St. Gabriel Scholarship
based on his performance on the entrance exam.
David Recic of Elkhorn Middle School, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Patricia Recic of Elkhorn,
NE.
Ryan Reid of Gretna Middle School, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Glenn and Maria Reid of Gretna, NE.
Ryan was an honor roll student and recognized as an
outstanding volunteer and youth mentor at his church.
Colton Starman of St. Patrick’s- Elkhorn,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff and Colleen Starman of
Valley, NE.
Alex Stoupa of St. Vincent de Paul, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Ray and Kay Stoupa of Omaha, NE.
Alex was awarded the Mount Michael Booster Club
Scholarship and a Mount Michael Benedictine
Scholarship based on his performance on the entrance
exam.
Chongshi “Raymond” Sun of Zhangjiang
Group School, son of Mr. Hongyu Sun and
Mrs. Xinyan Li of Shanghai, China. Raymond
was awarded Grade Star Award (the criteria is
comprehensive including academic performance,
school activity participation, and athletic
achievements).
Muxuan Tang of Shenzhen Nanshan Bilingual
School, son of Mr. Chenghe Tang and Mrs. Ziaoqin
Li of Shenzhen, China.
Jackson Thompson of Elkhorn Valley
View Middle School, son of Dr. and Mrs. Mike and
Michele Thompson. Jackson is a star level scout, was
an honor roll student and was awarded a Mount
Michael Benedictine St. Michael Scholarship based
on his performance on the entrance exam.
Sam Van Haute of St. Columbkille, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Bob and Cathy Van Haute of LaVista, NE.
Sam was a member of the National Junior Honor
Society and participates in altar serving, sports and
several different service projects.
Walt Wear of Gretna Middle School, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Sharon Wear of Gretna, NE. Walt was a
Duke TIP Scholar.
Ryan Whitaker of Russell Middle School, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Michele Whitaker of
Omaha, NE. Ryan was awarded a Mount Michael
Benedictine St. Gabriel Scholarship based on his
performance on the entrance exam.
* Awards and student list as of May 23, 2012.
This list may not include all students in the
Class of 2016 and all awards or honors that the
students have received.
9
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL’S DESK
Hopefully, as you read this, the heat wave has
Once you
have an
education
at Mount
Michael
you find
that doors
open
for you.
10
subsided and the days are shorter and cooler.
It has been a summer of lots of productivity at
Mount Michael Benedictine. We saw hundreds
of young men participate in our summer camp
(the third largest in school history). Work by our
maintenance and facilities crews transformed
the halls and classrooms. New carpet in the
dorm hallways, paint, the addition of one more
classroom, and the remodeling of office space
kept them busy.
We are looking forward to another successful
school year. We have some new staff joining
us this year: Mr. Jon Borer, social studies, head
football coach, athletic/activities director; Dr.
Randy Crnkovich, biology; Ms. Gina Fosco,
technology, journalism; Mr. Tom Jensen,
robotics; Mr. David Primavera, physics; Mr.
Mike Smith, mathematics; Mr. Robert Sullivan,
physical education, health; and Mrs. Leah
Zohner, chemistry.
Sometimes it is hard to put the value on
something. Attempting to place a value on
a Mount Michael Benedictine education is
difficult. As the credit card commercial states: It
is priceless.
We are entering into our forty-second year
as an all boys’ boarding school. Our mission is
unique, our charism is unique and our goals and
objectives are unique. In the past forty-one years
we have had many graduates of Mount Michael
Benedictine School. You will find our graduates
living throughout the United States and all over
the world. We are very proud of their success
and achievements.
Once you have an education from Mount
Michael Benedictine you will find that doors
open for you. What are the key attributes
that make this so? First and foremost is the
dedication and devotion to our mission:
educating these young men in the tradition of
the Rule of St. Benedict. We foster the Rule and
it is emulated in all we do. Self-discipline and
the ability to work hard is another attribute of
success. The young men learn to use their time
to their advantage, applying themselves during
study hall time. Our students live lives that are
balanced. They study hard and work hard. They
are involved with our extra-curricular activities
and our sports programs. They support each
other and become a community, a brotherhood;
they are there for each other.
