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Dear Families,
I have a little guilty pleasure to confess. I watched about an hour of The Expendables on TV the other night. (And enjoyed it!) It may have been that I had Sylvester Stallone on my mind, since I had just seen a short video clip of him and his family at a Papal audience. But I had the word “expendable” in mind before that for a different reason: the two Xaverian Brothers who kept the early Xaverian mission in the United States alive were considered “expendable!” The Brothers did not have an easy time when six of them arrived in Louisville in 1854. They had nowhere to live and nothing to eat. Several spoke no English. Brothers today celebrate the August 11th arrival in Louisville, KY, as “Watermelon Day,” because a kind woman took pity on these foreigners when they disembarked from their steamboat and gave them a watermelon for their first meal.
A betting man would not have given the Congregation good odds of surviving the early days in Louisville. We were a German-Dutch immigrant group, targeted like many immigrants by nativist, Know-Nothing bigotry. In 1855 Brothers had to flee from Protestant mobs on what became known as Bloody Monday, when Irish and German neighborhoods were attacked. By 1858, with things not working out, the Brothers were called back to Belgium, their place of origin, to help with ministry in schools there. There was enough money for only four of the six Brothers to return, so two were left behind. Brothers Francis Dondorff and Stephen Sommer, one a tailor and cook, the other an ineffective teacher, were expendable. Yet, it was in God’s plan that they would keep the Xaverian mission alive in America! Two years later, eight Brothers joined them, and the rest is history.
Through the 170 Years of Xaverian educational ministry in the United States, the Brothers have operated or staffed 35 high schools and 35 elementary schools, more than half of which were in Kentucky and Virginia. We currently sponsor here 13 outstanding high schools: St. Xavier High School, Louisville, KY (founded 1864), Mt. St. Joseph HS, Baltimore, MD (1876), St. John’s HS, Shrewsbury, MA (1894), St. John’s Preparatory School, Danvers, MA (1907), Malden Catholic (1932), St. Mary’s Ryken HS, Leonardtown, MD (1956), Our Lady of Good Counsel HS, Olney, MD (1958), Xaverian HS, Brooklyn (1958), Nazareth Regional HS, Brooklyn (1962), Xaverian Brothers HS, Westwood, MA (1963), Xavier HS, Middletown, CT (1963), Lowell Catholic HS (2009), and St. Bernard’s HS, Uncasville, CT (2015).
When Malden Catholic moved from Highland Avenue to Crystal Street in 1968, a community of over 25 Xaverian Brothers made up about two-thirds of the faculty and staff. They lived on the second floor of the school in what are currently business, advancement, and admissions offices. The Brothers had a large community living-room, dining room, kitchen, and chapel in what has since been renovated for the Girls Division and Administration. The late 60s saw the start of a steady decline in the number of Xaverian Brothers as well as members of other religious Congregations in the U.S. In response, the Brothers developed the concept of “sponsorship,” which recognized the Brothers’ changing demographics and the post-Vatican II’s embracing of the role of the laity in the Church. Since then, the staffing of our schools has been increasingly – and now, almost entirely -- in the hands of dedicated laymen and women, formed in the traditions of the Brothers. I am one of three Brothers still active in our U.S. school ministry! Governance has also transferred largely from the Brothers, who still maintain some reserve powers within the schools, to lay Boards of Trustees.
All of this, I trust, follows God’s plan for Malden Catholic and for the other Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools and reflects insightful planning and faith-filled efforts over many years by Brothers and their collaborators. The women and men who now minister at our schools, and you yourselves, are indeed partners in mission with the Xaverian Brothers and the Church’s ministry of education. That’s the reason for pride and fortitude! I hope that this brief journey into Xaverian and MC history gives an adequate understanding of the simple phrase in our Mission Statement: “Sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers!” In the weeks ahead, we will reflect more on our Malden Catholic Mission. To our Jewish brothers and sisters during their high holy days this month, and to each of you, we wish God’s peace and blessing! It’s a great day to be a Lancer!
