Stories of Our Own Saints


Dear Families,

There is great truth to be learned in story telling as we all know, and so often in the stories we encounter it is the people who really provoke our hearts and minds. The beauty of a classical education is that we read good stories that captivate the mind and ignite our conscience.

But there are also people around us every day, each with their own unique story. We don’t often consider their stories in the same way as we do with a written story, so I wanted to share with you the stories of people in our own school community that spark a sense of gratitude and wonder much like the classics.

Mrs. Kathy McDonald has been diligently serving the students of Mount Royal Academy for more than a decade. Her gracious demeanor and peaceful presence really anchors all of the hustle and bustle associated with those essential behind-the-scenes tasks in the operation of the school. And even though her administrative duties continually evolve, she always brings a warm smile and honorable work ethic no matter how much operations change. It isn’t normal that the front office doubles as a school nurse, but her commitment is a source of inspiration for all of us. So please join me in thanking Mrs. McDonald on this her day of recognition, Administrative Professionals Day.

The Diocese of Manchester recently released all of the nominees for Recognizing Excellence Gala, and again, the stories our faculty, volunteers, and supporters live out every day were well represented. Nominees for Teacher of the Year included Dr. Mitchell Kalpakgian, Mrs. Robin Moorehouse, and Mrs. Jackie Diebold. Although none of our teachers were named finalists, we remain proud of their efforts and witness. Mrs. Katie Richardson was nominated for School Leader of the Year, and Mrs. Joan Klucinec for Community Partner of the Year. Mrs. Joan Broom was nominated for Community Partner of the Year, and she will receive the Superintendent’s Award because of her ceaseless support of Mount Royal Academy.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the story of Mr. John Meehan, the beloved father of Mrs. Richardson, and grandfather of Luke, Emily, and Caitlin. This man poured his entire life into Catholic education, serving as president of Magdalen College (now Northeast Catholic College) until his retirement in 1998. Mr. Meehan passed away yesterday morning, after a long and well-fought bout with cancer. I am sure he united all of his sufferings with Christ to bring about the salvation of more souls, and I am confident that his prayers are even more immediate to the Father than ever before. He was a quiet but faithful benefactor of our school, and I fondly recall the many times he came to Mass to be with the students. The funeral Mass will be this upcoming Saturday at St. Joseph’s Cathedral at 10:30 a.m.

“There is no saint without a past, nor sinner without a future.” I am not sure who said this, but I know we all encounter the stories of saints in the making not only in the people of the past, the “democracy of the dead” according to G.K. Chesterton, but also amidst the people we encounter every day.


Most Sincerely In Christ,

Derek Tremblay
Headmaster