Traditions

Traditions are important to everyone. They provide stability in times of stress and change and help us realize the importance of those who have gone before us and who have sacrificed to pave the way for us. It is no different at St. Lawrence Seminary. In fact, in a residential school setting, traditions are not only educational of our past, but they go a long way toward helping the students feel connected to a long line of the Sons of Calvary. The following is just a sampling of our many traditions.

All School Party

On orientation evening, there is an all school party in the refectory to welcome all students, especially those new to St. Lawrence Seminary. Upperclassmen present a skit, returning students renew old friendships, and new students begin to build bonds that will last a lifetime.

Labor Day

On Labor Day evening, the school sponsors an outdoor cookout and picnic. Sports and outdoor activities take place all afternoon and during the cookout.

Family Day

Family Day is celebrated in mid-September, often in conjunction with bi-annual class reunions or the Hilltopper Invitational cross-country meet. Family day provides an opportunity for the families of students to meet one another and to become better acquainted with the administration and teaching staff of the seminary. Its purpose is to strengthen the seminary's partnership with parents and to enhance seminary relationships. It begins with the celebration of the Eucharist in the chapel and concludes with a potluck feast of various ethnic foods.

The Hilltopper

While the cross country team is often on the road to compete with other schools throughout the area, each season St. Lawrence Seminary hosts one major tournament which is a showcase event for many cross country runners throughout Wisconsin. The Hilltopper Invitational is held every year in mid-September. More than 500 runners gather to tackle the school’s grueling course of hills and steep inclines. Many runners can be seen struggling to make it to the top of “Big Bertha,” the main hill that connects the upper campus to the soccer fields below. This is no small accomplishment. Besides the colorful uniformed runners many families and fans are present to witness the Hilltopper Invitational. As part of the Hilltopper, each year St. Lawrence hosts a Fun Run for all runners to enjoy. The Fun Run at the end of the meet is open to anyone who has kept himself or herself in good enough shape to take on the well-worn path of the high school athletes. Many former high school runners come back to the Hill annually to relive some of their high school memories of the Hilltopper, including many St. Lawrence alumni.
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The Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi

Each year, the St. Lawrence Seminary community celebrates the feast of St. Francis with the “Transitus” Service on October 3rd. This service remembers the passing of St. Francis from this life to eternal life. On the Feast of St. Francis, October 4th, a special liturgy is held and a banquet follows with the entire student body, faculty and staff of the school.
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Spirit Week

At the end of October, the Student Council sponsors a Spirit Week that includes various competitive contests among the classes. Students dress in different and exciting attire each day, according to the theme of the day. The week also includes Halloween activities such as pumpkin carving and “trick or treating” among the faculty.

Founders’ Day

October 24 celebrates and honors Fr. Bonaventure Frey and Fr. Francis Haas, the founders of St. Lawrence Seminary and of the Capuchin order in the United States. The day includes a special liturgical celebration and banquet.

Talent Night

Once or twice a year, the Student Council sponsors a Talent Night. All presentations are subject to tryouts and a dress rehearsal is held in the afternoon. The competition is judged by the students, faculty and staff. Prizes are awarded.

Thanksgiving Banquet

Before our students go home on Tuesday for the Thanksgiving break, the school comes together as a community and celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday. The day includes a special table prayer and meal.

St Nicholas' Day

During the night of 5-6 December, prior to St. Nicholas’ day, the Student Council prepares an individual treat for each student. Students leave their shoes by their beds in the hope of receiving a gift. By this time the Advent season is in full swing at the school. Optional evening masses every day, the Angel Tree Project, caroling in the local area and class parties also contribute to the tradition.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

On December 12 the school celebrates the Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. Hispanic parents from the Chicago-Indiana Parents Guild come to the seminary and make and serve the students a traditional Mexican feast. The mass is dedicated to Our Lady and is celebrated in English and Spanish.

Christmas Celebration

The night before Christmas Break, a celebration takes place that includes a table prayer and banquet. The celebration concludes with an evening band and choir Christmas Concert, a party in the refectory and special evening prayer.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are celebrated in this school-wide event.

Catholic Schools Week

The students join together in recognizing the importance of Catholic schools in our educational system. Events occur throughout the week, and a day is set aside to honor the faculty and staff with an appreciation banquet. Some students attend a mass with representative students from all area Catholic schools and the Seminary has a special mass to commemorate the week.

Winter Carnival

Since the early 1970’s St. Lawrence has hosted this January event that allows the students to celebrate the joys of winter in Wisconsin. Traditionally, this event starts with morning prayer dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows. Many outdoor and indoor events take place. In 2008, the school will celebrate its 35th Winter Carnival with the theme: A Frozen Commotion!

Tết Celebration

This is a celebration of the Vietnamese New Year. The celebration includes a Vietnamese meal and dragon dance.

Cultural Heritage Festival

This evening celebrates the richness of the cultural heritage of the seminary students. Students prepare their favorite ethnic foods to share with other members of the seminary community. Casino-like games provide the entertainment.

Field Day

Field Day occurs on one of the last Wednesdays in May. The day includes track and field events by fraternities, a staff vs. student softball game, tower shower, cookout, and student entertainment. The faculty, staff and student body all have the opportunity to enjoy the interaction that the day provides. This event has been celebrated since 1907.