Sincerely,
Brother Thomas Puccio C.F.X., Ed.D., H'18
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Monday, September 18
Day H
Lancers of Golf - 12 PM
Tuesday, September 19
Day G
Wednesday, September 20
Day F
Praying of the Rosary - 7:25 AM
Thursday, September 21
Day E
Back to School Night - 6:30 PM
Friday, September 22
Day D
Delayed Start - 9 AM
The warning bell will ring at 8:55 AM and the first class of the day will begin at 9 AM. LBK transportation will run on its normal schedule.
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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. | |
Introducing MC's Director of Alumni Relations and Director of Major Gifts, Strategic Initiatives and Planned Giving | |
We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Ryan Layton '02 and Mr. Gregory Maynard to the MC Advancement Team!
As the Director of Alumni Relations, Ryan Layton ’02 will work to strengthen relationships with MC and Girls Catholic alumni/ae. Layton was inducted into the MC Brother Daniel Cremin C.F.X., Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022 for his achievements in hockey, football and lacrosse. The Layton family has a strong Malden Catholic legacy with his uncle, John W. Layton ’85, having been inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame for football and his brother, Sean Layton ’03, also being inducted in 2022 for football, hockey and lacrosse.
Greg Maynard has also joined the MC team as Director of Major Gifts, Strategic Initiatives and Planned Giving. Maynard has 18 years of advancement experience and for the last 5 years has been the lead fundraiser for Invest in Others Charitable Foundation in Andover. Before his career in advancement, Maynard had a 10-year career in software sales at Dimension Data and Linguistic Systems.
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MC Hires Director of Alumni Relations and Director of Major Gifts, Strategic Initiatives and Planned Giving | News Post - Malden Catholic | | | |
School Drop Off Announcement | | |
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The demolition at 50 Crystal Street has officially begun. Please note that starting on Monday, September 18, between 8 AM and 2 PM, there will be temporary lane restrictions on Crystal Street in front of the School & Stadium, as well as on the section of Sharon Street adjacent to 50 Crystal Street, which will be reduced to one lane, affecting drop-off and pick-up lines. Additionally, parking on the even side of Crystal Street, opposite the school and stadium, will be restricted during this period.
We anticipate that this construction work will be fully completed by Friday, September 29.
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School and College Counseling | | |
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College Visits
College representatives will continue to visit Malden Catholic until mid-November. We encourage all Grade 11 and Grade 12 students to sign up to meet the representatives 24 hours in advance in Naviance. All college visits are held during lunch in the MC front lobby from 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to meet the college admissions representatives who will likely be handling future applications. Below is a list of colleges and universities that are currently registered for the upcoming week. Please note that these dates are subject to change. Students should reach out to their school counselor with any questions.
Monday, September 18
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Rivier University
Tuesday, September 19
Southern New Hampshire University
Western New England University
Wednesday, September 20
Endicott College
Stonehill College
Thursday, September 21
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Salem State University
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School and College Counseling is pleased to continue our partnership with College Affordable (formerly Campus Bound) to provide all our families with free comprehensive support navigating the college financial aid process.
College Affordable is a non-profit built to help families reduce the cost of college, minimize debt, and increase higher education choices. This year, families can register for all webinars at the start of the academic year with one click by completing the Family Registration Form.
Please contact your school counselor with any questions.
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The MC Communications team has been working hard over the summer, and we are delighted to announce that our new Malden Catholic website is now live. The revised website has been designed to provide streamlined up-to-date content regarding our school, academics, faculty/staff, cocurriculars and our community overall. The site is also dynamic with many helpful, relevant and convenient links, forms and resources.
If you have information that would be beneficial for the site in the future, please send the information to MC's Director of Communications at [email protected].
