Summer 2010 - St. Michael`s Abbey

Summer 2010
The
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. 64, fol. 152 (detail)
St. Michael Messenger
Filming at St. Michael’s
The way of life we are privileged to live at the abbey
is a gift that is greater than the sum total of all of
us as a group, because it is a grace from God. The
kind of grace of which I speak is not something
that is experienced in a rarified ecstatic way but
rather a gift that comes to us in the concrete little
actions that make up the day of prayer and work.
Rising at 5AM, each of us takes his place behind
the church to process into the first hours of prayer
at 5:45, and these times of chanted prayer
punctuate the day.
Yet the days are built up of much more than just
the prayers of the Office and Mass which are the
noblest times and focus the rest of the hours.
Countless reminders of what we are about surround
even our meals together, in the form of readings,
silence, blessings, the fact we serve each other at
meals, and each of these things is a grace and a
reason for gratitude.
This is my first letter in a newsletter since we lost
Abbot Parker in January. When I was elected second
abbot of St. Michael’s Abbey on June 27th , 1995 –
Abbot Parker became a mentor, a guide and a friend
to me in an entirely new way, and I was blessed
with that for almost 15 years. Abbot Parker died
in a most edifying manner – fortified with the
sacraments, prayerfully, surrounded by his brethren…
but we miss his presence and look forward to that
Eternal Day when we will all joyfully chant the
Lord’s praises forever in heaven.
God bless you and reward you for your kindness to us,
 Eugene J. Hayes, O.Praem.
Photo: R. Belcher
Dear Friends,
David Michael Phelps, Eric Machiela and Tanner Wolfe of Gorilla Pictures
T
he abbey was transformed to a film studio
for four days in mid-May as a three man
crew from Grand Rapids Michigan based
Gorilla Pictures came to produce a five
minute piece on our life of prayer and work. The
three men, David Michael Phelps, Eric Machiela and
Tanner Wolfe, worked with us at the abbey and at
vineyards in nearby Temecula and Vista and filmed
hours of footage. All of this would be edited and cut
down to a finished product of five minutes length.
When the film is completed – it will be posted on our
abbey website, and shown to the guests who attend
our Vantage Point Gala on September 25, 2010 at the
Marconi Museum in Tustin.
frater Clement works on
filming at Ferrucci vineyard
Each of the confreres who participated in helping in
the process of filming was struck by the amount of
work involved in making a film. The sheer amount
of detail work is daunting , and a scene that may be
viewed in a matter of seconds can take hours in its
preparation and filming.
David, Eric and Tanner worked long hours and were
able to compress the work of a week or ten days into
four days. Confreres also rose to the occasion on
short notice to help shooting scenes – traveling down
to the vineyards south of us as well as hiking down to
our own olive grove (the scene of many a “capture the
flag” game during summer camp) to film the tilling
of the soil. Even Abbot Eugene took hoe in hand for
a scene in the fields and an atmosphere of hilarity
and good cheer knit all together in one purpose.
The finished product should be unveiled for our
friends and benefactors at the Vantage Point Gala on
September 25 th .
Setting up shots of preaching
Fr. Charbel and David
Michael Phelps
Life at St. Michael’s
Abbey Life
Letters from Rome
The month of June marks the end of the
school year and this June is my last in Rome.
I have completed my forth and final year of
theological studies and looking back over my
stay here there have been many blessings. Just
a few of the highlights have been serving mass
for the Holy Father at St. Peter’s, studying the
Summa Theologiae of St. Thomas Aquinas just
a short walk from where it was written, and
being a tour guide for my family when they have
come to visit over the years.
The opportunity to live in an international
community has also been a rich experience. I
have met Norbertines from all over the world
and other priests from Europe, Asia and
Africa. The occasion to discuss the struggle
of Catholics in India and Africa to live in
peace when they are a minority among a
large majority of Hindu’s and Muslim’s is not
something that I will soon forget. On the
lighter side, listening to priests from the Sudan
tell stories of how it was a tribal custom for
a man to challenge a lion in order to win the
hand of a young woman, as they hover over the
dinner table describing how the very roar of a
lion is enough to knock a man down, beats the
best of National Geographic.
As I return to the Abbey to be ordained a
deacon and am assigned to work as a dean
in our Abbey Prep School, I carry these
experiences with me. I hope to give back to the
Church in a more visible role a small portion
of the good things that she has so abundantly
bestowed upon me, not the least of which has
been the grace of perseverance in my vocation.
