Headmaster Update
Dear Families,

Detroit Tigers baseball pitcher Armando Galarraga was one out away from a perfect game. He had been face-to-face with 26 batters and not a single person had reached first base due to his skillful pitching. The next batter hit a grounder to the first baseman and Galarraga ran to cover first base, arriving just in time to tag the runner out. With the last batter at the plate, the crowd came to its feet in anticipation of witnessing a rare event – the perfect baseball game. 
 
To everyone’s surprise, the umpire, Jim Joyce, called the runner safe and batter remained on base. The replay of the play clearly captured a different story and disbelief swept throughout the stadium. Galarraga’s lifetime achievement of pitching a perfect game was taken away by the bad call. The crowd, commentators, teammates and coach berated the umpire while Armando remained calm and finished the game with grace. It went on record as a one-hit game. 
 
During an interview, Jim Joyce confessed that he had made a mistake on the call after seeing the replay. The next day, the umpire entered the stadium and Armando Galarraga was waiting for him on the field. Armando stepped forward and graciously shook the umpire’s hand. He forgave Joyce and said, “Nobody’s perfect!” Tears welled up in Jim Joyce’s eyes in response to Galarraga's powerful example of forgiveness. 
 
Forgiveness is a conscious, deliberate decision to release resentment toward another person or group of people who have hurt or harmed us. When we are hurt, our instincts often lead us toward self-protection, negative feelings and vindictiveness, which can make forgiving another person a challenge - especially when we feel as if the other person doesn't deserve our forgiveness. 
 
Forgiveness does not take the pain away nor does it mean that we forget or excuse what has been done. Forgiveness means we choose to move forward, not allowing what the other person's actions or words to create anger or resentment that will get trapped inside. We need to decide to use one of the most powerful gifts God has given us to move forward and refrain from letting negative issues of the past impact our future. 
 
God’s forgiveness, which we have seen through His Son and the ability He has given us to forgive each other is what our faith rests upon. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 

The practice of forgiveness is strong reflection of our faith. It changes our lives and the lives of those around us. 
May we all move forward this New Year remembering God’s forgiveness and the powerful impact it has upon our lives.
 
John K. Thornburg 
At a Glance
Monday, January 24
Day 4

Tuesday, January 25
Day 5
 
Wednesday, January 26
Day 6
Report Cards Emailed

Thursday, January 27
Day 7

Friday, January 28
Day 1
Praying of the Rosary - 7:30 AM
MC Spotlight
Ms. Denise Vinciarelli
Faculty Spotlight: Ms. Denise Vinciarelli - Social Studies Teacher
Dear Malden Catholic Community,

I am thrilled to have joined the Malden Catholic faculty as a Social Studies teacher. I have taught grades K-12 in both the Catholic and public school systems for many years, and I am now delighted to be in a Xaverian high school with such a strong mission. I truly enjoy relating my daily lesson plans to MC’s mission and the Xaverian spiritual values. 
 
I have a Bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in Education and I also have a Master's degree in Special Education. I believe that history is an influential subject and I consider myself a cultural historian with a passion for law. I am also proficient in French and Portuguese and I often relate these languages back to world history and traditions in the classroom.
 
Prior to teaching, I worked in the fitness and beauty industry where I was an instructor in the Boston area in retail establishments such as Chanel, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.
 
Every day, it is a pleasure to come to school and teach at MC. I am honored to be part of the Malden Catholic community where the faculty and staff have a true commitment to each and every student. I also look forward to getting to know the families of MC as the year progresses.

Ms. Denise Vinciarelli
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update
No COVID-19 Testing on Monday 1.24
Please note the following change in our COVID-19 Testing procedures: MC will NOT conduct mandatory school-wide rapid antigen testing on Monday, January 24.  

​​We are happy to report that the positive cases of COVID-19 have decreased to a level where our COVID-19 Task Force has decided to suspend weekly testing. This is based on our numbers that have been trending downward. Thank you to our families who have done such an outstanding job supporting our efforts to maintain a safe learning environment! 
 