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Back to School Night - 9.21 at 6:30 PM | All MC parents are invited to attend Back to School Night on Thursday, September 21 from 6:30 PM - 8 PM. Parents will go from classroom to classroom, moving through their student's schedule to review the curricula and meet the teachers. Parents are asked to bring a copy of their student's schedule to the event. Schedules can also be found on the Malden Catholic app. | |
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Student Verification Forms - 9.22 | Student information verification forms will be distributed in homerooms on Tuesday, September 19. Additionally, they will be emailed to all parents and guardians. A parent or guardian will need to review the forms, make any necessary updates or corrections, and provide signatures. Students are required to return the signed forms to their homeroom teachers by Friday, September 22. | |
Delayed Start - 9.22 at 9 AM | Please note that there will be a delayed opening for a Faculty Meeting on Friday, September 22. School will begin at 9 AM, and LBK transportation will run on its normal schedule. | |
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Each month, MC hosts a small gathering in MC's Campus Ministry Center that lasts for about 60 to 90 minutes for both current and alumni parents who are interested in discussing selected books. Typically, we have around 10 - 12 attendees, mostly moms, but there's plenty of space for more, and dads are also welcome! We enhance the social atmosphere of the evening with some refreshments that we provide. | |
MC Parent Book Club - 9.27 at 6:30 PM | |
The next MC Parent Book Club Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:30 PM in Malden Catholic's Campus Ministry Center. The September MC Book Club will be discussing Good Night from Paris, a gripping novel inspired by a Hollywood actress whose husband is dispatched to work for the British military. Drue finds herself alone with her housekeeper, adrift and heartsick in her adopted city.
Please contact Vange Egizi at [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
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Pizza and Prayer - 9.28 at 5 PM | Campus Ministry will be hosting the first Pizza and Prayer of the year on Thursday, September 28 at 5 PM in the cafeteria. During Pizza and Prayer, students are invited to expand their spirituality in a communal setting while listening to and discussing scriptures and reflecting upon their personal and shared experiences. Please sign up in MC's Campus Ministry if you would like to attend. All are welcome! | |
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Class Rings - Orders are open until 10.4 | |
Grade 11 and 12 students are invited to order a Malden Catholic class ring during Balfour's three-week sale from September 13 – October 4.
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].
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Student ID Photo Retake Day - 10.5 | Students in Grades 9 – 12 who did not get a photo for their Student IDs or would like to retake their photo will be able to do so on the morning of Thursday, October 5 during their study hall or free period. | |
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Malden Catholic Alumni BBQ - 10.13 at 5 PM | |
MC alumni and faculty/staff are invited to join us on Friday, October 13 at 5 PM for an Alumni BBQ celebrating the legendary career of Bob Bucchino ‘71, P’10! This complementary event will be held on the Donovan Field during MC’s football game against St. John’s Prep. Dinner, soft drinks and a cash bar will be provided along with a special halftime presentation. Please register by October 6 through this link.
All registered attendees may join MC's Alumni BBQ Facebook Group through this link for exclusive access to event updates, discussion with fellow alumni and faculty/staff, photos, and more.
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Senior Yearbook Portraits - 11.18 | |
All Seniors must arrange to have their yearbook photograph taken before November 18. Portraits will be taken by Prestige Photography facility in Woburn at 102 Cummings Park Drive.
For those who have had their portraits taken, please remember to select your yearbook portrait through the following directions:
Instructions to Select Senior Portrait Yearbook Image online:
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Go to shop.prestigeportraits.com and create an account, if you have not done so already.
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Enter your specific Session ID & Access Code numbers provided to you on the proof sheet of images, or on the receipt from the photographer. (Check for emails from Prestige as well and if you do not have that information, contact Mrs. Jeannine Reardon for your session ID/access code.
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Once on the home page, select View Portrait Proofs tab (under Get Started Here) to view images and select a yearbook choice. The "Select Your Yearbook Image" will be front and center at the top of the website above the images/proofs.
Please note, after the online pose selection deadline has passed, this option will no longer be available.
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We would like to thank each and every family for your incredible generosity in supporting MC! As part of our Admissions efforts, parent volunteers have begun to distribute Open House lawn signs to family homes in and around towns that surround Malden Catholic. If you receive a lawn sign, please display the sign proudly over the next few months to promote MC to incoming families.
If you would rather not participate in hosting a lawn sign, contact Mrs. Mea Mustone P’24 ,’26 [email protected] to have your name removed from our distribution list. Thank you for your support!
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What's Happening Around MC? | | |
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Weekly Student Mass and Praying of the Rosary | |
We had a wonderful group of students gather in the Brother Thomas Puccio C.F.X. Chapel for the first Rosary of the year.
Throughout the year, MC students are welcome to join Campus Ministry in the Brother Thomas Puccio C.F.X. Chapel on Wednesdays at 7:25 AM for Praying the Rosary and for Mass on Fridays at 7:25 AM.