With gratitude for your prayers and support,
fr. Brendan
T
he summer began with the arrival at the abbey from
Rome of our theological students and then ordinations at
Mission San Juan Capistrano on June 26th. Fr. Benedict
Solomon was ordained to the priesthood and fr. Brendan Hankins
was ordained to the diaconate. The ordaining prelate was Bishop
Cyrilio Flores, auxiliary bishop of the Orange Diocese.
In July, Abbot Eugene and Subprior,
Fr. James Smith will be interviewed
on EWTN and talk about the abbey,
its history and apostolates. Such
an interview will be very helpful
in getting the community better
known nationally, which is important
as we seek to build a new school and
abbey on a geologically stable site.
In a very big development, the Gregorian Chants of the abbey will be
featured in a series of 3 concerts at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Hall
at the Orange County Center of the Performing Arts on February 24-26,
2011. The concept of the concert – Cathedrals of Sound – is an idea of
Carl St. Clair, the current music director of the Pacific Symphony. The first half will consist of Gregorian
chant and organ music, and the second half will present Anton Bruckner’s massive Symphony No. 9.
On August 27th, the abbey will accept a new class of postulants seeking incorporation into the order.
This new class will push community membership to over 70, and put rooms for confreres at the abbey
at a premium. We are running out of room. This is a good
problem to have, in days where vocations dwindle elsewhere.
God supplies us with many young men who wish to follow
Him in community, and we will continue to take them and
find a place for them.
On August 28th, feast of St. Augustine, frs. Alan Benander and
Maximilian Okapal will make their solemn profession at Mass
in the Abbey church.
Photos: R. Belcher
The Pioneer Press
News from St. Michael’s Preparatory School • www.StMichaelsPrep.org
Class of 2010
Reflections
Esteban Gonzalez – I remember one time in Holy Hour reading 12:1
from the book of Proverbs. It said, “Whoever loves discipline loves
knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” I learned that
I have to be disciplined to be smart; if I don’t want to fix my
mistakes I am foolish. I am happy I came here. It was a great
experience to be able to go to Holy Hour and Mass every day and
having such amazing teachers. I am happy I was obedient to my
parents; they made the right choice.
Anthony Guerra –“Looking ahead from the vantage point of
tradition.” From the first moment I walked out of my car, I noticed
the St. Michael’s crest and motto gracing the front staircase. It
wasn’t until my sophomore year that I began to understand the
value and importance of tradition. The traditions which take
place at St. Michael’s are not just silly customs; they truly bring
students together. It changed my prospective of St. Michael’s
from merely a school at which I lived to a home with my brothers
where life-long lessons are learned.
Michael Haeuser – There is a quality here that causes people to
come back. This quality seems to be the culmination of many
things; this place feels like home, even if students complain. The
members of the Order of Premontre who live at this abbey influence
our lives in many ways. They are our counselors in and out of
the confessional. They bring us to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
every day. They even can just be our friends. These men in white
habits have all given their lives to God, yet they still find time to
help a student in need.
Jay Hipolito – Each and every day I have lived at St. Michael’s
has shaped me into the man I am today. Now that I am leaving
what I have considered to be my home away from home I have
memories I will cherish far beyond my college years. I will always
remember afternoons spent at the pool playing Barbarian Ball
for hours on end, the nights spent before the Blessed Sacrament in
the church, and the view of the sunset from Calvary Hill. Although
it is hard to leave the hilltop I cannot help but think of the new
horizons ahead of me. St. Michael’s Preparatory School has given me the best Catholic
education I could imagine.
Luke Holbach – St. Michael’s keeps you free from most of the
clamor and distractions of the world, free from the drama of
public high-school; it gives you the freedom to mature into a
knowledgeable Catholic man, and most importantly the freedom
and ease in pursuing a deep spiritual life. The structure which
I once thought was so oppressive became my favorite aspect of
this school. Having Mass and Holy Hour as a mandatory part of
every day made me realize just how important they are. I didn’t
just survive St. Michael’s Prep; I thrived here because I could live a serious spiritual life
in the company of holy men and good friends. St. Michael’s has not taken anything
away from me--it has given me everything that I truly needed.
Conrad Lakomy – The friends I made in St. Michael’s were the
school. For me it wasn’t the tradition that made this school special,
or the classes, or the boarding life; it was the people and our
bond together that made this place. I doubt my parents thought
to sent me here because they thought I would make good friends,
but this school for me truly has become more than a school for
me, it has become a second home.
