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Servite Archive

Tradition & History

Integrate Servite’s rich tradition and proud history into any aspect of campus. Refer to the archive below — which includes our Alma Mater, school motto, charism, adages, songs, poems, and formation themes. These elements are foundational to who we are and reinforce the mission and distinctiveness of Servite High School.

Alma Mater

While most Alma Maters focus on school colors, loyalty, and the external beauty of campus, Servite’s Alma Mater explores the interior of the Servite man: the mystique of Servite, the mystery of what is developed, nurtured, and perfected over four years on campus.

It contains our school motto, which demands that one must first believe in order to understand. At the end of his journey, a formed Friar — aware of his gifts and all he has received — is sent forth to share his unique greatness with others.

All of you who pass us by,
Wonder there what greatness lie.
All of you who pass us by,
Wonder there what greatness lie.

Know that virtue-branding Friar
Awaits young men with quenchless fire.
If the soul will but believe.
If the soul will but believe.

Thus our crest for all to see,
“To understand, one must believe.”
Thus our crest for all to see,
“To understand, one must believe.”

Wh’er in victory or in Stygian,
Mathematics or religion,
To prevail one must believe.
To prevail one must believe.

Tho’ driven by unsated Friar
To perfection and still higher.
Tho’ driven by unsated Friar
To perfection and still higher.

“Tis but greatness” clarion
Commanding us to carry on.
Thus it is we do agree,
Passerby, we pity thee.

School Motto

Credo ut intelligam

I believe so that I may understand.

This phrase is found in the writings of St. Anselm of Canterbury. At Servite, this motto is not merely words; it is an expression of our mission to form young men into faith-filled leaders.

We strive to instill in our students the understanding that belief is a prerequisite for true comprehension, shaping their character, choices, and purpose.

Servite Adages

These adages encapsulate the school’s mission, identity, and purpose. Rooted in the Catholic faith and the traditions of the Servite Order, they unite the community, define its goals, and inspire its students.

  • We are Servite
  • Be Christ. See Christ.
  • Forming faith-filled leaders
  • I am the Friar and I love the Fight

Servite Charism

These three gifts and traits flow from the Servite Order and through Servite High School. Like the Formation Themes, students should encounter the charism frequently and use them to view and understand their Servite experience.

Fraternity

This gift is most recognizable in the Servite brotherhood. It is lived through love and respect of the other, creating unity from diversity and leading to lifelong friendships.

Service

Servites are ultimately servants. They are called to serve the poor, the sick, and the outcast quietly and humbly in the manner of Christ.

Devotion to Mary

Mary is the first disciple and our model of courage, hope, and willingness to answer God’s call.

Formation Themes

The Formation Themes are our common language to help students view their own formation process. Faculty, coaches, staff, and parents use these themes to help students understand their experiences and growth.

Primacy of Faith

Life’s greatest truths cannot be discovered by reason alone. We must accept mystery and recognize life as a series of acts of faith, large and small.

Mastery of Self

By mastering ourselves and developing our gifts, we make the world better in a way no one else ever can.

Necessity of the Other

An honest assessment of who we are reveals that we have limits and need others to properly develop ourselves.

Centrality of Christ

Everything we do should be under Christ’s direction and modeled after Him, especially His teaching of love through mercy.

The 5 D’s

These values transcend sports, shaping athletes not only for success on the field but also for life.

  • Discipline
  • Dedication
  • Determination
  • Desire
  • Devotion

Salve Regina

The Salve Regina is the most significant hymn in our Servite tradition, deeply rooted in our identity as a Marian school.

It is sung with reverence and respect at the end of every school Mass, football games, and key moments throughout the year, uniting the community in fraternity and shared purpose.

Salve, Regina,
Mater misericordiae;
vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve.
Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae.
Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, Advocata nostra,
illos tuos misericordes oculos
ad nos converte.
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens,
O pia,
O dulcis Virgo Maria.

Fight Song

Discipline. Desire. Dedication. Determination. Devotion. The “5 D’s” of Servite separate a Servite man from the rest. The Friar never stands down to his opponent or to any challenge — on the field, in the classroom, or in spiritual warfare.

I am the Friar
And I love the fight.
You can try my flank
In the cold dread of the night.

Dare to cross my bow
In the broad daylight,
But victory is our province.
Servite, fight!

Stack the odds
And like the mills of the gods
We will slowly grind,
But we grind exceedingly fine.

The foe may not know
Wherein lies his plight,
But victory is our province.
Servite, fight!

7 Sorrows of Mary

The Seven Sorrows of Mary are central to Servite High School’s identity because of the school’s connection to the Order of Friar Servants of Mary, who have a deep devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.

This devotion reminds students to unite their challenges with Mary’s example of courage, faith, and unwavering love.

  • The Prophecy of Simeon
  • The Flight into Egypt
  • The Loss of Jesus for Three Days
  • The Carrying of the Cross
  • The Crucifixion of Jesus
  • Jesus Taken Down from the Cross
  • Jesus Laid in the Tomb

Freshman Poem

The freshman poem stresses the importance of creation and that we are creatures. Therefore, we have a unique type of dependency. It begins to teach us about ourselves.

In the beginning, God
Out of nothing created, Odd!
From nothingness called me,
To be me,
To be great,
Like He.