The moral and spiritual formation is the
foundation. It is where it all starts. When
the monks opened the school it became their
number one apostolate. It became their life work
and mission. For over forty-two years they have
dedicated themselves to the formation of young
men.
Yes, the education a young man receives at
Mount Michael Benedictine is priceless, but this
past year our fifty-seven graduating seniors had
scholarship offers that amounted to over $5.8
million! Of that, over $2.4 million was used. This
amounted to over $40,859 per graduate. That is
like having your high school education paid for:
earning the like amount in college scholarships!
Mount Michael Benedictine opens doors.
Mount Michael Benedictine focuses on what is
important. We constantly challenge our young
people. We have high expectations and ideals.
We have a committed staff dedicated and
devoted to the education of these young men.
We are now looking to the future, striving to
reach tomorrow while keeping dear and close
all that is foundational to our institution. We
take our role as a college preparatory school very
seriously.
With our campaign in its second year we
are focusing on our future. I want to thank
all of you for your support of the Now is the
Time Campaign. Over $5.5 million has already
been pledged! The first two million went to our
endowment. The third million is earmarked
for our Waste Water Treatment Facility, which
broke ground on August 1st. We are depending
on you, our generous supporters, to help us get
to $10 million. With that as our goal we plan
on breaking ground on a new academic facility.
We are looking at the future of providing the
Benedictine education that Mount Michael
Benedictine will provide to future generations.
We are now at record enrollment. We have
high achieving students, we have supportive
families, we are a tremendous high school and
we are poised to reach that next level. It is a
thrilling time to be associated with Mount
Michael Benedictine!
I want to thank all of you for your support
financially, physically and spiritually. We
could not sustain our excellence without your
assistance.
God Bless,
~ Dr. David J. Peters, Ed.D.
back to school . . . s haring the tradition
On Sunday August 12th students and their families gathered to kick off the school year with a community
Mass and picnic sponsored by the Booster Club. Several students assisted during Mass as ministers of Holy
Communion. This year the gathering was held south of the school next to the Bell Tower. The new location
received a lot of positive reviews. Students, faculty, parents and monks enjoyed a great dinner of fried chicken and
good company. The evening ended as the freshmen moved into their dorm for orientation. The school year began
on Monday for faculty and staff as they participated in their annual retreat led by Prior Richard Thell, O.S.B. The
dorms began to buzz with students moving in on Wednesday evening marking the official start of the year for all.
Fall fest ival
sep t ember 16, 2012
Breakfast wi t h san ta
On behalf of the
Mount Michael Benedictine
Monastic Community
december 23, 2012
nigh t of knigh ts
april 13, 2013
WELCOME BACK!
More events added as information becomes
available! Check back each issue,
or visit our website at:
We wish our students and faculty
a blessed school year ahead.
www.mountmichaelhs.com
11
Alumni news
W
hile at the Back to School picnic and in the tradition of their own high school experience, pictured are our
alumni whose sons are currently attending Mount Michael Benedictine.
Left to Right: Jack ’16 & Brian ‘84 Morrissey, Harrison’15 & Dave ’83 Hohman, Jared ’15 & Ted ’86 Mikuls, Sean ’84
& Connor ’16 Kenney, John ’82, & Lumir ’14 Drahota, Jeff ’83 & Jared ’14 Jamrog, DJ ’13, David ’87 & Thomas ’15
Wooten, Dan ’78 & Mark ’13 Loeffelholz, Bob Recker’84, Cooper Wilson ‘14, Jake Recker ‘13, Don ’79 & Davis ’14
Wilson. (Not pictured Steve ’79 and Robin ’14 Britt, Charlie ’85 & Jonathan ’15 Collins.)
S
alumni service retreat
everal alumni took the opportunity to give back to the
monastic community during the annual Alumni Service Retreat
which took place on Saturday, July 28th. The alumni helped with
landscaping and cleanup in preparing the grounds for the 57th
Annual Fall Festival.
Alumni will be volunteering in the “Ham and Salami” game
booth during the Festival.
Visit www.mountmichael.com
To Volunteer Today
12
Rev. Daniel Hendrickson, SJ, ‘89,
received his doctorate of philosophy
from Columbia University, New York,
NY, this past May. He was recently
named Associate Vice President
in the Office of the Executive Vice
President at Marquette University,
Milwaukee, WI.
