Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Learning vs. studying Latin

The distinction between studying Latin and learning Latin is highlighted in this article by Mark J. Clark, of Christendom College. I'm very much in agreement with Clarkabout the necessity of learning Latin as the key to our Catholic heritage and as an exercise in a significantly different way of thinking.

Hat tip goes to Lisa Seeley, wife of Andrew Seeley of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Latin prayers

I can't remember if I've mentioned this before, but here is a great collection of Latin prayers.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Bylaws

Here's an updated copy of our Bylaws, as of 11/25/09. Apart from a few amendments earlier in the year that have been added on, I have also fixed some punctuation and grammar errors.

The Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators
Dead Language Latin Club


Bylaws

Sponsor: The Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators
Moderator: Robert Gotcher
President: Nathaniel Gotcher
Vice President: Lauren Zelinski
Secretary/Treasurer: Stephen Zambo

Approved by the Ad Hoc Bylaw Committee:

Edward Chien
Lauren Zelinski
Nathaniel Gotcher


Section A: Members

A.1 The Sponsor
The Sponsor of the Dead Language Latin Club is the Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators. The Sponsor is represented for the purposes of the Club by the Moderator, who is selected by the Sponsor in whatever manner the Sponsor’s leadership sees fit.

A.2 The Moderator(s)
Anything and everything is subject to the approval of the Moderator(s) of the Dead Language Latin Club, who may do, regulate, change or otherwise make decisions about anything and everything concerning the Dead Language Latin Club.

A.3 The Triumvirate
The Triumvirate will consist of the President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer which constitute the Executive Committee of the Club. The Triumvirate may delegate work to the Plebians The Triumvirate ought to consult with and listen to the ideas and concerns of the Plebians in all matters.

A.4 The Plebians
The plebians will consist of persons qualified according to the norms and standards of the club (see Section F) who have also attended a minimum of four meetings within the last 12 months. Plebians have the right to vote in all matters.

A.5 The Clientes
The Clientes will consist of persons who are qualified according to the norms and standards of the club (see Section F) but have not attended the required 4 meetings within the last 12 months. Clientes may vote in all matters but these:

a) In an Election
b) In any change to the Bylaws
c) For an Impeachment

A.5 Senators-for-Life
The Senators-for-Life will consist of former Triumvirate members who may share wisdom wherever it is needed. They are welcome to attend all meetings and events. If graduated, they may also attend State or National Conventions as Chaperones or as members of the WSCL.

A.6 Equites
The Equites will consist of former Members other than Senators-for-life. They are welcome to attend all meetings and events. If graduated, they may also attend State or National Conventions as Chaperones or as members of the WSCL.

A.7 The President
The President is the spearhead of the Triumvirate. He has the power to issue a Mandatum (see section B) in case of controversy. The ordinary work of the President is to direct the Club within the vision of the Sponsor. If there is any work to be delegated for one reason or another, it is the President’s job to take care of it by doing it or delegating it.

A.8 The Vice President
The Vice President is in charge of Spirit, and Outreach. The ordinary job of the Vice President is to head recruitment efforts and keep up and support the Spirit of the Club.

A.9 The Secretary/Treasurer
The Secretary/Treasurer is responsible for the taking of minutes and the keeping of the Treasury and any other communication which is required by the Triumvirate.

A.10 Ad Hoc Committees
Ad Hoc Committees may be created by the processes of section B for the purpose of advancing the mission of the Club. The President should appoint the members from the Plebians, the Triumvirate or the Moderator(s).

A.11 Non-executive Officers
Non-Executive officers are those that have no say in the Triumvirate, but have official duties. Positions and/or officers may be added by a Vote of all members of the Club present or absent (see Section B).

A.12 Historian
The Historian is the primary keeper of photographic records, digital and otherwise. It is the duty of the Historian to take pictures at all events, keep a scrapbook, and keep the Blog supplied with pictures. The Historian is a non-executive officer.

A.13 Tech-Coordinator/Blogger
The Tech-Coordinator/Blogger is responsible for the upkeep of the Blog, and for organizing any other technological needs of the Club. The Tech-Coordinator/Blogger is a non-executive officer.

A.14 Acting Officers
In the case that an officer is unable to perform his duties, an Acting Officer is appointed by the President to perform the duties of that officer until the President releases him. In the case that the officer in question is the President, the Vice President would temporarily assume the office of the President. The Acting President may then appoint a new Vice President.


