Easter Message from Our Rector 

Fr. SpitzerAs we celebrate Holy Week, we recall the unconditional love of our Lord Jesus Christ who became man for us so that he might not only show us the way to that love, but also to guarantee it by His act of complete self-sacrifice.  

Sometimes when we think about the Son of God, Jesus Christ, coming into our human form, suffering, and then dying for us out of love, it seems too good to be true.  After all, would God really want to sacrifice Himself totally for us out of love? 

Even though this seems difficult to believe at first glance, subsequent reflection shows that it might be far more believable than we might have initially thought.  Consider these six questions, and if you answer them as I did, you may find that the unconditional love of God - who comes to us in the incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is quite logical and believable.  The only requirement is that we move from the logic of power to the logic of love. 

Click  here to read the rest of Fr. Spitzer's letter. 
In This Issue
Business Office Hours for Spring Break
Message from Tim Busch
Last Chance Gala Auction Items

From JSerra Blog

Quick Links 
Business Office Hours for Spring Break
The Business Office will be closed Thursday 4/5 and Friday 4/6. During spring break from 4/9 to 4/13, the cashier window hours will be 9am - 4pm.
Message from Chairman of the Board, CEO & Co-Founder Tim Busch

Dear Friends and Constituency of JSerra Catholic High School:

 

As you are aware, we terminated a faculty member, Mr. Aldana, when he was arrested on December 15, 2011 on seven counts of alleged lewd acts with a minor.

 

Following the arrest, we arranged to have an independent outside External Committee investigate the matter. They examined Mr. Aldana's hiring, and the school's actions following a phone conversation between the alleged victim's mother and a JSerra administrator.

 

I am pleased to report the External Committee found that the administration acted in an appropriate and prompt manner following the phone call and conducted an appropriate background check prior to hiring him.

 

The Committee was chaired by Marian Bergeson, former California Secretary of Education, and included Dennis O'Neil, former Newport Beach Mayor, and Ret. Superior Court Judge Pamela Iles, a renowned expert in child abuse cases.  James Prendergast, an adjunct law professor of Pepperdine Law and General Counsel of the UCC Division of First American Title Insurance Company, was the independent investigator for the Committee. 

 

One of the questions raised involved whether JSerra should have reported Mr. Aldana to authorities after the phone call with the mother. The committee found the administration did not have reason to suspect e there had been child abuse as statutorily defined; therefore, the school had no duty to report this matter to Child Protection Services. Nonetheless, JSerra attempted to investigate the matter further, including placing Mr. Aldana on leave. The investigation stalled when the victim's mother refused to meet or provide more information. "Rather than being criticized with the benefit of hindsight, (the former school president) and JSerra should be recognized for acting as they should," the report said.

 

The External Committee did recommend that we forge a closer relationship with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange so we can gain access to their resources of General Counsel - a recommendation we intend to follow.

 

I would like to thank the External Committee for its work, and reaffirm our fundamental mission of providing our students with the highest quality academic, spiritual and co-curricular education possible. We also remain focused and committed to ensuring each and every student under our care is provided a safe emotional and physical environment.

 

If you have any further questions on the actions of the External Committee's report, please contact James Prendergast at (626) 429-4600 or via e-mail at jamesdprendergast@gmail.com.

 

Very truly yours,

TIMOTHY R. BUSCH

Chairman of the Board, CEO & Co-Founder

Last Chance to Support The Gala!

If you couldn't make it to the gala, or even if you attended but misplaced your bidder paddle, don't miss your last chance at these incredible auction items! All items are available first-come, first-serve. Contact Elizabeth Beas at ebeas@jserra.org or 949-493-9307 x. 1148 if interested.  

  

Ultimate Commencement Package

Make sure your family and friends have the perfect view of your senior as he or she receives that hard-earned diploma! The winning bidder will receive 2 reserved parking spaces on the south (athletic) campus as well as 10 premium  reserved seats in the gymnasium for both the Baccalaureate and Graduation ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, June 1-2, 2012.  Your child will only graduate high school once. With this package, you won't miss a second of their special day. Parking space and seats will be reserved until 15 minutes before the ceremonies begin. Cost is a $4,000 tax-deductible donation.   

 

Premium Parking Spaces

Make sure you always have the perfect parking space   when you come to the JSerra campus by purchasing a reserved Honorary Lion parking space of the 2012-2013 school year. Winning bidders will have their choice of the location of their space: north (academic) or south (athletics) campus. A premium parking space is a great gift for your son or daughter or your favorite JSerra staff or faculty member.Space valid from 7/1/12 through 6/30/13. Cost is a $5,000 tax-deductible donation.    

      

Luxury Napa Getaway for 2
Experience the lap of luxury in Napa Valley. Each couple will enjoy luxurious accommodations at the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa, wine tastings and tours, most meals, and more, from Thursday to Monday, August 9-12, 2012. The package, not including airfare, is sold for $7,500 per couple. A few more lucky couples will have the opportunity to add on private jet transfer for an additional $5,000 per couple. Valid 8/9/12 through 8/12/12 only. Package does not include airfare unless optional upgrade to private jet transfer is purchased.   

   

Again, all items listed above are available first-come, first-serve. Contact Elizabeth Beas at ebeas@jserra.org or 949-493-9307 x. 1148 today to purchase your package!