A fond memory from don eiken, ‘58
R
occo Marchegiano, better known as Rocky Marciano, was born on September 1, 1923 in Brockton, MA.
As a youth, his greatest sports love was baseball, but physical prowess in general was a passion of his. He could
play baseball all day long and then do pull ups until he was totally exhausted, according to one biography. After
“throwing out” his right arm, his dreams of being a major league baseball player were dashed.
He took up boxing and the rest is history. Rocky defeated former heavy weight champion Joe Louis on the
way to landing a match with then champion, Jersey Joe Walcott on September 23, 1952. He knocked Walcott out
in the 13th round to become Heavyweight Champion of the World. He defended his title six times and retired
as undefeated Champion of the World, having won 49 straight professional fights, an astonishing 43 of them by
knockouts.
I met Mr. Marciano in the winter of 1958 while I was a senior in high school at St. John Vianney Seminary
in Elkhorn, NE. I attended the school my junior and senior years of high school. The school was operated by
Benedictine monks who had located to Nebraska from Conception Abbey in Conception, MO. The school, being
new, had not yet erected a gymnasium and Rocky Marciano was invited to be the guest speaker at a fundraiser
banquet held in nearby Omaha. Prior to the fundraiser he joined our student body for a meal and spoke to us
briefly. In the accompanying picture Marciano is signing the Seminary’s guest book for fellow senior, Joe Lock
and me. This would have probably been just after the celebration of Mass,
since we were in full chapel garb, wearing both the black cassock and
white surplice.
Right after we secured his signature in our guest book, I asked him
to sign my own personal autograph book. It is the only autograph in the
book.
Rocky Marciano died at age 46 in a plane crash. He was Catholic,
growing up in an Italian Catholic neighborhood in Brockton, MA. I
believe he is the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated.
In the late 70’s, I met Don Sutter in Springfield, MO. Don
had retired from the Frito Lay company and was working for Craig
Distributing Co. developing the Springfield market for this fast growing,
family owned foodservice company. Don and I traveled every other week
to sales meetings in Salem, MO. In the course of these travels, we learned
that we had both met Marciano. Don had been a sales manager with
Frito Lay and Marciano had been brought in to speak to his sales force.
Don claimed that Marciano had an unusual characteristic. He supposedly
did not feel pain. This is a real, but extremely rare condition and can be a
considerable handicap to an individual. It wasn’t that his opponent could
Rocky Marciano signs the guest book for
not hurt him, for he did suffer a few knockdowns in his career. I don’t
Don Eiken ‘58 and Joe Lock ‘58.
know this to be fact, but I trust the integrity and honesty of my
friend Don Sutter.
~ Don Eiken ‘58 Father Edward, Archbishop Bergan, Gov. Anderson,
Rocky Marciano and John Mainelli gather for a picture at the
benefit dinner to help our gym fund on January 26, 1958.
After Mass, Dan Janda ‘60 presents Rocky
Marciano with a crucifix made by the
seminarians and blessed by Father Edwards.
13
ALUMNI gather in denver
A
weekend of visiting alumni in Denver, CO
during the month of July allowed for Abbot
Michael Liebl, O.S.B. and Eric Crawford ‘00
to connect with friends of Mount Michael
Benedictine. Many thank you’s to Stephen
Stoesz ‘96 for hosting the event on Thursday,
July 12, 2012 which was well attended by
alumni and their families. It proved to be an
evening of visiting and great stories told by all
of the “Good Ole Days.”
Stephen Stoesz ‘96, Abbot Michael Liebl, O.S.B. ‘68
and Eric Crawford ‘00
Friday afternoon was spent with St. John
Seminary College (SJSC) alum, Mike Reddy.
Mike took us to see the Regina Coeli Retreat
House. A beautiful center in a remote area
outside of Denver.
Thank you to all of the Denver alumni who
were able to spend time with us. We enjoyed
meeting your families and reminiscing. Be
certain to visit the Mount the next time you are
in our area.
The next Alumni Gathering
will be in October in the
Greater Kansas City area.
