President's Update
Dear Families,

Unwilling to pay for cable, our family television had limited channel options. The channels we received relied upon the “rabbit ears” antenna that was connected to the television. My wife and I made a conscious commitment to limit the amount of television our children watched, encouraging other pursuits such as playing outdoors and other creative activities.
 
My children’s favorite television show aired on Sunday evenings. The show was called Touched by an Angel, which our entire family enjoyed. Unfortunately, the antenna was often unable to capture a strong signal. I would make adjustments and sometimes end up holding the antenna above my head, remaining motionless. This was the best way to get a clear signal.
 
A booklet I am currently reading is entitled The Practice of the Presence of God. The booklet captures conversations with Brother Lawrence (Nicholas Herman, 1614-1691), a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in Paris. He was known for his intimacy with God, as demonstrated through his daily ability to experience His presence. 
 
The booklet was published after Brother Lawrence's death based on conversations with and notes written by the monk himself. It is an encouraging treatise on deepening our relationship with God and finding Him in every circumstance. In many ways it illustrates Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
 
He (Brother Lawrence) said "we ought to relate to God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs as they happen. In His experience, God never failed to grant help.The Practice of the Presence of God, p. 15
 
We have several “calls” as a Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School (XBSS). One primary call is "The call to a spirituality, flowing from a contemplative stance, which is formed by God’s presence in the common, ordinary, unspectacular flow of everyday life.”
 
Brother Lawrence was able to direct his spiritual “antenna.” Spiritual by Design, he recognized that he was called by God and he opened himself up to the transformative power of God in his life. Just as I had to intentionally place myself in the best position in the living room to get the strongest television signal, it is important that we all do the same while enhancing our personal relationships with God. 

Thank you for your support!

 
John K. Thornburg
At a Glance
Monday, January 23
Day H

Tuesday, January 24
Day G
Q2 Report Cards Emailed

Wednesday, January 25
Day F
Praying of the Rosary - 7:25 AM

Thursday, January 26
Day E

Friday, January 27
Day D
Weekly Mass - 7:20 AM
MC Attendance Policy
Due to an increased number of absences and tardiness, MC Administrators ask that you review the Attendance Policy. We have included additional details regarding the policy and proper procedures for contacting the Main Office. 

Dismissal Policy
Students who do not feel well need to report to the MC Nurse’s Office. One of the nurses will call parents if a student’s condition warrants dismissal. MC students should not be calling their parents to come and dismiss them if they feel ill. Students must be seen by one of the MC Nurses first. Thank you for your understanding.
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, as well as update their Naviance account with all college decisions (acceptances, deferred, wait listed and denied). Please reach out to Mrs. DelGenio with any questions at [email protected].
What's New?
Malden Catholic Alumni Get-Together - 1.27 at 6:30 PM
The MCAA will be hosting an Alumni Get-Together on Friday, January 27 at 6:30 PM. The alumni group will first attend the Boys Varsity Basketball game at MC and then meet for dinner at the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Division No. 12, 259 Charles Street in Malden. The cost to attend the event is $20/person which covers admission to the game and dinner. There will be a cash bar at the AOH. Please R.S.V.P. through this link and submit payment via Venmo to Chris Caprio @cappa22.
MC Parent Book Club - Date Change
The date for the MC Parent Book Club Meeting has changed and will now be held on Monday, January 30 at 6:30 PM at MC in the Campus Ministry Center. The January MC Book Club will be discussing  The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd,  a 2015 New York Times #1 Bestselling novel which follows the lives of two Southern women in the 1800s as they navigate the different restrictions placed by society on women and slaves.
 
Please contact Vange Egizi at: [email protected]  or Brother Puccio  [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
Class Rings - Orders are open until 2.8
Grade 11 and 12 students are invited to order a Malden Catholic class ring during Balfour's three-week sale from January 18 - February 8.
 
Choose a ring style through this link and place all orders through Balfour's designated site for Malden Catholic here. If you are unsure of your ring size, please print out the Balfour Ring Sizer instructions or stop by a local jewelry store to get a correct size.
 
If you have any questions regarding ordering your Class Rings, please call the local Balfour Sales Office at 401-467-7018 or email [email protected].
MC Make-A-Wish Club & Parent Club St. Patrick's Day Celebration - 3.10 at 7 PM
Malden Catholic’s Make-A-Wish Club and Parent Club are teaming up for a fun St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Irish American Club in Malden on Friday, March 10 from 7 PM - 11 PM. This 18+ event will include live music by local musicians (The Emersons, Eamonn Sheehan and Ned Rhinelander), Irish Step Dancer’s, DJ Scott Elias in addition to a photobooth, appetizers, raffles and a cash bar. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Kids for Wish Kids Program. Tickets can be purchased through the following Eventbrite link for $30 each (+ $3.85 Eventbrite fees). Don't forget to wear your green!