Marc LeMire – What does it mean to “be a man”? At St. Michael’s,
a place that emphasizes religion and has its students go to daily
Mass and Holy Hour, I have found the answer. Jesus is the Man.
For who is considered to be wiser, gentler, more virtuous, who
freely continued to do great works despite being repaid with evil,
and bore great suffering but continued to go on to his end when
all seemed hopeless? He truly is the ultimate hero. He is honored
by those who recognize this and try to imitate Him. This is what
I want to be when I grow up. I may not be there yet, but I do know what it is. I want
to be a man like Jesus.
Daniel Lim – Upon arriving at the school, everyone was joyful,
and I saw that everyone got along with everyone. Very soon,
I was feeling that St. Michael’s had become my second home.
Many various roommates with whom I shared a room turned
quickly into friends. Last, but not least, my greatest thanks and
gratitude go to our headmaster, Father Gabriel, for deciding to
accept me to St. Michael’s Prep and thus opening a great door into
the future for me, of becoming a better man, a man of God for others.
Vincent Lu – There are many experiences that I had while at
St. Michael’s. I remember in particular our junior class trip
to Rome, where I was given the opportunity to visit a foreign
country with my classmates. During this trip, I remember seeing
many beautiful churches, learning about the Italian culture, and
having fun with my friends while touring Rome. These are
experiences I will always cherish. Not every teenager gets to go
on a trip to a foreign country to explore with his friends.
Thomas Nguyen – There are a lot of special moments in the
world, both happy and sad. They’re like the bright little snowflakes
that slowly descend towards the ground, unique yet so fleeting
they might as well be naught. However, it’s those small things
that just make one smile when reminiscing and make life altogether
worthwhile. If there were one thing that really attracted me to
St. Michael’s Prep School, it’d be that because of the dorm life
my life is full of these unique moments.
Joseph Rivero – As I have grown and matured, I realized that
not only is this high school a special place, but God has a special
plan for everybody and I know He put me here for many reasons.
I can truly say that I have benefited in an environment like this,
which words cannot express. I found out how to be a young
man of integrity, perseverance, dedication, and determination,
whether it was on the football field or classroom, which in the
future will help me to make wise decisions and continue my
formation into a man of good character.
Ricky Ruiz – When my dad told me that I would be attending
St. Michael’s Prep, his alma mater, I thought that my entire high
school life was over. He told me that I was not going to regret it,
but I could not see how. After four years of living in this school, I
have come to appreciate this school for the same reasons that my
dad sent me here in the first place. I think that if I had to go back
to the beginning, I would choose to come here all over again.
Now I truly see that there is so much good in this school. In the future
when I have children, I will send my sons to St. Michael’s Prep.
John Tran – I hadn’t realized my parents’ intentions when they
signed me up for piano lessons, martial arts, Boy Scouts, art
classes, and the rest. They had wanted me to discover my talents;
they wanted me to become a well rounded person. For this I am
grateful since I have been able to discover myself and enjoy what
talents I have especially with the piano. At St. Michael’s I have
come to learn to appreciate what things I possess rather than
seek what I can’t get. I thank my parents for raising me up and
seeking the best for me as well as supporting me every step of the way. I thank my
teachers for having taught me very valuable life long lessons.
St. Michael’s Prep Alumni News
Greg LaPoint ’76 said “It’s amazing how the years tick by. I have always
acknowledged that St Michaels contributed substantially towards my personal
development thanks to Fr. Szanto and the Norbertine community.”
Chris Kinsey ’76 is with IBM managing outsourcing agreements for data centers
and software application development. At present he commutes weekly from
Dallas to Glendale for his customer Disney. Chris visited the school on
Ascension Thursday enjoying a Latin Mass, chili dogs with the students at
lunch, and brief visits with the Community.
Jackson Ma ’80, now a physician in the Los Angeles area, accepted our invitation
to speak at the commencement ceremony for the graduating Class of 2010.
Mark Brown ’87 retired from a 20 year naval career and settled in Shelton,
Connecticut. He holds a B.S. in Aeronautical Science with Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University. Currently, he is an air traffic controller.
Peter Vu ’02 is applying to the State Bar of California. He asked Fr. Gabriel
to recommend him based on Fr. Gabriel’s recollection of his good moral character.