Section B: The Vote and Mandatum

B.1 The Calling of a Vote
Should controversy arise in a regular meeting, the matter may be settled by a Vote. Any member can call a vote with the approval of the Sponsor.

B.2 The Power of a Vote
By means of a Vote any decisions concerning the Club may be made with this exception:
a) Sections A.1 and A.2 of the Bylaws may not be in any way changed.

B.3 The Process of a Vote
In case of a Vote, the votes of all members present are tallied. The proposal with the most votes is carried and will be implemented.


B.4 The Context of the Mandatum
Should controversy concerning the direction or running of the Club or meetings arise in the context of a Triumvirate Meeting, it may be settled by a Mandatum issued by the President with this exception:
a) The President may not issue a Mandatum concerning the mission of the Club.

B.5 The Power of a Mandatum
The President may decide anything concerning the direction of the Club or meetings by a Mandatum. This Mandatum must be obeyed by all members.

B.6 Quorum
In most cases, a quorum of 66% of the members is needed to call a vote. The Exceptions are these which require all members present and absent to have a vote:
a) In an Election
b) In any change to the Bylaws
c) For an Impeachment


B.7 Amendment of the Bylaws
A change in the Bylaws is only possible by a 66% majority Vote in accordance to Section B.6.

Section C: Elections and Depositions

C.1 The Time of Elections
The normal time for Elections is at the last Club meeting of the year.

C.2 The Power of Elections
Elections will determine which Club members will hold Triumvirate offices next year.

C.3 The Process of Elections
Speeches and Debates may be held on Election Day or via the Internet or E-mail. Time should be allotted for the Plebians to ask the Candidates questions. After this Elections are held as Votes with these exceptions:
a) A tied vote may not be settled by a Mandatum. In case of tie the winner is determined by a flip of a coin.
b) Votes should remain as confidential as possible.

C.4 Impeachment
By an 80% majority vote any member of the Triumvirate may be impeached. Elections should be held promptly.

C.5 Resignation
A member of the Triumvirate may resign from office at any time.

C.6 In Case of Impeachment or Resignation
In case of Resignation or Impeachment, an Acting Officer must be appointed according to Section A.14 until Elections are held.

Section D: The Treasury

D.1 Use of the Treasury
A decision concerning the use of the treasury funds are to be determined by unanimous consent of the Triumvirate in consultation with the Plebians and the Sponsor or by a vote by all members subject to the approval of the Sponsor. A Mandatum cannot be issued concerning fiscal management.

D.2 Sponsor’s Dues
The Club will pay the Sponsor’s yearly dues to the American Classical League.

Section E: Meetings

E.1 Regular Meetings
A Regular Meeting is one to which all members are invited and encouraged to attend.

E.2 Triumvirate Meetings
A Triumvirate meeting is one convened by the President to which only Triumvirate Members are invited and encouraged to attend. At least one other Triumvirate Member must be present.

E.3 The Meeting Process
The layout of any given Regular meeting will be determined by the Triumvirate upon consultation with and in light of the input of the Plebians and the Sponsor. The layout of any given Triumvirate Meeting will be determined by the President in light of the input of the other Triumvirate members.

E.4 Times and Locations
The times and locations of the Regular meetings will be determined by the Triumvirate in consultation with the Plebians and Sponsor. The times and locations of the Triumvirate Meetings will be determined by the Triumvirate.

Section F: The Dead Language Latin Club Norms and Standards

F. 1 Membership Qualifications
To become a Member of the Club, twelve U.S. dollars must be submitted as dues to the Sponsor. The applicant must be home schooled during the academic year in which membership is sought, in eighth grade or high school, and currently studying some form of the Classics with some Latin background. The home schooling status of the proposed member will be determined by the Sponsor.

F.2 Conduct Expectations
At meetings, no member is allowed to engage in disorderly conduct. Business Meetings, to the extent possible, will follow a modified version of parliamentary procedures as provided by the Sponsor. Disciplinary Action may only be enacted by Sponsor, parent or any legitimate Civil or Ecclesiastical Authority.

F.3 Catholicity
The Dead Language Latin Club is sponsored by the Greater Milwaukee Catholic Home Educators; therefore its activities should directly or indirectly reflect the ideals of its patrons.

Why am I not surpised?

Everyone knows that Cupid, a.k.a. Eros, is the son of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. But did you know that the father was Ares, God of War? It explains a lot about his trigger-happy behavior and wanton destruction of innocent peoples' lives. He lost the Parent Lottery, bigtime; he couldn't have picked 2 worse parents among the Olympian Gods had he tried.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

For you John Paul II and Latin fans out there, Nancy Carpenter Brown links to this video.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

November Meeting

Salvete!

