Head Boy Mason Holling distributes the gifts

The School has over the past years continued a practice of welcoming new faculty at a school assembly, introducing them to the school community and offering them some Portsmouth Abbey School “swag” - including a school sweatshirt. At a recent assembly, one might say the shoe was on the other foot, or perhaps the hood was on the other habit, as Headmaster Matt Walter welcomed three “new” monks to the community. It was a warm gesture of hospitality and recognition to highlight the transferal of stability to Portsmouth of Prior Michael Brunner, Father Edward Mazuski, and Brother Sixtus Roslevich. Following a brief challenge to the students to identify the three Benedictine vows, Mr. Walter highlighted the vow of stability, noting the significance of the transition recently completed by these three monks. The Head Boy and Head Girl presented the three “swag bags” that included a new “Portsmouth Abbey School” hooded sweatshirts, for the “new” monks to sport when attending events on campus. The School’s recent “Monthly Musings” newsletter noted that, “Their permanent transfers signal a new and exciting chapter for the monastery and school.”  The assembly served as a “teaching moment,” both to call to the attention of the students the significance of the transfer, as well as to express gratitude for the renewal the three are bringing to the monastic and extended community.

School Assembly