SAINTS Replay

Introduced by Principal Doll, this year’s recipient is Mrs. Jean Becker . An SMCHS alumnus from the class of 1982, Mrs. Becker returned to serve the school community as an employee starting in October 2006. Over her two decades of service under four principals, she has faithfully cared for and organized the lives of more than 1,500 students. From assisting the activities department and supporting...

Reflecting on her class's four-year journey at Light of Christ Catholic Schools, Emma expresses deep gratitude to parents for prioritizing a Catholic education and thanks the faculty and staff for keeping faith at the center of their academic life. Drawing wisdom from scripture, she shares reflections on Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 25:21, encouraging her fellow graduates of the Class of 2026 to tru...

Katherine expresses heartfelt gratitude to the families, faculty, school board, and Bishop Kagan, who made this milestone possible. She beautifully details how the graduating Class of 2026 has brought the school's mission to life, encountering Christ in the everyday moments of living, academic learning, and through dedicating over 4,300 hours of collective community service. As her classmates prep...

President Vetter reflects on the deep significance of milestones, the unique bond this class shares with its school administrators, and the foundational role of daily prayer. Drawing on the symbolism of a rainy graduation day, he reminds the graduates that they are true symbols of "life and hope" as they venture out into the world. President Vetter challenges the Class of 2026 to embrace two power...

Principal Doll expresses his deep gratitude to the bishop, school board, administration, and dedicated faculty for their unwavering support and commitment to the "formation of souls." In a major highlight, he proudly announces that the graduating seniors have collectively earned more than $2 million in scholarships. Reflecting on his four-year journey alongside the students, Principal Doll leaves...

To ensure his final message truly resonates, Mr. Bichler delivers his speech twice: first in a traditional, heartfelt format, and then again using modern slang. Throughout both versions, he emphasizes the importance of mastering "the little things" to build the habits and confidence needed for the bigger challenges ahead. He also commends the students for their leadership, thanks them for making t...

Mr. Eichle highlights the dedicated, behind-the-scenes work of these students, who faithfully serve as altar servers, readers, greeters, candle bearers, and sacristans for school liturgies. Reflecting on a homily by Pope Leo XIV regarding the importance of humility, he commends the students for making themselves small so that the glory of Christ can shine through. The episode concludes with a spec...

8th-grade student Evie takes the microphone to reflect on her unforgettable three-year journey at Light of Christ Catholic Schools' Academy. From navigating the hallways as wide-eyed sixth graders to ruling the school as the oldest in the building, Evie shares a heartwarming, humorous, and deeply grateful look back at the moments that defined her class. Evie also extends a heartfelt thank you to t...

Priya, an eighth-grade student at St. Mary's Academy, as she shares her personal journey during the 8th Grade Ceremony. Priya reflects on her initial anxieties when transitioning to the school in the sixth grade and how she discovered a profound sense of belonging and community. She discusses the unique privilege of attending a Catholic school, highlighting the freedom to openly express and practi...

Marking both a milestone for the Academy students and his own final Mass before stepping into a new assignment, Fr. Paul delivers a powerful message about purpose, maturity, and avoiding the trap of a "bored" life. Drawing from the timeless story of Peter Pan, he challenges the graduates to reject the illusion of "fantasy land", often found on phone and internet screens and instead embrace the bea...

In their heartfelt speeches, Jacob and Journey express profound gratitude on behalf of the graduating Class of 2026. Jacob begins by thanking the St. Mary’s Central High School faculty, staff, administrators, and behind-the-scenes heroes, including the school's cooks, custodians, and maintenance workers, who kept the school running smoothly, while also extending appreciation to the coaches, musica...

The heart of the episode features student speakers Jane and Sophia, who take the stage to reflect on their transformative four-year journey. Grounded in the wisdom of C.S. Lewis, they share a poignant and humorous look back at their evolution from nervous freshmen to confident leaders. From athletic victories and the introduction of the Bible in a Year challenge with Dr. Emmel, to the spiritual im...

Speaking at the Baccalaureate ceremony, President Vetter commends the 104th graduating class for their growth, gratitude, and leadership. He offers the seniors a meaningful alumni gift, their official alumni sweatshirts, and leaves them with a simple yet powerful lifelong assignment: to stay grounded in faith through the daily practice of the Sign of the Cross. Being a SAINT Changes Lives, and whe...

