Et introibo ad altare Dei, ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam.

At the beginning of every Mass we encounter the beautiful words of King David “I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my youth.” So important are the dispositions evoked by these words, that they are repeated three times before the priest ascends the altar to offer himself to God, in the person of Christ, for the salvation of mankind.

In a world that has confused pleasure with joy, and that proposes self-gratification as the highest good, these words remind us of the great reality that it is in willingly giving of ourselves that we will find the source and summit of our joy. It is only when we turn inward on ourselves that we become dejected and depressed.

I am always fascinated by etymology – by the hidden truths buried in the ancient origins of words. Consider the simple word enjoy, originating from the Old French enjoir, which means to “give joy,” or “to make joyous.” We often think of enjoyment as something passive, when in reality it is the fruit of what we bring to a situation. This is a consoling reality to recognize – we have the ability to bring others joy, and to be joyful ourselves even in the most difficult and challenging times. The price is simply the willing gift of our time, our talent, our energy, our attention, and our love.

Life at Saint Andrew’s offers many opportunities to make these gifts of self. There is always someone who could use a word of encouragement, some help with an assignment, or a hand with their daily chores. A snowy rugby practice can be warmed by a cheerful and generous spirit, and even the “post Christmas break blues” can be dispelled by a smile or a song!

As I am writing you this letter, I hear the Freshmen singing The Skye Boat Song in Mr. McDonald’s folk music class. It’s coming together quite nicely – they are singing heartily, harmonizing quite well, and a few are accompanying on instruments. As they sing of the heroic sacrifices the Scotsmen made for their beloved King, they are also learning how to pay close attention to one another, how to share the gift of their voice, and how this cooperation results in something greater than any of them alone could produce. They are being drawn out of themselves, and the result is something beautiful – and enjoyable.

Please continue to be generous with us! Your support and prayers allow us to continue our work in cultivating young souls that are both joyful and sacrificial – who understand that joy is the fruit of the generous gift of oneself. Make a tax-deductible gift today.

Pax Christi!

Ben Strong

Saint Julian the Hospitaller

On February 12th, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Julian the Hospitaller – the patron of pilgrims, jugglers, musicians, and hospitality. According to The Golden Legend, when Julian was hunting as a young man, a stag spoke to him, telling him that he would someday slay his parents. Julian fled the country to escape this terrible fate, but through a tragic mistake, he took the life of his father and mother some years later.

Filled with remorse and a desire to live a life of penance, Julian and his wife established a large hostel near a broad river, where they cared for the poor, and ferried pilgrims and travelers across the water. One cold night, Julian heard a plaintive voice calling his name and begging for transport. Upon rising from sleep, he found a leprous man outside, nearly frozen to death. Julian brought him inside and lit a fire to warm the stranger. Still fearing he would die from the cold, Julian placed him in his own bed and covered him with blankets. To his astonishment, the man then transformed into an angel of light, who told Julian that God had accepted his penance, and that he had been forgiven.

Saint Julian, whose name is related to the Latin words for both joy (Jubilum) and youth (Juventus), serves as an example of charity and selflessness to our students. As the patron of hospitality, Saint Julian is also the patron of our new building – a place where we hope to serve one another in the spirit of true Charity.

Julian, that for guest had angel taken
That for us he make such prayer
That we may have good lodgings here
And afterwards in heaven
Hereby be, through charity. Amen. Amen.

St. Julian, patron of pilgrims, jugglers, musicians, and hospitality, pray for us.

(A medieval prayer to Saint Julian)

Request a free print of St. Julain

Saint Julian’s Hall

Thanks to your generosity, within the first month of announcing our capital campaign, we were able to raise over $150,000! We are now putting the final touches on the schematic drawings, we have engaged a general contractor as well as engineering firms, and site surveying has recently been completed! After over a year of design, planning, and fundraising, it was exciting to see the site being mapped out for construction!

As we prepare to break ground in May, we turn to you for both prayers and financial support. We are asking all friends of Saint Andrew’s Academy to join us in praying a Memorare after your daily Rosary for the success of this project. “Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”

Help us reach $1 Million by Groundbreaking!

A generous donor has sponsored a $50,000 matching gift program to help us reach our goal. This means your support today has twice the impact, as we work towards establishing an enduring building that will serve generations of young men. This is a unique opportunity to join us in this worthy endeavor to reestablish true Catholic education in America. Please make a tax-deductible gift today, and may God abundantly reward your generosity!

Help us Reach $1 Million

Winter trip – Ice Fishing in Minnesota

Every year the boys head up to Minnesota for a mid-winter break to learn some lessons in resilience, friendship, and adventure.

Rugby and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Our rugby team earned a 39-0 victory in the first season rugby match of the Academy! It was a well-fought battle, and it was great for the boys to experience first-hand the fruits of the discipline and perseverance they learned during the cold and snowy winter practices. A heartfelt thank-you to all those who contributed to the rugby fund!

Life at Saint Andrew’s