Orchard Lake Schools SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary @ St. Mary’s Preparatory @ The Polish Mission What an incredible blessing to finish Catholic Schools Week 2021 with the Sr. Judie Outreach Food Drive. The snow didn’t stop OLSM students and staff who collected food and household necessities for distribution to those in need. Thank you to everyone who donated to our food drive on Friday and Saturday, February 5-6, and to all the families who still wanted to donate even more. The drive was extended through February 11th! We are truly humbled by the generosity of so many. The Prep Boys Division shared their heartfelt sentiments with local assisted living residents by creating handmade Valentines for them. The oldest known surviving valentine, a poem written by Charles Duke (Orleans) in 1415 to his wife, is preserved in the British Library in London, England. This begged the question, is love truly divine? According to history.com, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints’ names, Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyrs. Our spirit is full of the fruits of the Galatians’ verse. It was almost one year ago, on March 13, 2020, that St. Mary’s Preparatory initially moved to a virtual learning platform in response to the onset and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our seminarians, faculty, and staff remained on campus as God called upon them to help guide the Church as good, faithful leaders. In the last year, our campus community has adapted to hybrid learning, and observed socially- distanced worship, rituals, traditions, athletics, and community service. The Orchard Lake Schools community, here, near, and far, has acted through the fruit of the spirit – through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God has tested our faith, strengthened our spirit, and given us hope, even when adversity came in like a lion. Throughout this Lenten season, let us reflect on our sacrifices this past year, our withdrawal from or modification of many daily rituals, habits, and connections with loved ones that brought us great joy only to be curtailed by pandemic health and safety guidelines for the greater good of humanity. Let us observe the 40 days of Lent by remembering the sacrifices Jesus made for us, and fast and abstain in preparation for our Easter celebration of His resurrection. Thank you for sharing the fruits of your spirit with us. We are ever so grateful for your unwavering support of our 136-year tradition, especially that of which you have shared with us throughout these uncertain times. We will keep you in our daily prayers, and please, pray for us. The Orchard Lake Schools CAMPUS COMMUNICATOR “e fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” - Galatians 5:22 MARCH 2021
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Orchard Lake SchoolsSS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary @ St. Mary’s Preparatory @ The Polish Mission
What an incredible blessing to finish Catholic Schools Week 2021 with the Sr. Judie Outreach Food Drive. The snow didn’t stop OLSM students and staff who collected food and household necessities for distribution to those in need. Thank you to everyone who donated to our food drive on Friday and Saturday, February 5-6, and to all the families who still wanted to donate even more. The drive was extended through February 11th! We are truly humbled by the generosity of so many.
The Prep Boys Division shared their heartfelt sentiments with local assisted living residents by creating handmade Valentines for them. The oldest known surviving valentine, a poem written by Charles Duke (Orleans) in 1415 to his wife, is preserved in the British Library in London, England. This begged the question, is love truly divine? According to history.com, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints’ names, Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyrs.
Our spirit is full of the fruits of the Galatians’ verse. It was almost one year ago, on March 13, 2020, that St. Mary’s Preparatory initially moved to a virtual learning platform in response to the onset and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our seminarians, faculty, and staff remained on campus as God called upon them to help guide the Church as good, faithful leaders. In the last year, our campus community has adapted to hybrid learning, and observed socially-distanced worship, rituals, traditions, athletics, and community service. The Orchard Lake Schools community, here, near, and far, has acted through the fruit of the spirit – through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God has tested our faith, strengthened our spirit, and given us hope, even when adversity came in like a lion.
Throughout this Lenten season, let us reflect on our sacrifices this past year, our withdrawal from or modification of many daily rituals, habits, and connections with loved ones that brought us great joy only to be curtailed by pandemic health and safety guidelines for the greater good of humanity. Let us observe the 40 days of Lent by remembering the sacrifices Jesus made for us, and fast and abstain in preparation for our Easter celebration of His resurrection.
Thank you for sharing the fruits of your spirit with us. We are ever so grateful for your unwavering support of our 136-year tradition, especially that of which you have shared with us throughout these uncertain times. We will keep you in our daily prayers, and please, pray for us.
The Orchard Lake Schools
CampuS COmmuniCatOr“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
FeBruarY praYer & deVOtiOnThank you for praying with us at these events last month.
Mass for Peace Saturday, February 6, 2021
Feast of Our Lady of LourdesThursday, February 11
Patronal Feast of Saints Cyril & MethodiusSunday, February 14
Ash Wednesday MassesWednesday, February 17
+ StatiOnS OF tHe CrOSS + Every Friday in Lent
5:00 PM English/Polish - St. JPII Shrine
tHe ring daY riSe tO upperCLaSSmenDue to the uncertainty of the pandemic, the October 2020 Junior Class Ring Day tradition was postponed. This month, on Sunday, March 28, our juniors and their parents or guardians will celebrate this time-honored Prep tradition in accordance with CDC and AOD guidelines for social distancing. It will not take place during one of our regularly scheduled Masses as it has been in the past due health and safety measures for smaller gatherings.