Eric Crawford ‘00, Bob Schonebaum ‘66
and Abbot Michael Liebl, O.S.B. ‘68
DONATE ONLINE
Go to:
www.mountmichael.com
Donate Online button
is in the upper right hand
corner of the homepage.
Please send your alumni news to Kari Herbst:
kherbst@mountmichael.org
14
Eric Crawford ‘00, Joe Marcus, Abbot Michael Liebl, O.S.B. ‘68,
Rev. John Therese, Rev. Alain Marie and Mike Reddy SJSC at the
Regina Coeli Retreat House
fall festival 2012
D
ill Pickles – Horses – Collectible Items – Hand
Crafted Greeting Cards in Calligraphy - Jams and
Jellies. All these strange items do have a common
element, believe it or not! One can find all of these on
the south side of Mount Michael’s campus during the
Fall Festival.
On this side of the campus, one can find the
possibility of riding a horse with Br. Mel and his
helpers, or purchasing some items at the Farmers
Market with Fr. John, or finding a treasure in the barn
at the Flea Market, or even finding a piece of art work in
Br. Jerome’s Guest House.
Although each of these so called “booths” of the Fall
Festival have developed over the years and undergone
a lot of change, they are still attractive to many people.
For example, the Flea Market used to be in the gym
years ago and perhaps it was much larger than it is
now. Nonetheless, it is still possible to find a collectible
or some other item at the Flea Market. The Farmers
Market has been happening for approximately 20 years
now. Much of what is sold at that market is grown on
the grounds of Mount Michael. Over the most recent
years, the Kosher Dill Pickles have become an item
that draws people to the festival. This year, even though
it has been a hot, dry summer, the cucumber crop is
relatively good and there should be a good supply of
pickled cucumbers!! We are hoping that the hot summer
has not affected the pumpkin crop so that pumpkins
are not readily available. Fr. Dan has helped out the
Flea and Farmer’s
Market
Every
Saturday
9am - 2pm
cause at the Farmers Market with his painting of the
pumpkins. An added feature of the Farmers Market
this year will be a piece of equipment that the donor of
Mount Michael Benedictine left us when he gave us the
land and the farm. His name was Rex Olson. We have
renovated the plow he left here when he donated the
land to us. So this year we are dedicating the Farmers
Market to him in gratitude for what he has done for us.
Rex Olson called his farm Journey’s End. You will be
able to see a bit of the history of the place if you come
down to the Farmers Market on the Festival Day.
This year we want to remind our guests not to forget
the part of the Fall Festival on the south side of the
campus. Just catch the trolley to the Farmers Market.
~ Rev. John Hagemann, O.S.B.
Join Abbot Michael Liebl, O.S.B.
on a
Pilg r image to the Holy L and
Travel Dates:
March 1-10, 2013
For more information or a complete brochure,
contact Kimberly Volpone at
402-253-0964 or kvolpone@mountmichael.org
10- Day TOUR INCLUDES:
• Round-trip airfare from Omaha
• Stay in 4 star & deluxe hotels
• Full buffet breakfast and dinner daily
• Excellent local guide for entire trip
• Transfer and porterage of luggage
• Deluxe motor coach throughout tour
• Mass each day
And so much more . . .
$3,895 per person from Omaha
15
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MAIL U.S.A.
A Quarterly Publication of
MOUNT
MICHAEL Benedictine
BENEDICTINE ABBEY
Mount Michael
Abbey & SCHOOL
22520 Mount Michael Road • Elkhorn, NE 68022-3400
Phone 402-289-2541
www.mountmichael.com
Abbot
School President
Abbot
Director
Director of Development
Development
School
HeadPrincipal
of School
Director of Admissions
Admissions
MICHAELEEN Staff
Michaeleen
Staff
Editor
Editor
Monastic Editor
Editor
Publishing Editors
Contributing
Editor
Publishing Editors
Rt. Rev. Michael Liebl, O.S.B.
Abbot
Rt. Rev.Raphael
MichaelWalsh,
Liebl,O.S.B.
O.S.B.
Kim
Volpone
Kimberly
Volpone
Tom
Ridder
Dr. David
J. Peters
Eric Crawford,
Crawford ’00
Amanda
Erwin
Kari Herbst
Rev.
