Letter from the Headmaster

Letter from the Headmaster

From seed to shade

“(The kingdom of God) is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” (Mark 4:30-32)

So much in this issue of the Continuum reminds me of this parable as I marvel at the expansive relationships that bind together our alumni across the nation and world. In our feature article, it is through their native passion for the sport of soccer that the Hungarian founders

In “The Great Cistercian Road Show,” Cart Weiland ’04 recounts our outreach in recent years to visit with alumni across the country. From Los Angeles to Boston, Atlanta to Seattle, the branches that have sprung from this smallest of seeds truly extend to the full width and breadth of our nation.

In his commentary, alumnus Clay Tillotson ’11 shares with poignancy and humor some of the key lessons he learned while at Cistercian. And, as always, Fr. Roch captures the spirit of this issue as he reflects on the many invisible bonds that unite and uphold us. (Be sure to enjoy the tributes to Frs. Roch and Julius who marked their 60th anniversary of ordination!!)

Finally, the 2020–2021 Annual Report highlights the entire Cistercian family’s generous care and concern for helping ensure the ongoing mission of this small school in Irving to form and educate promising young men to one day become the branches from which others may benefit and “dwell in its shade.”