Ring Day signifies the very special time when students’ class rings, or rings of special significance, are blessed, and the students are then recognized as upperclassmen. It is a very meaningful time for the student and family.
prep newS
HappY HeartSThe Girls’ Division held their first ever, annual Valentine’s Day Candy Gram fundraiser. Their parents sent their daughters and friends sweet treats by turning in the Candy Gram order forms into Student Council and their advisor, Mrs. Kenrick. The special treats were delivered to the girls on February 11th during lunch.
CLaSS OF 2025 weLCOme VideOS – tHe OLSm diFFerenCeThis is what the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s family is made of . . . take another look in these Class of 2025 welcome videos produced by alumnus Skylar Healy (P’13) with audio mix by alumnus Tony Del Bel (P’96). (Offline viewers, visit to the OLSM Facebook page)Class of 2025 Welcome Video 1Class of 2025 Welcome Video 2
COngratuLatiOnS, COLLege BOund atHLeteS!The following Prep student athletes signed a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Back row: Tommy Doman - University of Michigan (football); Adam Dolan – Butler University (football); Sonny DiFonzo – Hope College (football); Nick Williams - Wayne State University (football); Front row: Mitch Goerss – Northwood University (football); Jake Keaser - Daytona State University (baseball); TJ Batiste - Saginaw Valley State University (football); Ed Watkins - Illinois State University (track); Jacob Cianci - Lawrence Technological University (lacrosse).
Ski team CatHOLiC League CHampS!Congratulations to our Boys Ski Team and Head Coach Josh Vandruska on earning the 2021 Catholic League Championship! They are back-to-back CHSL champs, putting five boys in the top 10 this year. Grant Weymouth is our 2019, 2020, and 2021 slalom champion. Luke Bochnick followed with a 2nd place finish in slalom. Individual standouts include: Slalom – Grant Weymouth (1st, All Catholic League), Luke Bochnick (2nd, All Catholic League), and Cameron Morley (4th, All Catholic League); Giant Slalom – Luke Bochnick (2nd; All Catholic League).
The team finished second at the Division 2 Region 6 Championships, qualifying for the D2 State Finals for the second consecutive year.
SnOwBOard State FinaLiStCongratulations to Mason Mohr (P’23) for qualifying for the Snowboard Individual State Championships held Friday, February 12 at Alpine Valley!
green LigHt On winter SpOrtS
The Eaglets took to the court against Grand Blanc for a 65-52 win Wednesday, February 17, in this home performance where senior guard Julian Roper put 29 points up on the board with his teammates.
Congrats to the history-making, first OLSM Girls Basketball team! Cameron Cole (P’24) knocked down a free throw for the first point ever, and #4 Bella Raynish (P’24) finished with 12 points.
CLaSSrOOm teCHnOLOgYKevin Kosco (P’93) and Rich Barach (P’97) presented headmaster Bob Pyles with a $5,000 check for classroom technology, proceeds from the Alumni Golf Outing. Here, they are standing in front of touchscreen technology in one of the remodeled Prep Building classrooms.
aLumni newS
perFeCt gamePerfect Game cited OLSM’s baseball program among “the best of the best” and designated the Eaglets as the top 7th high school team in the nation. Spring is coming, and so is baseball!
aLumnuS LaunCHeS new reStaurantAlumnus Dominic White (P’08) opened Exquisite Eats Bistro, a restaurant located at 24030 W. Ten Mile Rd. in Southfield on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
There are several more alumni authors in our midst. The following books are available on amazon.com:
Sean P. Clouse (P’84) walk-On, But never alone: The Untold Narrative of a Lowly College Football Walk-On
Mark Dobosz (P’78, C’82) Simple man, Simple message Seven Days to Refocus Your Spirituality, A Lifetime to Live It
Dominic White (P’08), Tom Hooker (P’08), and Joe Evangelista (P’08).
gOOd readS BY aLumni autHOrS
aLumni SCHOLarSHip eVent HOnOreeSPlease help us congratulate Connor Whalen and Thomas Randall, the essay finalists vying for the alumni scholarship at the March Alumni Scholarship Award event. The winner will receive a tuition stipend he can apply to his senior year. “The committee had a very difficult time narrowing down the finalists this year because the essays were phenomenal!” said Don Buchanan, Director of Alumni Relations. This issue went to print before the final recipient was announced. Please check our Facebook and Instagram pages for more details from the event currently scheduled for March 25, and read more about it in the April issue of the Campus Communicator.