The COVID-19 Task Force has decided to make Monday a "testing optional" day for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students, faculty and staff. Those who may be experiencing mild symptoms and those who wish to test for peace of mind can test before school on Monday. The testing will take place from 7 - 7:55 AM in the gymnasium. Monday will be a regular school day that begins with Period D.
 
Though COVID-19 numbers are trending positively, we want to remind our entire community that all safety protocols remain in effect. (The only change is the suspension of mandatory weekly school-wide testing.)  
 
Vaccine Records
Several cities and towns in Massachusetts, including Boston, have moved to require digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination for certain indoor venues, such as restaurants, fitness centers, museums and event settings.

Steps to download a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination onto your phone:

  • Visit MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov and then click “find my vaccine record.”
  • Enter your first name, last name, confirmation method (cell phone or email), cell phone number, birth date and gender; then, create a four-digit PIN number. The administration official recommended using the cell phone option if possible since not all vaccine records from health care providers contain email addresses.
  • Check your phone (or email), for the confirmation link, but allow 24 hours for a response.
  • If your vaccination information is in the state’s immunization system, you’ll be able to follow the link and enter your PIN. All immunization information will appear, including flu shots and COVID vaccines. Select the COVID-19 Smart Health Card button icon at the top of the screen — you’ll then see your QR code.
  • Add the QR code to your Apple Health Wallet — or into your photo library.
No Cost COVID-19 Testing at MC
The COVID-19 Testing Kiosk located in Malden Catholic's back parking lot will be open from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM on Monday through Saturday. You can schedule an appointment through this link: https://cur.tv/malden.
What's New?
Malden Catholic's Crystal Hi-Lites Annual Report 2021 - 2022
The Malden Catholic magazine and annual report, Crystal Hi-Lites has been mailed to MC families and is also available for viewing on the MC website. The detailed publication features stories, alumni interviews and updated information regarding the 2021 - 2022 school year. Click here for the full publication.
Valentine's Day Candy Cane Gram - 1.25 to 2.9
Make someone's day sweet this Valentine's Day by sending a note and candy cane for $1 during lunch periods from January 25 - February 9. All proceeds will support MC's Make-A-Wish Club's fundraising goal. Be sure to let someone know you are thinking of them and help support Make-A-Wish!
Catholic Schools Week - White T-shirt Donations Needed - 1.28
Catholic Schools Week events will be held for students, faculty and staff throughout the week of January 31. In preparation, our Administrative team is planning a schoolwide surprise activity and we are asking MC families to donate gently-used clean white t-shirts. Please drop shirts off in the front lobby by Friday, January 28. We prefer to have plain white shirts without writing, but we will accept white shirts with some writing as well. Thank you for your assistance!   
What's Happening Around MC?
School and College Counseling Junior College Kick-Off
Junior College Kick-off
This past week, School and College Counseling hosted the Junior College Kick-Off live with Grade 11 students and a GoToMeeting webinar in the evening for parents. The Junior College Kick-Off event provided an overview of the entire college application process, the context of the admissions landscape and other important information that will make applying to college easier. Click here to view the Junior College Kick-Off Video.

Naviance Reminder
MC's School and College Counseling department would like to remind Grade 12 students to update Naviance with all of their college acceptances. Please reach out to Ms. DelGenio with any questions at delgenios@maldencatholic.org.

AFL-CIO Exam
For students who have already registered for the AFL-CIO exam, the test will be administered on Monday, January 31 during school hours. Students who did not register before the deadline will not be able to take the test. Please see School and College Counseling department if you have any questions.
Grade 12 Christian Service Requirement Package
As part of Malden Catholic graduation requirements, Grade 12 students must complete 90 hours of Christian Service prior to Commencement. Campus Ministry has prepared a packet for Seniors that outlines the process for acquiring and tracking service hours. Students with AP courses will have reduced Christian Service requirements and this information is outlined in the attached document. Please click here to view the Senior Christian Service Packet.

A list of Christian Service opportunities are included on the Malden Catholic website through this link.
"Lancers For a Day" Shadow Program
MC launched "Lancer for a Day" Shadow Program which recently provided eighth grade students from over 10 surrounding towns the opportunity to join a MC student in class for a day! The incoming students began by participating in MC's COVID-19 Test and Stay program before heading to class and also enjoyed a complimentary lunch in the cafeteria.