Another meeting of our glorious club will be held this Monday, November 9th at Dr. G's house. The meeting will commence at 6:30 PM, and will end around 8:00, hopefully with snacks after the meeting. Remember, forms and payments for Convention are to be given to Dr. G at this meeting. We will also be discussing study assignments and spirit themes for Convention, as well as playing another round of Certamen. So put your thinking caps on and bring some ideas!

Until Monday,

A. S.

President

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Fr. Reginald Foster

Here is an article about Fr. Reginald Foster, priest of the Archdiocese and Vatican Latinist.  I think Sen. for Life Tim has heard him speak.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Latin Lending Library

Please note that there's a link in the sidebar for "Group Lending Library" which lists the books relating to Latin studies that are available to borrow. Please contact Mrs. VH if there's something you'd like to use.

Thanks!

Monday, August 31, 2009

September meeting

Salvete, omnes!

The first meeting of the Dead Language Latin Club for the 2009-2010 school year will be held on September 14th at Dr. G's house. The meeting will commence at 6:30 PM, and will end around 8:00, with snacks following after the meeting. All students of the classics are welcome to attend. I look forward to another exciting year with our club!

Valete,

A. S.
President

Friday, July 31, 2009

Latin lives on!

Hello, everyone!





I hope everybody's been having a great summer. I was attending Festa! Italiana with my family when I noticed this golf cart. I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe we should get one for the Moderators!

Valete amici!


Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Election Results

Last night during the club's last meeting of the 2008-2009 school year, the elections of new officers was held and the results are as follows:

The Triumvirate

President - A.S.
Vice President - P.F.
Secretary/Treasurer - I.F.

Non-Executive Officers

Historian - K.M.
Tech. Coordinator - J.VH.

Congratulations to all!

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Elections!

We will be holding our annual end of the year elections this month.  These elections will decide all of the positions for next year's Triumvirate as well as the non-executive offices of Historian and Tech. Coordinator.  Good luck to everyone!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Minutes from our April Meeting

The Decliner

Journal for the Dead Language Latin Club

 

Minutes Issue

Editor: Michèle Mot-Juste

April 27, 2009

Meeting Minutes

Attendance

  • [M.B.]
  • [I.F.]
  • [P.F.]
  • [E.G.]
  • [C.G.]
  • [N.G.]
  • [M.VH]
  • [Ja.VH]
  • [Jo.VH]
  • [E.Z.]
  • [M.Z.]

 

  • [Dr.G]
  • [Mrs.VH]

 Starting time: 6:42 p.m.

 

Opening Prayer

O Mi Iesu

 

 Opening Song

Gaudiamus Igitur

 

 

Happenings

 

Business

 

Moderators’ Report

As everything Latin is going swimmingly, the Moderators had very little to report aside from their admiration of the promo-video created by E.Z., our esteemed Tech Coordinator. These sentiments being generally shared, he was applauded enthusiastically by the masses, which applause I second. Three cheers for E.Z.!!

To the great relief of the Secretary, the possibility of re-recording Agitabimus Te was mentioned.

President’s Report

The President, after pacing gravely back and forth, said to the Club in stirring tones, “Elections are nigh! Fight or fly! Lest you die!” The President encouraged all candidates to tell the group via e-mail what they intended to run for and how they would be beneficial for the club in that office.

Treasurer’s Report

The numbers being in de scrapbook, it was reported that the Club owed K.M. $30.00. Once paid, the Club Funds will be $26.02.

General Information

 

  • M.Z. has not been reimbursed for the Convention T-shirts. The conclusive list of Debtors will be published presently.

 

  • Elections will be held at the June Meeting, which will take place at the G’s. A bonfire will be lit, and members burned at the Moderators’ discretion.

 

  • C.G. will be drafting an amendment to the By-Laws to safeguard the 2¢ for posterity.

 

  • The Club will attend a Latin Mass at St. Stanislaus Church in Milwaukee on the 21st of May.

 

 Guest Speaker

The guest speaker, Mrs. Brauer, gave an edifying and informational talk about the anatomy of the Latin Mass.

Closing Prayer

Decade of the Rosary for Michael Zambo

 

Closing Song

Regina Coeli

 

End time: 8:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

P. F.

Secretary

Monday, April 20, 2009

Minutes from our March Meeting

The Decliner

Journal for the Dead Language Latin Club

Minutes Issue

Editor: Michèle Mot-Juste

March 7, 2009

Meeting Minutes

*

Starting time: 6:58 p.m.