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Christian Service Volunteer Opportunities | |
Campus Ministry Service Opportunities
Malden Catholic students are required to perform an increasing amount of Christian Service hours each year. Throughout the year, students are asked to record their hours on the Mobile Serve app. The list of potential organizations for students to contact to volunteer for service opportunities can be found through this link on the MC website.
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Upcoming Service Events
Bread of Life Walk to support the Malden and Everett food pantries on Sunday, October 1. The 3.5 mile race starts at 12 PM at Pine Banks. Please sign up by emailing [email protected].
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MC's Communications Department is looking for MC Student Ambassadors who are interested in being professionally photographed, included in promotional videos for MC communication projects and being trained to lead incoming family Admissions tours. If you would like to become a MC Student Ambassdor, please email [email protected] by Friday, September 22. | | |
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Pep Rally/Blackout Football Game - 9.22 | |
MC will be hosting a pep rally and Blackout football game on Friday, September 22 at 6 PM at Malden Catholic in support of Project Blackout. Project Blackout is a student-centered nonprofit group dedicated to raising awareness for pediatric cancer in New England communities.
Blackout Cancer T-Shirts
The Blackout Cancer t-shirt sale is an integral part of Project Blackout’s annual push to unite communities and raise awareness of pediatric cancer. T-shirts that were pre-ordered online in August will be available for pickup outside the Athletic office on Monday, September 18 from 4 PM - 7:30 PM.
MC's Athletics department will begin t-shirt sales for those who missed the online sale in the athletics office during the school day, starting at 12 PM on Monday, September 18. Please note that there is a limited quantity of t-shirts available. The t-shirts will be priced at $20 per shirt, payable by cash or check made out to Malden Catholic. Students, parents, and the community are asked to wear their t-shirts to any of our home Blackout games this week.
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5th Annual Alumni Soccer Game - 10.1 at 5:30 PM | Malden Catholic will host the 2023 Alumni Soccer Game on Sunday, October 1 at 5:30 PM on the Brother Gilbert field. If you are interested in joining in the fun, please R.S.V.P. to Scott Elias by September 25 at [email protected] or 781-589-8194. | |
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Monday, September 18
3:30 PM Girls Freshman Volleyball vs Rockland High School
3:30 PM Boys Varsity Golf @ St. John's High School
4:30 PM Girls JV Soccer @ Saugus High School
4:30 PM Girls Varsity Soccer @ Saugus High School
4:30 PM Girls JV Volleyball vs Rockland High School
5:45 PM Girls Varsity Volleyball vs Rockland High School
Tuesday, September 19
3 PM Boys Varsity Golf @ Catholic Memorial School
3:30 PM Boys JV Golf vs Wakefield Memorial High School
4 PM Boys Varsity Cross Country @ Boston College High School
4:30 PM Boys JV Soccer vs Boston College High School
6 PM Boys Varsity Soccer vs Boston College High School
Wednesday, September 20
3 PM Boys JV Golf @ St. John's High School
4 PM Girls Varsity Cross Country Home vs Ursuline Academy
Thursday, September 21
2:25 PM Boys Varsity Golf Home vs Xaverian Brothers High School
3:30 PM Boys JV Golf Home vs St. John's High School
4 PM Girls Freshman Volleyball @ Ursuline Academy
4 PM Girls Varsity Field Hockey vs Waltham HS
4 PM Boys JV Soccer @ Xaverian Brothers High School
4 PM Boys Varsity Soccer @ Xaverian Brothers High School
5 PM Girls JV Volleyball @ Ursuline Academy
5:30 PM Girls JV Field Hockey vs Waltham HS
6:15 PM Girls Varsity Volleyball @ Ursuline Academy
Friday, September 22
3:15 PM Girls Varsity Swimming vs Ursuline Academy
6 PM Boys Varsity Football vs North Quincy High School
Saturday, September 23
10 AM Boys Freshman Football @ North Quincy High School
10 AM Girls Varsity Field Hockey vs Ursuline Academy
11:30 AM Girls Junior Varsity Field Hockey vs Ursuline Academy
1:30 PM Girls Varsity Soccer vs Ursuline Academy
3 PM Girls Junior Varsity Soccer vs Ursuline Academy
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