Students who take part in MC's "Lancer for a Day" often share that this is the perfect way to learn about Malden Catholic's dynamic classroom experience and the excitement of our school community.
Habitat for Humanity Club
MC's Habitat for Humanity Club has been a popular tradition for Lancers for over a decade. The club provides a hands-on opportunity for students to help repair, improve and build homes for local families in need. This week, the Habitat for Humanity Club met to discuss potential future builds in and around the community of Malden.
Robotics Team
The MC Robotics team held its first meeting to prepare for this year's team-oriented robotics competition. Students use science, engineering, technology, math to design, build and document the creation customized robots.
Sports
Winter Sports
Spectator Policy Reminder for All Home Athletic Events (Effective Immediately)

We will be limiting spectator attendance at home athletic contests throughout January. Spectators will be limited to two individuals per athlete. Details for specific teams will be provided by their respective coaches. Masks are required by all spectators at athletic events.

Streaming Service will continue to be offered for the following sports:

Doherty Gymnasium (Basketball, Wrestling)
NFHS Network - NFHSNetwork.com

Valley Forum Ice Rink (Hockey)
My Hockey Live - MyHockeyLive.com

Mystic Valley Pool (Swimming)
MC Athletics Twitter - @MCAthletics1

Schedules are subject to change. Please refer to the https://maldencatholichighschoolma.bigteams.com/ website for updates. Some services require a subscription and changes to the schedule may affect ability for streaming.
School Store Is Now Open
The MC Spring 2022 School Store is open until Monday, January 31st. Many items are customizable with name, number or sport! You may visit the school store through this link.

Varsity Letterman Jacket Store Is Now Open!
The Champions Choice store is now open to purchase an official MC Letterman Jacket. The jackets are unisex sizes and orders can be placed until Monday, January 24. If you are interested in purchasing an MC Letterman Jacket you may create an account with Champions Choice Apparel:
Monday, January 24
3:30 PM Boys Junior Varsity Ice Hockey @ Catholic Memorial School

Tuesday, January 25
3:30 PM Boys Freshman Basketball @ St. John's High School
3:30 PM Girls Freshman Basketball Home vs Notre Dame Academy
5:00 PM Girls JV Basketball Home vs Notre Dame Academy
6:30 PM Girls Varsity Basketball Home vs Notre Dame Academy
5:00 PM Boys JV Basketball vs St. John's High School @ St. John's Shrewsbury
6:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball vs St. John's High School @ St. John's Shrewsbury

Wednesday, January 26
5:00 PM Girls Varsity Indoor Track OPEN
3:30 PM Boys Freshman Hockey @ Catholic Memorial (Bajko Rink)
4:00 PM Girls Varsity Ice Hockey vs Ursuline Academy
5:00 PM Boys Varsity Ice Hockey vs St. John's High School
6:00 PM Boys Varsity Wrestling Home vs St. John's High School (5 PM Weigh-In)
*Senior Night - Before Match

Thursday, January 27
No events scheduled

Friday, January 28
5:00 PM Girls Varsity Indoor Track OPEN
3:30 PM Boys Freshman Basketball Home vs St. John's Prep School
5:00 PM Boys JV Basketball Home vs St. John's Prep School
6:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Home vs St. John's Prep School

Saturday, January 29
TBA Boys Varsity Wrestling vs Stoughton High School
9:00 AM Boys Varsity Indoor Track OPEN
9:20 AM Boys Freshman Ice Hockey Home vs Chelmsford High School
10:30 AM Boys JV Ice Hockey Home vs Xaverian Brothers High School
11:40 AM Girls JV Ice Hockey Home vs Andover High School
2:00 PM Boys Varsity Ice Hockey @ St. John's Prep School

Sunday, January 30
8:30 AM Girls Varsity Basketball vs Cardinal Spellman High School at the TD Garden
10:30 AM Girls JV Ice Hockey Home vs Auburn High School
12:10 PM Boys Freshman Ice Hockey @ Austin Preparatory School