The teachers and staff of St. Bernard Preparatory School convened for their annual in-service meetings, beginning the day with a Mass celebrated by school chaplain Fr. Linus Klucsarits in the Abbey Church. Following the Mass, attendees enjoyed a breakfast and a welcome from Abbot Marcus Voss. School President Fr. Joel Martin then shared the vision, mission and history of St. Bernard.

“From the beginning in 1892 the school at St. Bernard was called a “college,” though it offered only grades 6-12 for boys. The term “college” was often used for such a school as St. Bernard at that time. The junior college, two years beyond high school, was added in 1929. In 1954 the four-year post high school college was begun.”

This year’s meeting was marked by the introduction of three new teachers: Dr. Phil Ratliff, who will teach freshman and sophomore English; Samantha Reid, who will also teach English; and Cassie Floyd, who will join the science department.

“Catholics are known to have schools worldwide,” Martin said. “It is important for the human person to use the gifts of intellect and will. We want our students to know and live the true, the good, and the beautiful. That is a full education, and it is uniquely possible at St. Bernard. Finances are always an issue in Catholic schools, and St. Bernard is no exception. We want to offer an education to all, whether or not they can afford the cost; that is a struggle. Yet God always takes care of St. Bernard, especially through our benefactors.”

Guest speaker Sister Chiara Francisco, LIHM, presented a lesson on the five pillars of Catholic education which was followed by small group sharing projects and group activities, emphasizing the core values of Catholic education.