St Stephens Academy - Academician Yearbook (Port Huron, MI)

Page 14 text:

Four senior altar boys prepare the altar for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Jody Platzer lights the candles as Ed Grattan sets the altar card in the correct position. Bill Wilson places the Missal on the altar, while Bill Dunn prepares the credence table. Father Van der Lindendirects these boys who have been servers on the altar of God since their early elementary school days. On the days of important games, the Varsity Club prays the Playing their well-earned jackets, the members set an ex- rosary in order to gain heavenly assistance. Proudly dis- cellent example for the students of St. Stephen’s School. 10

Page 13 text:

• • . . . WE FACE IT TODAY BY . . SPIRITUAL GROWTH The keystone of Catholic education is the idea that man has a destiny beyond the merely human, that he is a temporal being who also faces existence in eternity. Many spiritual means are given to the class of 64 to en- able them to meet courageously the difficul- ties and problems of everyday living. What greater challenge is there for the seniors than to be living in this age marked with scientific achievements; some of which are being used for the destruction of man, while they were intended by God to enable man to advance in the knowledge of the real, the true source of all power— God. In religious instructions an appreciation of their Faith and their commitment to it was noted and studied. Ways and means to make this Faith a vibrant, living force were emphasized. As knowledge is food for the mind so is Holy Mass for the soul. The seniors have a privilege few possess, the opportunity for daily Mass and Communion. For a half hour each day, they may leave their worries and obligations behind and seek the strength in God to bravely face the challenges of the day. Each year the students are given the op- portunity to draw closer to God by taking an inventory of their spirituality. Three days of retreat are at their disposal. It is up to each individual to get the most out of re- treat. A schedule of conferences and prayer is set up for their thinking, and sp iritual reading is provided. Three days of precious school retreat recalls to the seniors their own eternal destinies; this brief period is a time of serious contemplation and of prayer. As a group of tenth graders we worshiped God at Mass, and now as Seniors we will soon face this obligation as one of our own responsibilities. Our use of the missal through these years have helped us to participate more fully in the greatest prayer-the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Page 15 text:

Our hearts and thoughts turn to God and His Mother Before First Friday many students go to confession in prep- aration for Holy Communion. Father Van derLinden is glad to spend as much time as necessary in the confessional to hear everyone. Here Father leaves as students give thanks to God. FrancineMalane and Mrs. John Tomalo make ready to sing the school year the strains of the Kyrie can be heard the Propers from the mass of the day. Each day during as Mass Twelve is chanted by the entire student body. 11