Denver Catholic

15 DENVER CATHOLIC | AUGUST 22-SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 BY ROCIO MADERA A fter an extensive search for the right person to lead Bishop Machebeuf High School, a few weeks ago the school finally announced the hiring of its new principal, Mr. Wil- liam Perales. For the past two years, Mr. Perales has been a Principal at a Catholic high school in Fort Worth, Texas, where he led the implementation of a classical education curriculum, both with aca- demic content and instructional strate- gies. He brings extensive experience in Catholic education to his new role and said he is "excited and grateful" to lead Bishop Machebeuf High School. Just a few days before school start- ing, Mr. Perales sat down with the Denver Catholic to introduce himself to the community and share some of his accomplishments and plans for the future of BMHS. DENVER CATHOLIC: What does it mean for you to be the new principal for Bishop Machebeuf ? MR. PERALES: It is a blessing and a privilege to be appointed the new Principal. I have been blessed to work in faith-filled and mission- focused dioceses and schools. Bishop Machebeuf and the Archdiocese of Denver are places where this can continue as there is such as strong understanding of the connection and integration of evangelization and education. For that I am very excited and grateful. DC: What are your goals as the new principal? MR. PERALES: Our goals are to assist the Archdiocese in its mission of forming disciples. This is the Church's mission and as a Catholic high school it is at the core of our mission. We will do so by forming and educating students to grow in faith, virtue, and wisdom. We will help our students to know Truth, choose Goodness, and love Beauty. We will do so by ensur- ing our students have deep and rich Christ-centered faith experience, excellent academics, and formative student activities that allow them to discover and develop their gifts and talents. In the end, it is our goal that our students are Disciples of Christ in the Catholic Church who are prepared and ready to respond to God's call. In doing this, they will be prepared for not only what comes next in their life but have the foundations for faithful and joyful living their whole lives. DC: As principal, what message do you want to send to students and parents who are about to start a new school year during these uncertain times? MR. PERALES: While there are many uncertainties in these times, there is one thing that is certain: Christ. One thing these times have reminded us is stay focused on Christ and to give all our concerns, uncertainties, trou- bles, and all to Him. Staying rooted in Christ will provide us the necessary strength and wisdom to navigate these times. The year ahead will have some uncertainties, which may increase or decrease as the year goes on, but what will remain throughout is Christ and the love, mercy, cour- age, and joy that comes with staying focused on and rooted in Him. Around the Archdiocese HOPE AND HEALING: A Gathering for Mental Health Awareness A ministry of Catholic Charities Bethany Doss, MA School Counselor bdoss@ccdenver.org 720-377-1359 straphaelcounseling.com "The Glory of God is man, fully alive." – St. Irenaeus Who: Adults and young people, ages 13+ When: Saturday, September 26th Where: St omas More - School Gym 8035 S. Quebec St., Englewood, CO 80112 Time: 7:30am -2pm Registration: go to straphaelcounseling.com and click on Events tab at the top of the page Providing education and tangible resources to improve mental and emotional health Join Dr. Michelle Connor Harris & therapists from St. Raphael Counseling New Bishop Machebeuf principal 'excited and grateful' to lead school Read the full Q&A on denvercatholic.org William Perales, pictured here with his wife and five children, was recently named as the new prin- cipal of Bishop Machebeuf High School. photo by carol nesbitt

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