CULLMAN, Ala. – The teachers and staff of St. Bernard Preparatory School recently convened for their annual in-service meeting, beginning the day with a Mass celebrated by School Chaplain Fr. Linus Klucsarits in the Abbey Church. This cherished tradition marks the start of the academic year, fostering a sense of community and spiritual renewal among faculty and staff.
Following the Mass, attendees enjoyed a breakfast and a warm welcome from Abbot Marcus Voss. School President Fr. Joel Martin then shared the inspiring vision, mission and rich 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,” he said.
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,” Fr. Joel shared. “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 presenter Sister Chiara Francisco, LIHM, presented a compelling lesson on the five pillars of Catholic education. Her presentation was followed by small group sharing projects, and group activities, emphasizing the core values of Catholic education.
Sister Chiara articulated the pillars as follows:
- Supernatural Vision: Life is not limited to the here and now but extends throughout eternity
- Founded on Christian Anthropology: Recognizing that we a union of body and soul, and made in the image of God, having the ability to know and love
- Animated by Communion and Community: Emphasizing the importance of belonging and living in community, inspired by Mother Theresa’s quote, “We have forgotten that we belong to one another”
- Imbued with a Catholic Worldview: Ensuring that the curriculum is thoughtful and reflective of Catholic teachings
- Sustained by Gospel Witness: Keeping God at the center of all we do
St. Bernard is set to begin classes on Monday, Aug. 12.
