The Mission of Saint Mary's Catholic High School is to provide a liberal arts education that forms virtuous young men and women who know the Truth and love the Good. |
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A MESSAGE FROM FR. BOLDING |
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SAINT MARY'S WELCOMES (BACK) OUR NEW CHAPLAIN |
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Fr. Wetzel being ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Olmsted |
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Welcome Back to Newly-Ordained Saint Mary's Alumnus, Fr. Estevan Wetzel! |
Saint Mary's new Chaplain, Rev. Estevan C. Wetzel is a new priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, but an old member of the Saint Mary's family. We're delighted to welcome him back.
Fr. Wetzel graduated from Saint Mary’s Catholic High School in 2011 and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the Pontifical College Josephinum and his Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary.
Fr. Wetzel and three others from the Diocese of Phoenix, (including fellow Saint Mary's alum Fr. Nathaniel Glenn) were ordained to the Priesthood on June 6 at St. Juan Diego Church in Chandler. The Mass of Ordination was concelebrated by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares and the Rev. John Nepil of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver.
In addition to being the Chaplain at St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Fr. Wetzel serves as formator at Nazareth House Seminary House of Formation. He also teaches Theology at Saint Mary's.
"I am super excited to be back at my home. I loved my time at Saint Mary's and it is a privilege to give back to the community that enriched me and who I love very much," said Fr. Wetzel.
When he has some time to himself, Fr. Wetzel enjoys cooking and letter writing, particularly serving and conversing with those in prisons. It is rumored that Fr. makes a great Key Lime Pie and he boasts that his pork roast is on point.
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HONOR BOARD - FESSLER HALL |
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Fessler Hall Honor Board Dedication
On Thursday, October 1, 2020, Saint Mary's acknowledged this year's Honor Board recipients and the legacy of a much-missed school icon in special evening that will forever be remembered. In addition to announcing this year's honorees, Saint Mary's dedicated the Honor Board and the Hall where it is displayed to our beloved former principal, Mrs. Suzanne Fessler. Father Bolding presented Mrs. Fessler's husband, Mr. John Fessler, with a plaque designating Fessler Hall that now hangs adjacent the Chapel in the Blaise Administration Building.
Mrs. Fessler served Saint Mary's for 35 years--more than half her life and just over a third of Saint Mary's High School’s. In that time, she fulfilled many varied responsibilities. She started at the school as a math and science teacher, subsequently served as an administrator, and ultimately assumed the responsibility of running the library.
A quiet woman, Mrs. Fessler was not known for giving flowery speeches or for having a commanding presence. On the contrary, she embodied servant leadership--she led by helping others succeed, by attending to details easily overlooked, and by always taking responsibility, never credit.
Mrs. Fessler was devoted to Saint Mary’s and took great pride in its students and its traditions. She could tell you the story behind each one of the rose bushes in the southwest corner of the student mall. She knew all the family connections among the students, and she took particular pleasure in welcoming back former students who were returning as the parents of the next generation of Knights and Lady Knights. Although she did not have any children of her own, she loved Saint Mary’s and its students in the manner of all mothers: with great affection and high hopes.
To highlight the top students at Saint Mary's, Mrs. Fessler instituted the Honor Board. In order to be recognized for this honor, a senior must have a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.75 or higher at the end of his or her sixth semester (end of second semester of junior year) of high school. Student must be current in academic graduation requirements and be in good disciplinary standing in order to receive this honor.
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Saint Mary's Congratulates 2020-21 Honor Board Recipients! (Pictured below from left to right):
Cindy Paredes, Catherine Zbiegien, Fr. Bolding, Evenlyn Lopez, Daniela Becerra, Oscar Martinez, Kayla Fausto, Clayton Spina, Destiny Flores, David Wilmowski, Carina del Bosque, James Atkinson, Krystal Moedano, Francis Chang, Cecilia Mowery, Liam Phelan, Sofia Westby, Jack Burch, Mary Lewis and Mr. Muir
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Coming home: St. Mary's turns to alumni to restart proud ...
