A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Principal

Bro. Kenneth M. Hoagland, S.M.

Director of Advancement

Mrs. Denise Miles

Director of Alumni

Mr. Thomas Huggard

Editor

Mrs. Erin (Byrne) Cicalese ’98

Editorial Assistant

Mrs. Beth Campbell

Design

Mrs. Margaret Galeano

Contributors

Mr. Douglas Cioffi ’97

Mrs. Erin (Toscano) Citrano ’03

Mr. Eric Harnisch

Photography

Mr. Jeff Harris ’03, Director

James Campbell ’24

John Gaffney ’26

Abbygail Fenelon-Alty ’24

Zaria Pessoa ’24

Send alumni news to: alumni@kellenberg.org

DEAR KELLENBERG MEMORIAL FAMILY,

The focus of this issue of Heart & Mind is Marianist LIFE! Generally speaking, we can identify Marianist Life as a manner of living influenced by Marianist Educational Philosophy. More specifically it is a leadership program in which our students are trained to assist us in creating a Marianist culture in our school. For the past two summers, our students have participated in the Marianist LIFE Training Program in Texas. Our Marianist LIFE students introduce student body Masses, speak on retreats, and set the Marianist tone for new students during orientation programs. Please enjoy the article on page 10 to better appreciate the work and influence this program has on Marianist Life within our school.

In this letter, I would like to share with you a broader context of what Marianist Life means for the Kellenberg Memorial Family. Our Founder, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, encourages us to nurture faith in Jesus Christ from “the cradle to the grave.” This was Mary’s vocation, to nurture Jesus from His beginning in the manger to His death on the Cross. As Marianists, called to continue Mary’s vocation in the world, we walk with our Kellenberg Memorial families literally from cradle to the grave. Occasionally I will ask Father Thomas on one of his busy weekends, “Are you hatching, matching, or dispatching today?” It is not unusual for our priests in the Kellenberg Memorial Community to be baptizing a child or officiating at the wedding or a funeral of a person connected to Kellenberg Memorial. For us, it is a privilege to be able to be connected to Kellenberg Memorial families during significant points in their lives. Our founder’s unique charism emphasizes family spirit, urging us to create an inclusive community that nurtures faith and love. The Kellenberg Memorial Family continues to grow through our commitment to accompany our students and their families in good times and in bad.

In my role as Principal, I attend many wakes and funerals of Kellenberg Memorial parents, friends, and graduates. Marianist Life is never clearer to me than when I see the compassion and support that our faculty, students, and alumni provide for each other during a time of mourning. This past summer saw the passing of four graduates from the classes of 1993, 1999, 2009, and 2022. What overwhelmed me the most surrounding these wakes and funerals was the love and support of fellow alumni who remained dear to the deceased over time.

Again, we see a similar type of support given to fellow classmates when a parent passes away. The response of classmates and team members gathered around a fellow student whose parent or grandparent passed away is truly consoling and heartwarming. This is what our founder, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, meant when he said that our missionary work extends from the “cradle to the grave.” Marianist Life is not just a time that spans one’s enrollment in school. Marianist Life is truly a way of life that extends beyond a high school education and shapes the core of each individual.

We have been witnessing over the past few years the second generation of Firebirds passing through our doors. What a testimony to the positive influence Kellenberg Memorial has had on our graduates when they choose to send their children to their alma mater.

Not only have we seen alumni return to Kellenberg Memorial when enrolling their children, but we also see many returning alumni join our faculty and staff. Kellenberg Memorial alumni teaching second-generation Firebirds guarantees a consistent Marianist Philosophy that permeates the entire school.

In December, we had a visit from the General Administration of the Society of Mary. Our Superior General and his assistants visit once every five years. The purpose of the visit is to support, encourage, and review our Marianist Life in community and in school. The report from the General Administration could not have been more positive and energizing for us. You are invited to read a report summary written by Bro. Timothy Driscoll, S.M., Provincial of the Province of Meribah, by visiting tinyurl. com/3m4333yu at your convenience.

In closing, I would like to extend my gratitude and blessings to all who have and continue to fortify the mission of educating the hearts and minds of the students entrusted to our care. Marianist Life is stronger than ever thanks to all of you.

To Jesus through Mary,

Brother Kenneth M. Hoagland, S.M. Principal

Triumph Of The Cross

On September 14th, the Firebird Family gathered outside for Kellenberg Memorial’s 30th anniversary of the celebration of the Triumph of the Cross. Fr. Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02 blessed crosses that were distributed to the student body and the Gregorian Consortium provided a beautiful backdrop of prayerful music. Amaya Cigliano ’25 told The Phoenix newspaper, “I think the Triumph of the Cross is such an integral part of the spiritual life at Kellenberg. It’s the perfect way to start out the school year.”

PRAISE & WORSHIP

During the fall and winter, many liturgical celebrations took place on campus, including Masses for the Marianist Martyrs, Thanksgiving, All Saints Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and Founders Day. Additionally, students took part in a rosary prayer service, an Advent prayer service, a memorial prayer service for Pope Benedict XVI, an Evening of Recollection, as well as midday prayer before each lunch period.