                                                   Opening Prayer

O Mi Iesu

Song

Tantum Ergo

 Happenings

Skit

Arrival on Circe’s Island

The skit teams were led by the Triumvirate as per usual and they placed as follows:

·       3rd Place: Team 1 Presidential

·       2nd Place: Team 2 Vice Presidential

·       1st Place: Team 3 Secretarial

 

Judging Criteria

Team 1

Team 2

Team 3

Clarity

3rd

1st

2nd

Historical accuracy

---

---

---

Creativity

2nd

3rd

1st

Props

1st

2nd

2nd

Acting

2nd

3rd

1st

OVERALL

3rd

2nd

1st

Business

By-Laws

Amendments to the By-Laws were voted on at this time. They were excellent, as are all the ordinances of our wise and gracious Triumvirate, and were universally accepted.

Moderators’ Report

Dr. Gotcher

In his report, Dr. Gotcher informed the masses that negotiations would be opened with Brookfield Academy concerning GMCHE joining them in a bout of Certamen. Another projected event is a barbeque and dance given by the Gotchers in honor of the Alumni. Both proposals were met with rousing cheers.

Mrs. VH

Mrs. VH has recently distinguished herself by being the first representative of the GMCHE to attend a meeting of the WJCL. The following topics were discussed:

 

·        The convention is running out of space in its current quarters. As removal from the aforementioned quarters would be highly unnerving and traumatic, not to mention inconvenient, measures to reduce the size of the assembly will be taken, including: refusing admittance to teams from Illinois and (possibly) restricting attendance to high schoolers. Marquette offered, with touching chivalry, to stay at a nearby Madison hotel if needed.

·        It was decided that members of the same school cannot sit next to each other during testing.

·        Rules for what members of the WJCL need to be studying may be instituted.

Service

The Club was reminded of the existence of the monthly service contest, the recollection of which had up to that moment been relegated to Oblivion’s Outhouse. Members are encouraged to bring to the Club’s attention any promising Service Opportunities they become aware of.

Promo Video

The promotional video was discussed, in particular the background music question. It being presumed that the desired song (We Will Rock You) is copyrighted to the nines, EZ, our intrepid Tech Coordinator and the prime mover of the promo video project, has been given the task of researching copyright. It was proposed that if copyright laws were unfavorable, the copies of the promo video for handing out would be without Agitabimus Te (We Will Rock You). The song would remain, however, on the video playing at our conference table.

Moderator Donates Water Bottles

Before the Convention, Mrs. Van Hecke, one of our esteemed Moderators, offered to procure bottled water for the entire club. This promise was executed, and the water provided much needed hydration during Convention. It was the plan of the Club to reimburse her, but at the meeting she announced that the water was to be considered a donation and if we kept going on about reimbursement and such things she would jolly well reimburse us with a bat. Three cheers for Mrs. VH!

                                                 Spirit

The Howl

Closing Prayer

Decade of the Rosary [for Michael Zambo]

Closing Song

O Salutaris Hostia

 End time: 8:35 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,

P.F., Secretary

 Letter from the Editor

The world has from the beginning nurtured great numbers of people who object to poetic license. Why this is, I do not exactly know, but my suspicion is that the whole issue is the fruit of bad digestion. These people, I have no doubt, spend their time eating dreadful indigestible pastries in a dreadful indigestible manner, which causes stress and anxiety. These in turn create peevishness, which is bottled and stored until the aforementioned people come in contact with poetic license, at which point it is released in frothy cataracts.

This behavior I denounce as foolish and infantile!

These people would be tempted to trouble the Secretary of the Latin Club with complaints about the poetic license occasionally apparent in the minutes, and would remind any who challenge their position of the Sacred Oath he swore upon his Installation into Office to adhere to truth in his minutes. To save the amiable Secretary from such scandalous impertinences I wish to take full responsibility for all poetic license found in the minutes, and I invite all who object to them to reread the beginning of this letter in which I give at some length my opinion of their good selves.

          Sincerely,

            Michèle Mot-Juste

*Attendance removed to save space in this post

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Minutes from the February Meeting

The Decliner

Journal for the Dead Language Latin Club

Minutes Issue

Editor: Michèle Mot-Juste

February 9, 2009

Meeting Minutes

Starting time: 6:30 p.m.

