When you walk into the school lobby at 89 Union Street, you are greeted by a beautiful marble inlay. The inlay includes a compass showing the cardinal directions (and yes, they’re accurate!). This compass reminds us that St. Benedict Classical Academy is always to stay properly oriented toward its mission of…Christ, the true north.

Around the compass, there is a Latin quote: Ergo Nihil Operi Dei Praeponatur. The quote is from the 43rd Chapter of The Rule of Saint Benedict. It translates to, “Nothing is to be preferred to the work of God.” When our architect, Nic Charbonneau, suggested this quote as the first thing you see upon entering our halls, I was immediately supportive. I cannot imagine a more fitting quote for this central space in our school.

In a hectic world full of distractions, it is paramount that we are centered on what is really real – and what is really important. These words from Saint Benedict keep us focused on what is supernatural and eternal. The cares and worries of this world are fleeting, but eternity is not. In the chaos of the day-to-day, we are reminded that everything we do must be oriented towards Christ and His will, and we can prefer nothing to that.

The focus on the eternal also guides our work as educators. Much important work takes place at our school each day. However, nothing is more important than helping our parents form their children in the Faith. On the first day back for teachers, Fr. Sullivan celebrated Mass for us, and in the last lines of his homily, he told our faculty, “And while you have to teach them their reading, writing, and arithmetic, make sure you teach them to hate sin…and love God.” As we begin this new school year, may Christ remain our compass, guiding all that we do. Together with you, our parents, we look forward to helping your children grow in wisdom, virtue, and above all, in love for God.

AUTHOR: Jay Boren, Headmaster