Catholic Identity
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
– Matthew 22:27-29
All that we do at St. Michael High School is infused with the teachings of Christ handed on in Scripture and the Holy Tradition of the Church. Rather than relegate religion to one course or event during the week, opportunities to demonstrate and live a robust faith occur throughout the school day, on the athletic fields, and in extracurricular activities. Faith and Service form the centerpiece of our mission at SMHS.
Prayer throughout the Day
Prayer permeates the school day. Each day begins with corporate prayer and a reading of the Gospel from the day’s Mass. The week features our celebration of the Mass, usually on Tuesday, and on the other days we pray the Liturgy of the Hours, which the Church calls an ‘extension of the Eucharistic celebration.’ Every class begins with an invocation of God’s help, and the day is concluded in a confident appeal for his mercy.
Through persistent prayer, our students are reminded continuously that “without me you can do nothing,” and of the power of prayer to combat “evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.”
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” “For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1324). We generally celebrate Mass every Tuesday of the school year at 11 AM and on other days as possible.
Michaelmas
It’s our tradition to celebrate the feast of our patron saint – and to celebrate it well! Each September 29 our Michaelmas festivities include Mass, the installation of House Prefects, and various House competitions. We pause at midday for a magnificent feast to properly celebrate St. Michael the Archangel.
Pro-Life Ministry
Cultura Vitae, ‘the culture of life,’ is an integral part of our school ethos. Our students have vigorously promoted the cause of life in the public square through prayer vigils at the now-closed Planned Parenthood and in the lives of at-risk mothers and fathers, through support of the Pregnancy Care Center of Petoskey.
Student Retreats & Community Service
Retreats and community service projects provide our students avenues for deepening communion with Christ and loving and serving their neighbors in communities suffering poverty and hopelessness. St. Michael students regularly volunteer at New Beginnings Resale Shop, Brother Dan’s Food Pantry, and other local ministries.
Our Chaplain
Our chaplain, Fr. Peter Wigton, is the Pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption in Charlevoix. He is a blessing to our students in his holy and towering presence at Mass, as confessor, and as counselor and mentor.