Maureen’s Message: A New Semester
“United in faith and purpose, we remain committed to loving these students well and giving them the very best high school experience possible.”
By: Principal Maureen Engen
Beginning a new semester with gratitude, faith, and hope
As we enter a new semester, I want to pause and express both gratitude and hope as we look forward to the continued success and growth of our students.
Last semester was one to celebrate. Our honor roll reflected the highest percentage of students in Bishop Miege history, nearly 80%, earning a 3.0 GPA or higher. This accomplishment did not happen by chance. It is the result of many forces working together: parents who encourage their children and hold high expectations, students who persevere through homework, final exams, athletics, even outside work commitments, and teachers who are exceptional not only in their content areas but in the time, care, and dedication they give to students each day.
All of these are essential. Yet, none is more important than how the Lord is working in our lives.
Living our faith each day
At Bishop Miege, three widely shared truths guide and resonate throughout our hallways and classrooms each day.
First, Jesus is always with us. He has promised never to leave us. I have heard this statement spoken hundreds of times to our students. They are constantly reminded that they are never alone.
Second, we pray for others, especially those the Lord places on our hearts. Our chaplain, Fr. Andrew, reminded students and faculty/staff last week at Mass that when someone comes to our mind, it is an invitation to pray. He said, even if the person who comes to mind is someone you are irritated with or has challenged you, the Lord calls us to pray for the person. This way, prayer becomes an act of love and obedience. I’ve been pondering this all week. What a profound practice for all of us! The end result is a community rooted in compassion and love.
Third, the Lord always answers our prayers. At times, however, we may not know what to ask for. This happens to all of us. The pull and dominance of worldly concerns – busyness, pressure, success, comparison – can cloud our hearts and distract us from listening fully to God’s will. Yet even then, the Lord remains faithful. He desires to give us even more than we ask for, but we must slow down, ask, and trust. Faith the size of a mustard seed, after all, can move mountains, and what a hopeful belief that is.
Lifting up student prayer intentions
One of the most fulfilling parts of my role as principal is engaging with students about what is going on without any particular agenda, just chatting. Recently, during Stag Seminar, I had conversations with students from freshman through senior year. I asked a simple question: “What is on your mind? Anything I can pray for? Teachers ask this same question when they begin class with, “Are there any intentions today?” That question centers us, reminds us who we are, and brings Christ into the heart of our day.
Students answered with remarkable honesty! Some of the prayer intentions shared included:
- Success on upcoming AP Bio test
- Waiting to hear back from a college, pray for me.
- My mom is working so hard with two jobs. Pray for her.
- I see my classmates struggle with anxiety.
- Pray I won’t give into peer pressure.
- I need to have a tough conversation with my dad. Pray for me.
- School feels fun but sometimes overwhelming. Pray for perseverance.
- I’m grateful for my basketball team and coach. All is well.
- Trust God’s plan for my life more
The conversations with these students remind me that academic excellence and faith formation are not separate at Bishop Miege. They are deeply connected. We are forming young people who strive for excellence, rely on perseverance, and place their trust in the Lord.
Entering a new semester together
As we look ahead, we know this will be a jam-packed semester filled with changing weather, busy schedules, fatigue, and the many things that can weigh us down. Yet together, as parents, teachers, staff, and students, we will continue to lift one another up. United in faith and purpose, we remain committed to loving these students well and giving them the very best high school experience possible.
Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your prayers. May God continue to bless you abundantly!