Brian Park ’04 just graduated from the California Maritime Academy. Brian
will be sailing to the Far East as an engineer for a civilian company under contract
with the U.S. Navy. Brian told Fr. Chrysostom he wouldn’t be where he is
now if it hadn’t been for St. Michael’s.
Christopher Manly ’06 and his wife celebrated the birth of their first
child this spring.
Isaac DeRobles ’07 is attending San Jose State and doing well.
Alan LeMire ’07 and Paolo Saglietto ’09 came to pick up their younger
brothers after school on a Friday afternoon. Both are doing well.
Nico Melendez ’87 sent an email from Afghanistan. Nico hopes to be home
by his birthday in August
Nick Porretta ’07 returned to STM to pick up two of his younger brothers after
school. Nick said he learned how to be efficient with his time from St. Michael’s.
Such efficiency fostered in him the potential to balance 19 credit hour semesters,
an RA position, a club sport, and a healthy prayer and social life in college.
Jesse Batha ’97 flies for Sky West, recently celebrating his fifth anniversary as
captain with the company.
James Schroeder ’09 continues at Benedictine College. James told Fr. Gabriel
that he misses St. Michael’s.
For more alumni news, go to www.StMichaelsPrep.org.
Do you want to stay in touch with teachers and friends from your days on the hilltop? Please send us news about and photos of yourself and your family.
You can do this by sending an email to alumni@StMichaelsPrep.org. Be sure to tell us whether you wish to make your contact information available to
others, so we can respect your wishes.
Eagle Scout Project Landscaping at the Abbey
S
t. Michael’s Preparatory School and Abbey
grounds were recently modified to bring
the south wall of the abbey building and
areas near there at the high school into closer
conformity with the overall landscaping of
the abbey and school grounds. Junior Edward
Lim presented his ideas to headmaster Father
Gabriel Stack as a project to fulfill his Boy Scout
Eagle Service Project.
What started out as a modest project for some
“trouble spots” on the abbey grounds developed
into a total landscape renovation for more than
22,000 square feet. Established in the early 60’s with a major planting of Ponderosa Pines, trees that had long since
been cut down as victims of the pine beetle, the landscaping in this area was overdue for a major overhaul.
Fr. Gregory Dick, plant manager, brought in heavy equipment and volunteers and over several days they removed
of all remnants of past plantings – a gargantuan task.
Fr. Gregory laying out the stones in the new garden with Gabriel Michel. fr. Joachim
shoveling rocks.
Next it was time for a plan of action. Landscape designer and long time friend of St. Michael’s, Theresa Mullins,
was recruited. A palette of California natives, noted for drought tolerance, low maintenance and attracting wildlife
were selected. Village Nursery owners and old friends of the school and abbey, Jim and Nancy Baldwin, graciously
donated thousands of dollars of needed plant materials along with the horticulture expertise of John Barrett.
A dry stream bed was created which echoed the lines of the Santa Ana Hills. This was done by bringing in native
boulders and river stones. Next the team of BSA Troop 145, St. Michael’s students and volunteers joined together in
planting hardy trees, shrubs and groundcovers. The end result is a seamless transition from the Saddleback foothills to
the abbey grounds. Each reflecting the serenity of abbey life in harmony with nature, something abbeys have been doing
since time immemorial.
St. Michael’s Abbey Foundation
O
n June 13, 2010, a group of the abbey’s dear friends gathered at the
soldiers’ barracks at Mission San Juan Capistrano for the annual
Underwriters’ Party. This event helps defray costs for the Vantage
Point Gala in the autumn. Over 70 friends and Norbertines had
dinner together in the historic setting of the Mission. This year’s Vantage Point
Gala will honor Tom and Mary Anne Holtom, who have been dear friends of the
community for years.
Meetings are also beginning at this time to prepare for the 50th Jubilee celebration
of the abbey, which will begin on August 15, 2011, the day the school and minor
seminary first opened its doors to students in 1961. The preparations for such a
year of celebration will be extensive and as preliminary meetings have started, the
scope of activities is seen to be vast.
St. Michael’s has been a quiet presence (some even say “the best kept secret”) in Orange County for 50 years. During this time, the community has
put down deep roots, and established a close-knit circle of dear friends. Preparations for the next 50 years will look to making the Norbertines a
more visible presence not only in the diocese but in all of the west coast.