Thell,Thell,
O.S.B.
Very Richard
Rev. Richard
O.S.B.
Mary
Cormier
Brother
Benedict Mary, O.S.B.
Father
John Hagemann, O.S.B.
Mary Cormier
Brother
LukeHagemann,
Clinton, O.S.B.
Father John
O.S.B.
Brother August
Schaefer,
O.S.B.
Luke Clinton,
O.S.B.
Brother August Schaefer, O.S.B.
Mount Michael Directory
Mount Michael Chapel
Visitors are always welcome
Daily Mass 7:15am • Sunday Mass 9:30am
Saturday 8:00am
Liturgy of the Hours (Monday-Saturday)
Morning Praise 6:30am
Noon Day Prayer 11:45am
Vespers 5:15pm
Night Prayer (In the Abbey) 7:00pm
St. Benedict Guest House
Gift Shop/Lunches/Teas/Dessert
Day Retreats
Br. Jerome
Kmiecik,
402-206-2069
Brother
Jerome
Kmiecik,
402-206-2069
Vocation Ministry
For information about monastic life:
Brother August, vocations@mountmichael.org
Oblates of St. Benedict Director
Prior
Richard
Thell, O.S.B.,
Br. Jerome
Kmiecik,
O.S.B.,402-289-2541 402-206-2069 x1002
rthell@mountmichael.org
oblates@mountmichael.org
In this
Issue…
1 & 15
Fall Festival
BOARD
DIRECTORS
Board OF
of Directors
AlumniAssociation
Association
Alumni
Forinformation
informationabout
aboutmeetings/events
meetings/eventsor
ortoto
For
reportnews:
news:402-253-0953
402-253-0953
report
alumni@mountmichael.org
alumni@mountmichael.org
PrayerWide
NeedsWeb
and Spiritual Direction
World
Abbot Theodore, O.S.B.,(Abbey)
402-206-2089
www.mountmichael.org
www.mountmichaelhs.org
(School)
School Admissions
www.mountmichael.net
(Alumni)
Eric Crawford, 402-253-0946
Prayer
Needs and Spiritual Direction
admissions@mountmichael.org
Abbot
Th
eodore,
O.S.B., 402-206-2089
Development
Office
School
Admissions
Kim Volpone,
402-253-0964
Eric
Crawford, 402-253-0946
kvolpone@mountmichael.org
admissions@mountmichael.org
Development Office
Kim Volpone, 402-253-0964
kvolpone@mountmichael.org
11
Back to School
Jude
Beller,
’92
William
J. Behrendt
Jeremy
Belski
Jude Beller
’92
Eric
’00
Eric Crawford,
Crawford ’00
Robert
Robert D.
D. Goldsmith
Goldsmith
Laura
Laura Hickman
Hickman
Robert
Lanik
Sara York
Kenny, Ph.D.
Rt. Rev. Michael Liebl, O.S.B., ’68
Th
omas
Dr. BarbMcKnight,
Marchese M.D.
Robert
Lanik
Dan Matuszek
Rt.
Rev. McKnight,
Michael Liebl,
O.S.B. ’68
Thomas
M.D.
Mary Kay
Kay Miller
Miller
Mary
BrianNath,
Morrissey
Ravi
Ph.D.’84
RaviDavid
Nath,J.Ph.D.
Dr.
Peters
Matt
Pick,Pope,
‘95 O.S.B.
Br. James
Todd
Rohweder
Thomas
Ridder
Rev.
Sojka, O.S.B., ’81
ToddLouis
Rohweder
Audrey
Suing
Rev. Louis
Sojka, O.S.B. ’81
Mark
Theisen,
Audrey
Suing ’68
Prior Richard Thell, O.S.B.
Rev. Richard Thell, O.S.B.
Kimberly Volpone
Kimberly
Volpone
John Wagner,
’67
Rt. Rev.
Rev. Raphael
Raphael Walsh,
Walsh, O.S.B.
O.S.B.
Rt.
Bernard
J. Wilson,
Wilson, Jr.,
Jr. M.D.
Bernard J.
M.D.,’84
’84
Sokol
Emeritus Peggy Sokol
13
Alum remembers
14
Denver Alumni