Jose Lucero left a Goodyear Desert Edge football program brimming with Division I college talent, a team that may be as loaded and ready as ever to win a state championship. But his heart called him home. That's why he jumped at the Phoenix St....
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www.azcentral.com
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Finding my Vocation in Quarantine
by Genevieve Gignoux My name is Genevieve Gignoux, I am 18 years old and I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I just graduated from Saint Mary's Catholic High School, and I am preparing to enter the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist. My...
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clarifyingcatholicism.org
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Ordination
Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood The Rite of Ordination Ordination is the sacramental ceremony in which Holy Orders are conferred and the four men being ordained become priests, enabling them to minister in Christ's name through the Church....
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dphx.org
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Scott Jenkins Named Tournament Chairman for 2021 Waste...
MICHAEL GOLDING NAMED ASSISTANT TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN FOR 2021 "THE PEOPLE'S OPEN" The Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, have named Scott Jenkins the Tournament Chairman for the 2021 edition of "The People's Open", which...
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wmphoenixopen.com
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20 young business leaders to watch in 2020 | AZ Big Media
We have all read about - or talked about (mostly behind their backs) - the stereotypes that have been assigned to the younger members of today's workforce (think age 40 and younger). Too many people view today's young business leaders as a...
Read more
azbigmedia.com
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Thank you on behalf of the administration, faculty, staff, and students of Saint Mary's to the record number of golfers who participated in the 2020 Saint Mary's Open at the Legacy Golf Resort. The top spot at this year's event was captured by Team Hollerbach who recorded a stunning 48. The Arizona Leadership team, featuring alums Aaron Muth, Will Spong and Nick Spong, carded a 50 and finished runner-up. Three-time Champion Dr. William Chavira's team featuring Principal Kevin Muir and his brother Fr. John Muir finished third at 54. Congratulations to all the golfers on a wonderful day!
Please join us in thanking our generous sponsors below.
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Father Bolding blesses the Saint Mary's bus that will transport students to their Saint Mary's activities and sporting events. |
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Green Machine 2.0 is here!
After years of renting passenger buses, Saint Mary's is proud to unveil our new, upgraded mode of transportation: the Green Machine 2.0! The newly refurbished coach was purchased at an auction hosted by Cunningham & Associates, Inc., which is owned and operated by a Saint Mary's family. The updated Green Machine 2.0 features new wheels, reupholstered seats, refurbished floors, and a remodeled bathroom in the back. The bus has low mileage for a passenger bus of this size. Best of all, its fresh coat of Saint Mary's green paint and distinctive Saint Mary's graphics make it a rolling marketing machine with unmistakable curb appeal.
You too can be a part of the bus! If you donate $1,000 today, you will receive your name of designation on a seat panel inside the bus. Donate now to get on board!
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Application season is upon us! If you know of any exceptional students--future freshmen or transfers--please invite them to one of our Admissions Events.
Information Knights
Dec. 10, Jan. 21 (Thursdays - 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Shadow Days
Fridays - Nov. 20, Dec. 11, Jan. 29, Feb. 12, March 19, April 23, May 7
(Parent Coffee 8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.)
School Tours
Fridays - Nov. 6, Dec. 4, March 12, April 16 (8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.)
For more information, or to recommend a student, please contact Mary Pivonka, Director of Admissions or Jacquie Kennedy, Director of Recruitment.
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The Knight Ambassadors are students who are proud to be a part of Saint Mary's Catholic High School. Ambassadors must be members of the current Junior or Senior classes and must have attended Saint Mary’s for at least two semesters. These students are enthusiastic, friendly, disciplined, and willing to work as a team to promote the history and traditions of their school. They should be active members of the Saint Mary’s family. A good Ambassador is personable and willing to speak in public. They would always speak positively about Saint Mary’s High School. Typical responsibilities include leadership through example, mentoring new students, public relations, and service. Knight Ambassadors visit elementary and junior high schools and take part in Eighth Grade Days, Open House, and Freshman Orientation as well as the phone-a-thon and other occasions where they can serve their school. Some public relations activities may take place outside of the normal school day, including evenings and weekends. Membership in the Ambassadors Club is by application.