The abbey’s work in the parishes, schools and retreat centers of the whole of Southern California
provide for direct contact with an estimated 50,000 people per week. This does not factor in
retreats done abroad and out of state. Recently,
priests from the abbey have given retreats to
diocesan priests in Canada, religious sisters in
the Philippines and communities throughout
the United States. An abbey of nearly 70
confreres makes a huge impact.
Photos: R. Belcher
Amy & David Zak with Abbot Eugene
Tim Maguire, Fr. Justin, Mark McCormick & Fr. Charbel
Dick & Regina Hunsaker
Above: 2010 Gala honorees Mary Anne & Tom Holtom
with the Abbot. Below: Fr. James Smith with Board Member
Michael Crofton.
The Honorable Michael & Molly Brenner
From the Hilltop
News from St. Michael’s Abbey • www.StMichaelsAbbey.com
T
he filming which
took place at and
around the abbey in
May resulted in a 6 minute
piece that was an “icon” of
our life envisaged by David
Michael Phelps and his fellow
workers Eric Machiela and
Tanner Wolfe. On the last
evening of shooting, Rick
Belcher – great friend of the abbey and extraordinary
photographer – came up and captured some of the filming
in a series of photos. These pictures give you a taste of
the filming experience.
IN MEMORIAM
Rev. Hubert Szanto, O.Praem.
(1925-2010)
As this newsletter was going to press, Fr. Hubert Szanto went to his eternal reward.
We will cover this in more detail in the next issue of the St. Michael’s Messenger.
Easter at St. Michael’s
Norbertine Saints
Patron saints are chosen as special protectors or
guardians over areas of life that are important to
us. The saints listed are either Norbertine saints or
patrons of the confreres of St. Michael’s.
July 9
SS. Adrian and James, O.Praem.
July 11
St. Benedict
Patron saint of farmers and monks
July 13
St. Eugene
July 14
St. Hroznata, O.Praem.
July 20
St. Elias
July 21
St. Victor
July 24
St. Charbel
July 26
St. Joachim
Patron saint of fathers, grandfathers, and grandparents
August 1
St. Alphonsus Mary
Patron saint of arthritics, confessors, moralists and the
scrupulous
August 4
St. John Vianney
Patron saint of priests and confessors
August 11
Venerable John Henry Newman
August 14
St. Maximilian Kolbe
Patron saint of drug addicts, families, prisoners and
journalists
August 20
St. Bernard
Patron saint of beekeepers and candle makers
August 24
St. Nathaniel
Patron saint of bookbinders, cobblers and those suffering
from neurological diseases
August 28
St. Augustine
Patron saint of brewers, printers and theologians
September 3
St. Gregory
Patron saint of educators, musicians and students
September 8
St. Alan de la Roche
September 13
St. John Chrysostom
Patron saint of epileptics, orators and preachers
September 17
St. Robert Bellarmine
Patron saint of canon lawyers, catechists and catechumens
September 16
St. Cyprian of Carthage
September 23
St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
September 29
St. Michael
Patron saint of ambulance drivers, police officers and soldiers
September 29
St. Raphael
Patron saint of the blind, doctors, nurses, pharmacists
and travelers
September 30
St. Jerome
Patron saint of archeologists, archivists, librarians and
translators
Photos: R. Belcher
St. Michael’s Abbey & Preparatory School
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Calendar of Events
July
4
11
August
15
23
28
Independence Day
Summer Camp begins * and runs through
August 14
Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady,
11:00 a.m. Mass, 5:00 p.m. Vespers
First day of School
Solemnity of St. Augustine, 11:00 a.m. Mass,
5:00 p.m. Vespers
September
6
Labor Day
20
Anniversary of the Dedication of the Abbey
Church, 11:00 a.m. Mass, 5:00 p.m. Vespers
25
Vantage Point Gala **
29
Feast of St. Michael’s, Archangel, 11:00 a.m.
Mass, 5:00 p.m. Vespers
October
17
Prep School Open House, 3:30 p.m.
31
Eve of All Saints
*For Summer Camp information and registration, please visit
www.StMichaelsAbbey.com/SummerCamp.
**Reservation required.
Mass is celebrated each day at 7:00 a.m. and on Sundays at
11:00 a.m.
Updated Mass Request information and forms are available
online at www.StMichaelsAbbey.com/massrequests.
All schedules of Liturgies and events are subject to change,
please visit www.StMichaelsAbbey.com for more information
and updates.
Photo: R. Belcher
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