Principal Doll expresses his deep gratitude to the families, faculty, administration, and support staff who have sustained the student body throughout their journey. Speaking directly to the graduates, the first class to share all four years of their high school career with him as principal, he delivers a powerful reminder of their unique purpose, the profound meaning of their lives, and the impac...

Fr. Jake Magnuson reflects on Jesus’ words: “I am the vine, you are the branches.” As the school year comes to a close, Fr. Jake reminds students that the Christian life starts with staying close to Jesus. We do not bear fruit by trying harder on our own. We bear fruit by remaining with Him. This homily is a simple challenge for summer: make a plan for prayer, Mass, confession, and friendship with...

Principal Michael Bichler of St. Mary’s Academy offers a heartfelt tribute to departing teachers, staff, and chaplains whose years of service have shaped generations at Light of Christ Catholic Schools. Through stories of vocation, humility, and faith-filled memories, this episode celebrates the quiet daily sacrifices of educators whose impact will continue to bear fruit in students’ lives. Being...

In this inspiring homily, Fr. Paul Gardner reflects on Jesus’ words, “I am the vine, you are the branches,” and what it really means to bear lasting fruit in the world. Drawing on the image of a vineyard and the surprising truth that the best grapes often grow on the weakest-looking branches, he shows how God uses our apparent weaknesses, not our strength, to pour grace into others. Fr. Paul then...

No Present Like the Time: The Parable of the Talents at St. Mary's Academy In this episode of Saints Replay, Duane Eichle leads a heartfelt ceremony at St. Mary's Academy celebrating the 2026 Parable of the Talents project — a faith-in-action initiative where seventh-grade students are each given $10 and two weeks to grow and invest it in the service of others. Duane shares a moving letter from Ba...

In this episod e , Bishop David Kagan reflects on the enduring and eternal value of the Holy Mass. By referencing the Parable of the Talents, Bishop Kagan reminds us that we are all blessed with unique gifts and talents.  He challenges listeners to use these God-given gifts to fulfill their purpose: saving their souls and helping others reach heaven. Bishop Kagan also discusses the discipline of L...

In this episode, Fr. Jake Magnuson reflects on the importance of building community, as demonstrated by the early Christians, and encourages us to take the love we receive and share it with others. Being a SAINT Changes Lives, and when you give a gift to support our SAINTS, it changes your life too. Choose YOUR impact at lightofchristfoundation.org.

What does it mean to truly succeed at your life — and what is the only way to fail? In this inspiring keynote address delivered at the 2026 Saints Ball in Bismarck, North Dakota, Monsignor James Patrick Shea, President of the University of Mary, shares a deeply personal reflection on the transformative power of Catholic education and the singular calling of every human life: sainthood. Msgr. Shea...

In this episode of Saints Replay , we revisit a powerful presentation delivered by Msgr. James Shea at The Rock . Addressing the students of St. Mary’s High School, Msgr. Shea explores the identity of the Church Militant and the intense spiritual battle inherent in the Christian life. Episode Highlights The Enduring Church: Msgr. Shea addresses the common question of whether the Catholic Church wi...

Have you ever felt distant from God during your darkest, most confusing moments? In this Easter season homily, Fr. Paul Gardner breaks down the journey of the two disciples traveling to Emmaus. He challenges the "ridiculous lie" that negative emotions mean God has abandoned us, revealing instead that Jesus is often walking right beside us when we feel most disturbed. Fr. Paul offers a provocative...

In this episode Fr. Jake Magnuson delivers a moving homily centered on the Gospel of the Road to Emmaus . Recorded during the Octave of Easter at Light of Christ Catholic Schools, Fr. Magnuson explores the profound reality that every day within the octave is celebrated with the same liturgical joy as Easter Sunday. Drawing parallels between the downcast disciples leaving Jerusalem and our own mode...

In this powerful homily for Spy Wednesday , Fr. Paul Gardner reflects on the tragic figure of Judas Iscariot . As we enter the darkest days of Holy Week, Fr. Paul breaks down three critical warnings from the life of the apostle who betrayed Christ, offering us a roadmap to ensure our own faith remains steadfast. Key Takeaways: Love vs. Utility: Did Judas love Jesus, or did he simply find Him usefu...