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President's Update

Dear Families,


The President's Update note for this week was graciously written by Brother Thomas Puccio:


I sometimes cut things close when I’m driving to an appointment, but I thought that leaving myself an hour to get from Malden to Burlington for a 4:00pm doctor’s visit would give me plenty of time. Since the weathermen were calling for a “little” light snow through the afternoon, I threw in another 15 minutes and stepped out to my car at 2:45. “Hmmm,” I thought, as I brushed 3 inches of wet snow off the windshield. “This may not be pretty!” I slid a bit turning onto Crystal Street from the Bro. Gilbert Stadium driveway and sat through 4 light cycles to get onto Eastern Avenue. Not only was it “not pretty,” it was rather ugly!


Even on good days, Rt. 60 through Malden can be torturously slow, and it was a crawl all the way past the Immaculate Conception Church, where I would take a right and head up to Rt. 93. The merge at Roosevelt Circle was a nightmare, and by the time I finally got on 93, it was 3:45pm, and we were almost at a standstill. At 3:55pm and only a mile further along, I decided it was a lost cause, cancelled the appointment, and pulled off at the Melrose/Stoneham exit for Rt. 28. I figured I’d snake through some Stoneham streets and make my way home to Melrose. Roads were untreated, and I saw many cars slipping even on the most harmless-looking inclines. Cars that couldn’t get traction after a full stop at a red light would cause long, impatient backups, as wheels spinned helplessly. I’d think, “Oh, man! Wouldn’t want to be that guy!” Still about a mile from home, I became “THAT GUY”!


It was a double-whammy! Dead stop at a traffic light, then a left turn up a gentle incline. When the light turned green, I got the car slowly rolling, almost made the turn, but felt the back wheels angling out toward the curb on the right. I got a few feet up the incline, but then it was hopeless. With wheels uselessly spinning, I slid back, came to an easy bump against the curb, and partially blocked the road. No twisting of the steering wheel made any difference. I was stuck. Within about 20 seconds, almost out of nowhere, three good Samaritans – I’ll call them angels! – ran up behind my car. One came to my window, said simply, “We’ll give you a push,” and the two college-aged guys and a girl had me moving. I helped with a little pressure on the gas pedal, and they quickly had me twenty yards up the road, past the crest of the incline. I waved, drove on, yelled “Thank you” out the window, and – namelessly -- they headed down to help the next “victim.”


I told this story to our seniors at their Commissioning Ceremony for Christian Service, letting them know that in some instances the effects of their service might be obvious, the impact clear, and in other cases, not so much, but the service still valuable. I certainly had been rescued by the kindness of strangers! I told our seniors that I could think of at least three good reasons to serve. First, our God asks us to. In our Holy Thursday prayer service, where we enacted the ritual of Jesus’ washing the feet of his disciples, we heard in John’s Gospel (13:12-15) Jesus saying, “‘Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.’” Second, as a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School, we model after the life of Xaverian Founder Theodore James Ryken, who invites us “to fall in love with service of God” as he did; and third, service does good – both for us and, surely, for others. It develops in us self-esteem, new social skills, confidence, vocational interests; it builds community, and many studies link it to greater life-satisfaction and even longevity. And, of course, service does wonderful things for others, whether in dire need or just happily uplifted by a kindness.


My conservative estimate is that Malden Catholic students this year alone have rendered over 25,000 hours of Christian service. That’s lots to be proud of! I hope that whether they see the results of their efforts or not, they can appreciate the real good that they do! May our Lord, Jesus, who “came not to be served, but to serve”(Mt. 20-28) continue to inspire each of us to helping others along our heavenward journey. God bless you and family through this Easter Season, which continues through Pentecost.


Brother Thomas Puccio, C.F.X., Ed.D., H’18

At a Glance

Monday, May 1

Day G

AP Exams: U.S. Government - 8 AM

AP Exams: Chemistry - 12 PM

Senior Christian Service


Tuesday, May 2

Day F

Senior Christian Service


Wednesday, May 3

Day E

Praying of the Rosary - 7:25 AM

AP Exams: English Literature - 8 AM

AP Exams: Computer Science - 12 PM

Senior Christian Service


Thursday, May 4

Day D

AP Exams: AP Seminar - 12 PM

AP Exams: AP Stats - 12 PM

Gala - 6 PM

Senior Christian Service


Friday, May 5

Day C

AP Exams: European History - 8 AM

AP Exams: U.S. History - 8 AM

Senior Christian Service

Girls Division Dress Code Update

Girls that choose to wear a kilt as part of the dress code must continue to wear solid-colored tights until further notice. 

MC Weekly Dining Menu

We are providing the MC weekly dining menu in the President's Update to make it easier for students to plan lunch throughout the week. The menu is also available through the Malden Catholic Mobile App along with easy access to the online portal for adding money to student lunch accounts. Search for "Malden Catholic" in the app store on your phone.

School and College Counseling - Naviance Reminder

MC’s School and College Counseling department would like to remind Grade 12 students to contact their school counselor and update their Naviance account with all college decisions including acceptances, deferred, wait listed and denied. Please reach out to Mrs. DelGenio with any questions at [email protected].


Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are posted outside of School and College Counseling, as well is in Naviance.

What's New?

AP Exams - 5.1 to 5.12

On Monday, May 1, AP exams will begin and continue through Friday, May 12. Students are reminded to check their MC email and read important test-specific information sent from MC's School Counseling Director, Mrs. Parker.


Please note the following instructions:


  • Students who are taking an 8 AM exam may go home once the exam is finished.
  • Students who have a 12 PM exam do not need to come to school prior to the exam. Any student who has a 12 PM exam, but still needs to arrive early, may study in the Learning Commons prior to the exam.
  • All AP test takers may dress down for exams, following dress down guidelines.

Ticket Sales for Senior Awards Ceremonies, Commencement and Baccalaureate Mass - 5.1

Ticket sales for the Girls Division Awards Ceremony, Boys Division Awards Ceremony, Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement will close on Monday, May 1. Please purchase tickets through the following links:


Ticket Reservations for Commencement and Baccalaureate Mass

To reserve seats for Commencement and Baccalaureate Mass, please email Mrs. Jeannine Reardon at [email protected] with the following information:

  • Graduating student’s first and last name
  • Number of tickets requested (no more than 6)
  • First and last names of up to (and no more than) six guests who will be attending.


Please note that there will be no waitlist for unused tickets. Students will be responsible for communicating with each other if they do not plan to use all of their seats. In the event a student opts to donate one or more of his/her seat(s), he or she must reserve the seat under his/her name.

MC's 91st Gala Celebration Ticket Sales Close - 5.1 at 12 PM

MC Gala

Ticket sales for the MC Gala will close on Monday, May 1 at 12 PM, so be sure to buy your tickets today! The event includes dinner, an open bar and dancing the sounds of Soul City Band. Parents affiliated with sports teams and social groups can purchase a table together. You don't want to miss this great event, so purchase tickets today through this link: maldencatholic.info/GALA23.


Gala Raffle

MC families are encouraged to participate in the MC Gala Raffle. Three cash prizes will be awarded:

First Prize: $10,000 cash

Second Prize: $1,000 cash

Third Prize: $500 cash

You may purchase MC Gala Raffle tickets online through this link.


Three top-selling student prizes will be awarded:

Fourth Prize: AirPods for the top-selling student

Fifth Prize: AirPods for the top-selling student

Homeroom Prize: Pizza party for top-selling MC homeroom

2023 Parent Survey - 5.1

Families will receive the 2023 Parent Survey via email on Monday, May 1, from President Thornburg. We greatly appreciate your response.

Gala Online Auction - through 5.4

The MC Online Gala Auction will be open for bidding until 10 PM on Thursday, May 4. Be sure to place your bid on a host of exciting items before the auction ends!


Please contact Sarah Hamilton at [email protected] with any questions.

Spring Clothing Drive - through 5.10

Malden Catholic will collect new or gently used spring and summer clothing to donate to the Lazarus House, a homeless shelter for families in Lawrence. Collection bins will be located in MC's front lobby from Wednesday, April 26 to Wednesday, May 10. Please reach out to Monica O'Brien '25 with any questions at mo'[email protected].

Make-A-Wish SOC'S Ice Cream Social - 5.11 at 12 PM

MC's Make-A-Wish Club is hosting an ice cream social in collaboration with Soc's Ice Cream in Saugus on Thursday, May 11 from 12 - 10 PM. A portion of all MC sale proceeds will be donated to help grant a wish for a child with a critical illness. Stop by for treats for the whole family and mention that you are supporting MC Make-A-Wish!

2022-2023 Yearbook Student Recognition Ads - 5.11

The cost for the 2022 - 2023 yearbook is included in the fees that Seniors paid at the beginning of the school year.


Senior parents are encouraged to purchase Student Yearbook Recognition Ads that will be displayed in Malden Catholic's 2022-2023 yearbook. The ads can be customized to feature the individual student and are available in three sizes: full page, half page or quarter page.


If you're interested in purchasing an ad, please create a Jostens account through this link. The deadline to order a MC Student Recognition Ad is May 11.

MC Parent Book Club - 5.24 at 6:30 PM

The MC Parent Book Club will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at 6:30 PM at MC in the Campus Ministry Center. The May MC Book Club will be discussing The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li, a magnificent, beguiling tale winding from the postwar rural provinces to Paris, from an English boarding school to to the quiet Pennsylvania home where Agnès can live without her past. The Book of Goose is a haunting story of friendship, art, exploitation, and memory by the celebrated author Yiyun Li.


Please R.S.V.P. to Vange Egizi at [email protected] if you can attend.

Fine Arts Night - 5.25 at 7 PM

Join us for Fine Arts Night on Thursday, May 25 at 7 PM in the Thomas '66 and Olivia McDonough Performing Arts Center. This Broadway-themed event will feature student art and performances from the Malden Catholic Art Departments including student singers, dancers, visual and digital artists. 

Senior Event Updates

To celebrate our Senior Class of 2023, MC is planning an active schedule of events:


Monday, April 24 - Friday, May 12

  • Senior Christian Service - Seniors who are not enrolled in AP courses must complete their 90 hours of service at a dedicated service site between the weeks of April 24 - May 12.


