Friends,

In this Advent season, we confront a month of waiting, of hope, of anticipation. And, though it is all too often reduced to a time of busy preparation and simple joy, the roots of Advent are found in the dark stillness of night.

This month, BC High has been faced with losses of life in our community that shatter the rhythms of our usual December. The hurried rush toward Christmas break is slowed, and we find ourselves not unlike those first-century shepherds huddling in the cold. Uncertain, afraid, perhaps a bit lost. And so we wait, willing ourselves deeper into the mystery, desperately searching for a glimpse of the light we know to be promised.

The miracle of Christmas, Christ's coming to Earth, awaits us still deeper in this season. But the light it casts has been reflected by every BC High student, teacher, coach and staff member who have come together to console and support one another. It is no small grace that we were able to gather as one BC High community last week to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Inspired by Pope Francis, we lift up all of our pains to Mary, the Undoer of Knots, for whom no challenge is too great, nor any plea too small.

Through everything we have faced this month, this past year, and beyond - we trust in the slow work of God.

AMDG,

Grace Regan P'12

Last week, in one of our school's most cherished traditions, we came together to support 40 families through the My Brother’s Keeper Adopt-a-Family Christmas program!

There truly is no other event on campus that so beautifully captures the excitement of this season, along with our deeper calling to service and companionship with those on the margins. Our students, faculty, and staff dress up in festive outfits and spend the afternoon carefully wrapping each present that their clubs, teams, and departments have gathered with anticipation to spread Christmas cheer among our brothers and sisters in Boston.

It has been a busy month for the arts on Morrissey Boulevard! A few weeks ago, the Dever Players concluded a heralded run of Godspell 2012. You can view a full photo album from their performance here. Not to be outdone, the Arrupe Division Dever Players put on an amazing version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The talent and confidence of these young student artists in middle school is simply outstanding.

We have also been blessed to have a school filled with music! After hosting our annual Christmas concert featuring BC High’s Chamber and Concert Choirs, Piano Ensemble, and the Fontbonne alumnae choir, this weekend featured the Holiday Instrumental Concert with the Concert Band, Jazz Big Band, Jazz Rock Ensemble, String Orchestra, and premiere of BC High's newest instrumental group, the Guitar Orchestra. Yesterday evening, the Liturgical Musicians & Band, Gospel Choir, Hand Chimes, and Advent Lessons & Carols continued filling the season with beautiful song and sound.

Congratulations again to this year’s Hall of Fame inductees! It was a pleasure to have so many teammates, classmates, family, friends and more on campus to celebrate and honor their accomplishments:

* Michael Schulte – 1998 – Swimming

* Daniel O’Brien – 2000 – Hockey

* Byron Gartrell – 2000 – Cross Country, Track

* Michael Conroy, Jr. – 2001 – Baseball, Football

* Joseph Chatman – 2003 – Basketball

* Alex Brussard – 2009 – Rugby

* Kyle Ewanouski – 2009 – Lacrosse, Football

* Bartley Regan – 2012 – Football, Hockey, Baseball

* Class of 1994 Hockey Team

* The Paul Hunter Man for Others Award: Philip M. Byrne – 1958

* The James E. Cotter ’55 Courage Award: Barbara O’Brien-Miller

Last month, we were pleased to induct 130 students as new members of BC High's Robert J. Fulton, SJ Chapter of the National Honor Society! These young men represent the very best of what it means to be a BC High student, dedicating themselves to excellence in both scholarship and service. Congratulations!

As our liturgical calendar swells with the Advent season, we have been fortunate to share many prayerful and reflective experiences together!

The BC High Parents Association hosted a beautiful Advent Liturgy, and last week at the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we were honored to have young alumnus Fr. David Campo '10, nephew of Ms. Mary Farrell as our principal celebrant and homilist. This weekend, Fr. Patrick Nolan, SJ, celebrated Mass and a social gathering of Jesuit university, high school, and middle school young alumni in South Boston. We are blessed to share this season with such a strong and supportive network!

Last month, our Eagles in the S.O.A.R. Program embarked on training in the Courageous Conversations model, an award-winning protocol for effectively engaging, sustaining and deepening interracial dialogue. Look forward to hearing and learning more about SOAR as these young men grow in leading their peers in antiracism!