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The National Honor Society (NHS) is a national organization that recognizes students who have achieved high standards in scholarship, leadership, character, and service. A student must show strength in all four areas to be selected for membership.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have a cumulative weighted grade point average of 3.5 or better after grades are posted for the first semester of this school year and who have attended Saint Mary's for at least one full semester are eligible for consideration for NHS membership. In February, academically qualified students will be invited to apply for membership by completing a Student Information Form that details leadership and service activities and allows them to express their views on several topics. The names of students seeking admission are then circulated to all faculty and administrators for comment. All information is then reviewed by the selection committee.
Decisions regarding NHS membership are made by a five-person faculty council. The selection process hopefully will be completed by the end of March.
In prior years, some students (and parents) have assumed that NHS membership is based on grades alone and have been disappointed to learn that leadership, service, and character are of equal importance. Sophomores, in particular, should be aware that they might have a difficult time demonstrating leadership and service in the short time they have been at Saint Mary’s.
During the school year, the NHS runs a peer tutoring program and conducts two blood drives. Members are also involved in the Open House and Eighth Grade Days.
If you have any questions about the National Honor Society, contact Mrs. Vietri at (602) 251-2554 or jvietri@smknights.org.
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Congratulations to the newest members of the Seat of Wisdom Chapter of the National Honor Society! |
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Luke Atkinson
Daniela Becerra
April Ciarametaro
Francesca Drapeau
Isabella Fahrendorf
Destiny Flores
Joseph Fournier
Rafael Garcia
Elizabeth Gonzalez
Kristen Keating
Olivia Lomeli
Isabel Love
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Krystal Moedano
Gabrielle Neighbors
Izabella Rabago
Claire Rayner
Lia Scuderi
Calley Spina
Matthew Steineke
Thomas Swingle
Bridget Van Wie
Andrew Winston
Anthony Yeager
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Sadly, we are unable to hold an induction ceremony this year, but some of our new members held celebrations in their homes. Pictured are Olivia Lomeli (left) and Lia Scuderi (right). |
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We are happy to report that enrollment has remained steady for the 2020-21 school year. Our financial situation is sound and we have just finished a successful audit. We continue to work with parents making tuition affordable, especially during this difficult time. If you would like to donate to sponsor-a-student and help a student with their tuition, please contact Michelle Hernandez in the Business Office by email mhernandez@smknights.org or at 602-251-2510.
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November 6, 2020
HOMECOMING vs. Glendale, 7 p.m. at Washington High School
November 25, 2020
Walk-a-Thon
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Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Saint Mary's National Honor Society will not be holding their fall blood drive. However, you can still help Saint Mary's and the Phoenix community at large. Please consider donating blood at a Vitalant donation center OR at another Vitalant blood drive held in the community.
If you do, please remember to ask them to make note of Saint Mary's unique group code: P1642. If they share this code with their interview technician, their donation can then be tracked and credited to Saint Mary's in the High School Blood Drive Challenge, increasing our annual total.
Hopefully, we will see you all at our spring blood drive. Thank you for your support. For further information, contact Julie Vietri, NHS Advisor, at jvietri@smknights.org, or (602) 251-2554.
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Have you ever wanted to host an exchange student?
Saint Mary’s is looking for families interested in hosting an international student for the upcoming 2021-22 academic school year. Host families provide their guest with a comfortable living space, intentional relaxed conversation in English, and American cultural experiences. If you are interested, please contact:
Mrs. Mary Pivonka
Director of Admissions
(602) 251- 2515
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