Saturday, May 13

  • Senior Prom - The Senior Prom will be held at Danversport in Danvers on Saturday, May 13 from 6 - 11 PM with the promenade starting at 6 PM. The Senior Prom dress code policy can be found in the 2022 - 2023 Parent/Student Handbook through the attached link.


Monday, May 15

  • Girls Division Awards Ceremony - The Girls Division Awards Ceremony will be held on Monday, May 15 at 6 PM in the Doherty Gymnasium. The event is free for Seniors, and they are able to invite two guests at a cost of $25/per person. Tickets may be purchased until May 1 through the attached Eventbrite link.


Tuesday, May 16

  • Boys Division Awards Ceremony - The Boys Division Awards Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 16 at 6 PM in the Doherty Gymnasium. The event is free for Seniors, and they are able to invite two guests at a cost of $25/per person. Tickets may be purchased until May 1 through the attached Eventbrite link.


Wednesday, May 17

  • Senior Prayer Service/Breakfast/Commencement Rehearsal - Seniors will gather in the cafeteria at 8 AM, followed by a prayer service in the Thomas '66 and Olivia McDonough Performing Arts Center and breakfast in the cafeteria. The day will conclude with a mandatory Commencement rehearsal. Seniors are asked to wear their college sweatshirts on Wednesday, May 17.


Thursday, May 18

  • Senior Class Event - Parents from the Class of 2023 have organized a Senior event at Kowloon in Saugus on Thursday, May 18 from 5:30 - 9:30 PM. The cost is $50 and payment may be submitted to Mrs. Flaherty via Venmo @Chrissie-Flaherty or PayPal @chrissie0304. Please note that this is not a school sponsored event.


Friday, May 19

  • Baccalaureate Mass - The Baccalaureate Mass will begin at 4 PM and will be held on the Brother Gilbert Stadium field. The event is free and Seniors are able to invite up to six guests. Please email Mrs. Jeannine Reardon at [email protected] to purchase tickets.


Saturday, May 20

  • Commencement Ceremony - The Commencement Ceremony will begin at 10 AM on the Brother Gilbert Stadium field. The event is free and Seniors are able to invite up to six guests. Please email Mrs. Jeannine Reardon at [email protected] to purchase tickets.


Please contact Mrs. Jeannine Reardon Esq. GC'89 P'23 with any questions regarding Senior events at [email protected].

What's Happening Around MC?

Habitat for Humanity Build

Principles of Engineering Class Tour of Prattville Machine & Tool Co.

Sports

NLI Signings

Congratulations to the following students who signed a National Letter of Intent this week:


  • Michael Cagno '23 - Soccer at Bentley University
  • Jillian Perry '23 - Basketball at Regis College


Way to go, Michael and Jillian!

Senior Banners

Senior Banners may be purchased from Dracut Threads through this link. Banners will require a two-week turnaround. The banners will be hung for the spring season and then hung outside with the senior banners from all the seasons. Seniors will be able to take their banners home following graduation. Any questions about Senior Banners may be directed to Athletics Director, Bill Raycraft at [email protected].

Monday, May 1

4 PM Boys JV Baseball Home vs St. John's Prep School

4 PM Girls JV Softball Home vs Saugus HS

4 PM Boys Varsity Baseball Home vs St. John's Prep School

4 PM Girls Varsity Softball Home vs Saugus HS

4 PM Boys Freshman Baseball @ St. John's Prep School

4 PM Boys Varsity Tennis @ St. John's Prep School

7 PM Girls Varsity Lacrosse @ Dracut HS


Tuesday, May 2

3 PM Girls Varsity Golf Home vs Ursuline Academy

4 PM Girls Varsity Tennis Home vs Mount Alvernia HS (Senior Night)

4 PM Boys Varsity Lacrosse Home vs St. John's HS

4 PM Boys Varsity Outdoor Track @ St. John's Prep School

5:30 PM Boys JV Lacrosse Home vs St. John's HS


Wednesday, May 3

4 PM Girls Varsity Outdoor Track vs Fontbonne Academy at NDA

4 PM Girls Varsity Lacrosse Home vs Winthrop HS

4 PM Girls Varsity Softball Home vs Lynnfield HS

4 PM Boys Freshman @ Baseball Boston College High School

4 PM Girls JV Softball Home vs Lynnfield HS

4 PM Boys JV Baseball Home vs Boston College High School

4 PM Boys Varsity Baseball Home vs Boston College High School

4 PM Boys Varsity Tennis Home vs Boston College High School


Thursday, May 4

3 PM Girls Varsity Golf Home vs Academy of Notre Dame

3:30 PM Boys Varsity Baseball Home vs Bishop Fenwick HS

3:30 PM Boys Varsity Baseball Home vs Bishop Fenwick HS

5:30 PM Boys Varsity Rugby @ Algonquin Regional High School


Friday, May 5

3:30 PM Girls JV and Varsity Softball @ St. Mary's

4:30 PM Girls Varsity Lacrosse Home vs Fontbonne Academy

4 PM Boys Varsity Tennis Home vs Arlington HS