“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know Himself— so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth and themselves.”
-St. John Paul II Preface to Fides et Ratio
Fides et Ratio Reflections
Carmelite Martyrs of Compienge
Today we remember the sixteen French Carmelite sisters martyred on this day in 1794 in the early days of the French Revolution. Pope Francis canonized them on December 18, 2024.
Unironically—or Providentially, we could say—just yesterday, we celebrated Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, so named for the mountain in the Holy Land where the prophet Elijah prophesied. The “Order of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel” (“Carmelites”) was born there in the early 1200s.
Unswervingly devoted to the Lord and His Church, equipped with the armor of faith and sustained by prayer, the sixteen approached the guillotine from youngest to oldest singing praises to God. Rather than the usual cheering, the assembly reacted with silence and dispersed. Artists have painted, written, and composed works about these striking witnesses.
Let us ask for their prayers in our day. Carmelite Martyrs of Compiegne: “Pray for us.”
It's About Time
Tools for Teachers
On Tuesday-Thursday this week JPII Catholic Schools staff members had the opportunity to attend the Fifth Annual “Tools for Teachers” continuing education sessions, which I lead.
Tuesday’s attendees are pictured above with Bishop John Folda after Mass at the Pastoral Center in Fargo.
This summer’s sessions focused on Bishop John Shanley (Tuesday), Bishop Shanley and the Native Americans (Wednesday), and the other Bishops of the Fargo Diocese (Thursday). On Wednesday, guest presenter Amanda Miller (Shanley Social Studies teacher) also shared her master’s thesis research.
The Tools for Teachers sessions are in keeping with our Strategic Plan’s objective of enhancing teacher formation “so that they can model Christian discipleship and pedagogy.”
Thanks to those teachers who sought to grow in discipleship and excellence in teaching this week!
Back to School Mailing
This week we mailed our annual “Back to School” packet to our parents. It includes my welcome letter and all the required forms and information for a smooth start to the 2026-2027 school year.
August 24 is our first day of school for our 1st-12th graders!
Summer Cleaning
Summer is the time for deep cleaning, repairs, and some extra “TLC” in all our schools. Thanks to our dedicated custodians for all their good work in keeping our buildings clean, well-maintained, and ready for a new school year.
You know “school” is getting near as the custodians work on the finishing touches of their efforts.
President’s Proverb
“They are thrice blessed who can turn all creation to its Creator’s glory, and make human vanities promote His honor.”
–St. Francis de Sales on recognizing ordinary things as a path of love for God
Hagstrom’s Attempt at Humor (HAAH!)
Sunday Psalm Sampler
“Everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
-Luke 24:22b
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
- Lectionary Readings: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16
- Responsorial Refrain: “Lord, You are good and forgiving.” (Ps 86:5a)
- Chris Brunelle’s YouTube Recording: R&A Psalm 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2026, Psalm 86
Identified as a Psalm of David (86:1a), the voice is that of one who is “poor and oppressed” (86:1b)—a suffering servant who, with utter trust, calls upon God for help. Clearly, Jesus fulfills this foreshadowing according to the principle of interpretation He gave us post-Resurrection: “everything written about Me…must be fulfilled” (Lk 24:44b). In uniting Himself with the cry of the poor, He lifts us up in prayer to the Father.
Many of this Psalm’s verses are restatements of previous passages in the Psalms or in Exodus, and this Sunday’s portion praises some of those most appealing attributes of the Lord Who rescues us: good, forgiving, kind, merciful, and faithful.
This week, let us sing that reminder of the One Who hears and answers our cry: “Lord, You are good and forgiving.”
Our President
Mike Hagstrom
Mike Hagstrom was named President of St. John Paul II Catholic Schools and Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Fargo on March 15, 2016, and officially assumed the role on July 1, 2016. In his application for the position, he described his leadership philosophy as one of stewardship, writing:
“My approach would be that of stewardship of the great gift of Catholic Schools. With the help of God’s grace and all our stakeholders, we can be good stewards together, ensuring that our schools not only survive, but thrive. They are designed for human flourishing, forming the whole person, each and every student made in God’s image and likeness, endowed with a transcendent dignity and destiny.”
Before stepping into diocesan leadership, Mike dedicated 31 years to Shanley High School, where he taught Religion and served in a variety of leadership roles. During his time there, he embodied the spirit of St. Bede’s words: “I have always found delight in learning, teaching, and writing.”
Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He and his wife, Shawn, are the proud parents of two Shanley graduates, Therese (’08) and Joseph (’16), and grandparents to James and Oliver.