Please contact Brother Thomas Puccio with any questions at [email protected].
What's Happening Around MC?
School and College Counseling Junior College Kick-Off
This week, School and College Counseling hosted the Junior College Kick-Off with Grade 11 parents and students. The Junior College Kick-Off panel had representatives from the following schools: Boston University, Bryant University, UMASS Lowell, Syracuse University, Northeastern University, and Saint Anselm College. The college reps 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. 
Mock Trial Win
Congratulations to MC's Mock Trial team for a convincing victory over Lynn Classical in the first preliminary round trial of the MASSBAR state tournament! Star Witness of the trial was awarded to Lucas Toscano '25 and Star Attorney to Dia Bachawati '24. Ben Hurley '25, Kristen Marchant '24 and Captain Isaac Toscano '23 captured the highest individual scores of the day.
XBSS Planning Retreat
Pizza and Prayer
99 News
Plus Ultra Awards
The Plus Ultra Awards program is MC's monthly initiative to recognize students and faculty members who have gone Plus Ultra, "more beyond," and exemplify the Xaverian charism. This month, Malden Catholic is proud to recognize the following individuals who have demonstrated one of the following five spiritual values - humility, simplicity, compassion, trust and zeal. Congratulations to all!

December Plus Ultra Awards:
  • Michaela Surette 23 - Humility
  • Aiden Balandan 23 - Simplicity
  • Shannon Bellofatto ’23 - Compassion
  • Noah Goodwin 25 - Trust
  • Mr. Felim Clancy - Zeal
Mikaela Surette ’23 - Humility

Malden Catholic Administration stated, "Mikaela expressed humility by delivering an impromptu speech with flowers after this year’s performance of Godspell, thanking Dr. Tamagini for all she has done for her and the other students for the past 4 years. It was an emotional and beautiful gesture to witness."
Aiden Balandan ’23 - Simplicity

Malden Catholic Administration commented, "Aiden is one of the most enthusiastic senior leaders at MC who demonstrates what it means to have school spirit. Aiden consistently brings positive energy to athletic games, pep rallies and school events. Aiden works hard in the classroom, supports his classmates, and truly loves being a member of the MC community. Rather than seeking recognition or praise, his efforts are implied because he knows it is the right thing to do."
Shannon Bellofatto ’23 - Compassion

Malden Catholic Administration said, "Shannon personifies the value of compassion on a daily basis. She recently expressed compassion while hosting a shadow who was visiting Malden Catholic this week. It was evident to everyone that she made the student feel comfortable and welcome, expressing her best wishes for her shadow as the student exited at the end of the day."
Noah Goodwin ’25 - Trust

According to Malden Catholic Administration, "Noah is a great example of a student who showcases trust. As an enthusiastic member of the MC community, Noah has put his trust in MC, his classmates, and his teammates. Noah remained optimistic throughout the football season that the team's hard work and dedication would pay off.
Mr. Felim Clancy - Zeal

Malden Catholic Administration stated, "In his own quiet way, Mr. Clancy has shown how much zeal and enthusiasm he has for Malden Catholic. On top of coaching the varsity girls soccer team to the state playoffs and offering extra help sessions throughout the school day, he also set time aside to assist with the Godspell musical lending his highly impressive guitar skills. Mr. Clancy reflects a very high level of what school spirit can be."  
Sports
Winter Sports
Senior Banners may be purchased from Dracut Threads through this  link.
Stay up to date on all athletic events, changes and postponements by signing up for alerts at:  maldencatholichighschoolma.bigteams.com and follow us on Twitter @mcathletics1
Monday, January 23
5:00 PM Girls Varsity Indoor Track @ Reggie Lewis
5:00 PM Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Home vs Bishop Guertin High School

Tuesday, January 24
3:30 PM Boys Freshman Basketball Home vs Boston College High School
5:00 PM Boys JV Basketball Home vs Boston College High School
6:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Home vs Boston College High School

Wednesday, January 25
6:00 PM Boys Varsity Wrestling @ St. John's High School

Thursday, January 26
5:00 PM Boys Varsity Ice Hockey @ Boston College High School

Friday, January 27
3:00 PM Boys Freshman Ice Hockey @ Austin Preparatory School
3:30 PM Boys Freshman Basketball Home vs Catholic Memorial School
4:30 PM Girls JV Basketball @ Fontbonne Academy
5:00 PM Boys JV Basketball Home vs Catholic Memorial School
06:30 PM Girls Varsity Basketball @ Fontbonne Academy
6:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Home vs Catholic Memorial School

Saturday, January 28
09:00 AM Boys Varsity Wrestling @ Wilmington HS
10:30 AM Boys JV Ice Hockey Home vs St. John's Prep School
2:00 PM Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Home vs Auburn High School Senior Night
4:20 PM Boys Varsity Ice Hockey Home vs Xaverian Brothers High School