Opening Prayer

Pater Noster, Ave Maria

Spirit

The Howl

Song

Gaudeamus Igitur

 Business

Skits

 ·       Team 1- Presidential Skit: Medea and Jason [8 points]

·       Team 2- Vice-Presidential Skit: Atalanta and the Golden Apples [11 points]

·       Team 3- Secretarial Skit: Paris’ Judgment [11 points]

 

 

Judging Criteria

Team 1

Team 2

Team 3

Clarity

1

3

2

Historical accuracy

2

2

2

Creativity

1

3

2

Props

2

1

3

Acting

2

2

2

Certamen

·       Team 1 (M.B.)  20 points

·       Team 2 (M.Z.) no score

·       Team 3 (P.F.) no score

·       Team 4 (N.G.) 70 points

Senator for Life N.G. constructed paper boats for the members of the Club.

By-Laws

The club went over a few amendments drawn up by the Triumvirate with the intention of  casting a vote to determine their acceptability; however, as the minutes ticked by and the club started proposing amendments to the amendments themselves, it was decided that the Triumvirate would modify the amendments and send them to the group via e-mail. They would then be voted on next meeting.

Moderator’s Report

Dr. Gotcher brought to the attention of the Club the possibility of Certamen with Brookfield Academy and Marquette, which possibility was greeted with enthusiastic applause by everyone. The Level 1 Team in particular began to exhibit subtle glints in their eyes. Mrs. VH, who witnessed the scene, later remarked, “For the first time in my life I actually felt sorry for Brookfield, the Level One’s eyes were so… glinty.”

Awards Ceremony

The many and splendid awards won by the gallant toils of the Club were then distributed to the sound of thunderous applause.

                                                  Closing Prayer

O Mi Iesu, Doxologia

 Spirit

Recorded Agitabimus Te for the promotional video

 End time: 8:30 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,

P.F., Secretary

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Our Convention Team


Our Convention Team, originally uploaded by Chez VH.

Monday, February 02, 2009

Convention Results

Any competition in which any of our students placed within the top ten scores for that event or test earned points for the school. We placed 2nd in qualitative points overall (total number of points divided by number of students) and 10th in simple quantitative points.

Written Tests:

Level One:

Grammar 5th E.G. 9th J.S.
Greek History, Literature and Life 6th P.F.
Latin Derivatives 7th I.F. 7th P.F. 8th J.S.
Mottos 7th E.G. 8th P.F. 9th I.F.
Mythology 4th P.F. 7th J.S.
Pentathalon 6th P.F. 6th E.G. 10th J.S.
Reading 2nd E.G. 5th I.F. 10th P.F.
Roman History 6th E.G.
Roman Private Life 1st I.F. 7th E.G. 8th P.F.
Vocabulary 9th E.G. 10th P.F.

Level Two:

Latin Derivatives 5th A.S. 7th C.G. 7th M.Z.
Mythology 1st A.S.
Pentathalon 10th A.S.
Team Sight Reading 4th A.S. 4th E.Z.

Level Three:

Greek Derivatives and Vocabulary 7th M.B.
Greek History, Literature and Life 9th M.B.
Latin Derivatives 6th M.B. 9th JVH
Mythology 3rd M.B. 7th JVH
Pentathalon 8th MB
Reading 9th JVH
Roman Private Life 9th MB 9th JVH
Vocabulary 6th MB 8th JVH

Level Four:

Greek Derivatives and Vocabulary 7th N.G.
Greek History, Literature and Life 6th N.G.
Latin Derivatives 5th N.G.
Mottos 8th N.G.
Pentathalon 8th N.G.
Vocabulary 5th N.G.

Other Competitions:

Level I Certamen - 3rd place

Team Sight Reading, Level 2 - 4th place A.S. and E.Z.

Team Sight Reading, Advanced - 2nd place M.B. and N.G.

War Machines, small - 2nd place

Costume Contest:

Couples: 1st place M.Z. and P.F, 4th place E.G. and J.S.
Boys: 1st place L.M., 2nd place A.S.
Girls: 8th place JVH

Art:

Scrapbook - 2nd place
Drawing: 9th place A.S.
Games, etc.: 9th place P.F.

Sunday, February 01, 2009

2009 Convention Slideshow

Latin Convention '09 Slideshow

Check out the updated slide show in the sidebar and to view a full screen version click the link below.

Convention Slideshow

Saturday, January 31, 2009

2nd Place Qualitative Trophy!




The Qualitative Trophy is based on average number of points per student. This includes academic (including written tests, certamen, art and more) and spirit points totaled together and divided by the number of students.

1st Place Spirit Trophy - Medium Sized Schools!