Dear Friends,

Have you ever wondered why this season is called Autumn? The origins of the word Autumn are mysterious, with roots in the ancient Etruscan word autu – signifying an ending, or the passing of the year. This word has also been used synonymously with harvest, the earliest word used to refer to the season between summer and winter. Autumn is a season of both endings and fruitfulness, and brings to mind the words of Christ, “…unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, itself remaineth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

All things are meant to come to fruition, and this side of heaven, fruition necessitates a dying. This mysterious connection between life and death lies at the heart of our Faith. “So must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.” Christ tells us that he will turn our sorrows into joy – joy that will have its origin, somehow, in sorrow. How mysterious, but how beautiful, and how comforting. The wisdom of God is beyond the wisdom of man, or as Chesterton put it, “The riddles of God are more satisfying than the solutions of man.”

Ours is a school of friendship and joy – both of which are born of sacrifice. It is a bittersweet moment for both parents and the child when they say goodbye at the beginning of the year. It is a concrete step away from the life of the child and into that of a man – a transition from a life of receiving to a life of giving.

It is through the discipline of the daily schedule, the periods of homesickness (or growing pains as we like to call it), the rigors of physical education, and the challenges that come with living in community that a young man experiences the joys of friendship and gains a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices of his parents. Prayer, study, memorization, and discussion demand concentration and effort, but bear fruit in a richer understanding of God, themselves, and the beauty and goodness of the truth.

Growth is an indication of life and the working of grace. It is beautiful to not only witness our boys growing into strong, joyful, and confident men of Faith, but also the remarkable growth of the Academy, which has tripled in size since its founding three years ago.

It is truly thanks to your generosity and sacrifices that we are able to undertake this work. Please help the Academy and our boys continue to grow by making a tax-deductible donation this Autumn. Your gift is essential as we work to form the next generation of priests, fathers, and leaders of our country and Church.

Pax Christi!

Ben Strong

A New Building for Our Growing Academy

Three years ago, we were blessed with the gift of a beautiful building and property to found Saint Andrew’s Academy. Since then, enrollment has grown so quickly that we have already outgrown the space – a clear sign of God’s providence and a reminder of the tremendous need for authentic Catholic education.

Last year, we engaged a classical architect to draft a comprehensive master plan for the campus. This plan looks ahead to the long-term future of Saint Andrew’s. It includes a chapel, dormitory, and refectory — spaces that will allow us to continue forming strong, happy, and confident young men who love all that is good, true, and beautiful. 

The first step in this plan is the construction of St. Julian’s Hall, a beautiful, monastically inspired structure built with traditional materials and craftsmanship. St. Julian’s Hall will include a full refectory, a commercial kitchen, and additional dormitory facilities to accommodate our growing student body. Already, we have secured an architect, a general contractor, and initial renderings, and we are eager to take this next step forward.

Without endowments, grants, and our commitment to accept boys from all economic backgrounds, we continue to rely on Providence and your generosity as we work to raise the $3.6 million required for this necessary expansion to our campus. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift that has a direct and visible impact on our apostolate in true Catholic education. May God reward your generosity both in this life and the next!

Know that you remain in our daily prayers, and that we are truly grateful for the role you play in making our apostolate possible.

Drawing from the Vitruvian canon of classical architecture advocated by the renowned Thomas Gordon Smith at the University of Notre Dame, I am honored to have the opportunity to design the growing campus of St. Andrew’s Academy. Architecture has always been a formative element in culture – for better or for worse. In the spirit of John Senior, I am looking to the monastic traditions of building based on Greco-Roman principles. Symmetry, proportion, strength, and durability reflect the beauty of eternal verities – instructing and drawing the heart o an authentic love of the good. I am enthusiastic to be designing a building that will teach generations of boys, simply by its presence.

Life at Saint Andrew’s