Cistercian Families Continue to Serve in Time of Crisis

April 27, 2020 | Media

The Tarrant Area Food Bank, whose Director of Development is Cistercian alum Stephen Raeside ’89, recently received a surprise donation from Bishop Michael Olson, Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, in an effort to support those in need because of the on-going COVID-19 crisis. Bishop Olson presented Raeside with the check at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Fort Worth. “Our fundraising pleas reached to the very heavens,” Raeside wrote to Fr. Abbot Peter, his Form Master.

The Cistercian Class of 2027, better known as Form I, created a thoughtful video capturing wonderfully our beautiful but now too quiet campus for their Form Master, Fr. Ambrose, diagnosed with the coronavirus last week. Please take a look at their moving salute to all of the monks, faculty, and staff of Cistercian here.

 

The Cistercian nuns in Kismaros, Hungary, sporting familiar Cistercian outerwear, send their greetings of support and love to the Abbey and School. A few of the sisters have visited our campus and students in recent years. Mother Olgi travels a great deal giving retreats at Cistercian schools in Hungary. You can read more about this convent and their history at their website.

Hawk Happenings

Blessing of the Bats

Hawk Baseball held their annual Blessing of the Bats with Fr. Anthony this past week. One of Hawk Baseballs best traditions.

Student Council President

This morning, our Student Council President for the 2026–2027 school year was announced. Leadership is handed off. The torch is passed. Ardere et Lucere!

Rockets!

Each year, our Form III students take to the Hidden Field with Fr. Mark for one of Cistercian’s favorite traditions: the annual Rocket Launch.

Publications

‘The Lord is with you’

Gabriel is not the first messenger of the LORD to greet someone with the phrase “The LORD is with you” (Lk 1:28). An anonymous angel hails Gideon, a young man from a poor and insignificant family, as the lad desperately hides his family’s wheat harvest from the marauding Midianites: “The LORD is with you, you mighty warrior!” (Jgs 6:12). Gideon then receives his commission to save Israel from the hand of its enemy and to be a judge over the 12 tribes.

Discerning Communion calls for truth in charity

Discerning whether to offer or receive Communion can be a challenge, spiritually and pastorally; but such discernment can always also be fruitful.

Hail Mary, full of grace

St. Luke gives us the angel Gabriel’s annunciation greeting to Mary as “Chaire, kecharitōmenē” (Lk 1:28). There are thrilling grammatical and theological mysteries packed into these two Greek words.