CULLMAN, Alabama. – The teachers and staff of St. Bernard Preparatory School recently gathered for their annual professional development meeting. The day began with a Mass celebrated by school chaplain Father Linus Klucsarits in the Abbey Church. This cherished tradition marks the beginning of the school year and fosters a sense of community and spiritual renewal among the teachers and staff.
After Mass, participants enjoyed breakfast and were warmly welcomed by Abbot Marcus Voss. School President Father Joel Martin then spoke about the inspiring vision, mission and rich history of St. Bernard.
“From its inception in 1892, the school at St. Bernard was called a ‘college,’ even though it offered only grades 6 through 12 for boys; the term ‘college’ was often used then for a school like St. Bernard. The junior college, two years after high school, was added in 1929. In 1954, the four-year post-high school college was established,” he said.
This year’s meeting featured the introduction of three new teachers: Dr. Phil Ratliff, who will teach freshman and sophomore English; Samantha Reid, who will also teach English; and Cassie Floyd, who will move to the science department.
“Catholics have schools all over the world,” Father Joel said. “It is important for people to use their gifts of intellect and will. We want our students to know and live the true, the good and the beautiful. That is a comprehensive education, and St. Bernard’s is uniquely able to provide that. Finances are always an issue in Catholic schools, and St. Bernard’s is no exception. We want to provide an education to everyone, whether they can afford the cost or not; that is a struggle. But God always takes care of St. Bernard, especially through our benefactors.”
Guest speaker Sister Chiara Francisco, LIHM, gave an engaging lesson on the five pillars of Catholic education. Her presentation was followed by collaborative projects and small group activities highlighting the core values of Catholic education.
Sister Chiara formulated the pillars as follows:
- Supernatural vision: Life is not limited to the here and now, but extends over eternity
- Based on Christian anthropology: Recognizing that we are a unity of body and soul, created in the image of God, with the ability to know and love
- Enlivened by communion and community: Emphasis on the importance of belonging and living in community, inspired by Mother Teresa’s quote: “We have forgotten that we belong to one another”
- Imbued with a Catholic worldview: Ensuring that the curriculum is thoughtful and reflects Catholic teachings
- Strengthened by the testimony of the Gospel: God at the centre of all our actions
Classes at St. Bernard are scheduled to begin on Monday, August 12.
