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 Church’s Tradition. Rather than relegate religion to one course or event during the week, opportunities to demonstrate and live a robust faith in tangible ways 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 pivots on our celebration of the Mass on Thursday, and on the days of the week that Mass isn’t available 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). With rare exception we celebrate Mass every Thursday 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! Festivities include Mass, the installation of House Prefects, and various House competitions. We pause at midday for a magnificent feast with roast goose and all the fixings to properly feast St. Michael.
Pro-Life Ministry
The culture of life is an integral part of our school ethos. Our students promote the cause of life in the public square through prayer vigils at 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 an environment for deepening communion with Christ and loving and serving their neighbors in communities suffering poverty and hopelessness.
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.
Service
All SMHS students are required to seek opportunities to practice love of neighbor in the community. Inspired by St. Francis, our students offer worthy service in their parishes and communities at large.