JOnnY BLazeViC (p’12) CYCLeS tO HeLp SaVe LiVeS
To help make a difference for this organization in Poland, visit: https://pomagam.pl/challenge24
Upcoming Event Highlights March 2021
1 V Girls Basketball vs. Sacred Heart @ 5:30 PM
3 V Boys Basketball vs. Detroit MLK @ 7:00 PM
5 End of 3rd Marking Period
6 V Boys Basketball vs. Brother Rice @ 4:00 PM
8 V Boys Basketball vs. Ferndale @ 7:00 PM
12 NO SCHOOL (Faculty In-Service; OLSM)
V Hockey vs. Hartland @ 7:30 PM
13 V Boys Basketball vs. Detroit Edison @ 7:00 PM V Hockey vs. U of D Jesuit @ 7:30 PM (Senior night)
10-13 Lenten Retreat (SSCMS)
23 Spring Begins
25 Alumni Scholarship Event @ 6:30PM (TBD)
28 Palm Sunday Junior Class Ring Day @ 12:30 PM
April 2021 Preview: 1-4 Paschal Triduum 5 Classes Resume (SSCMS)1-11 No School – Easter Break (OLSM)
Jonny Blazevic (P’12) cycled on Zwift for 24 hours to raise money for a Polish organization called Herosi Cancer Foundation. This 24-hour event took place February 13-14. The 2012 Prep grad attended Mercyhurst (BS in Biology) before getting his Masters in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario. He now teaches Biology and Chemistry at Akademeia High School in Warsaw, Poland (currently remote teaching). After retiring from rowing, he picked up cycling to further test his limits.
PLEASE NOTE:PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF THE GROTTO AND THOSE WHO KEEP IT CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL FOR US.
NO CANDLES FROM HOME ALLOWED, ESPECIALLy IN THESE TIMES AS SOMEONE HAS TO REMOVE THEM.
NO VASES, BASKETS, PAPERS, OR ITEMS SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE ALTAR OR LEFT ANyWHERE ON GROTTO GROUNDS. WE HAVE PLACED TWO LARGE VASES ON THE SIDES OF THE ALTAR FOR CUT FLOWERS.
The Mary Project is dedicated to the beautification of theMarian Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.
The Mary Project is a registered 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax exempt.
“We never give more honor to Jesus than when
we honor his Mother.”St. Louis DeMontfort
marCH 2021maSS SCHeduLe
MARCH 7 ӹ 9:00 am Fr. Iwańczuk • Polish* • Seminary Chapel ӹ 9:00 am TBD • Latin • St. JPII Shrine ӹ 11:00 am Fr. Banazak • English • St. JPII Shrine ӹ 1:00 pm Fr. Iwańczuk • Polish* • St. JPII Shrine
MARCH 14 ӹ 9:00 am Fr. Iwańczuk • Polish* • Seminary Chapel ӹ 9:00 am Fr. Peterman • Latin • St. JPII Shrine ӹ 11:00 am Fr. Banazak • English • St. JPII Shrine
MARCH 21 ӹ 9:00 am Fr. Nowak • Polish* • Seminary Chapel ӹ 9:00 am Fr. Iwańczuk • Latin • St. JPII Shrine ӹ 11:00 am Fr. Banazak • English • St. JPII Shrine
MARCH 28Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
ӹ 9:00 am Fr. Iwańczuk • Polish* • Seminary Chapel ӹ 9:00 am Msgr. Browne • Latin • St. JPII Shrine ӹ 11:00 am Fr. Nowak • English • St. JPII Shrine
Holy Week: Monday, March 29 – Sunday, April 4, 2021
STATIONS OF THE CROSS @ EVERy FRIDAy IN LENT
ӹ 5:00 pm English • St. JPII Shrine
* Feed for the Live stream of the Polish Masses is below:https://www.facebook.com/olsnews
When you can’t be with us for Mass, watch our 9:00 AM Polish Mass via Facebook live stream or on our YouTube Channel,
or listen to Polish Varieties Radio at 9:00 AM on WNZK 680/690 AM Detroit.
Looking for impactful campus dedication/naming opportunities that leave a lasting campus impression for
Representatives from Catholic Bethlehem Christian Families will be with us in the Shrine Chapel lobby showcasing their handcrafted olive wood products for sale, and to ask for your help and blessing for the native people of the Holy Land in Bethlehem.
Sixty years ago, these families made up 18% of the population. Today, it is less than two percent. Due to these uncertain times, these families are facing devastating economical strain.
These families rely on the income from their religious hand-carved olive wood artifact sales. Proceeds from the sales will be sent back to the families of the Holy Land to help provide for their families.
to view their products in advance of the chapel sale
