Religious Formation

Sacramental Preparation

Our students are taught to pray in the morning, give grace before meals, pray the Angelus at noon, and pray at the end of the school day. Students in grades 3-8 are also encouraged to serve the Lord by participating as altar servers and sacristans

We prepare students for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist as part of our religion curriculum. Students need not attend sacramental preparation outside of school as our curriculum fulfills this preparation.

FAITH FORMATION

Our students begin their faith formation from the moment they enter St. Mary’s School. From Learning Center through 8th grade they learn essential daily devotional prayers, study the life of saints, practice theological virtues each month, recite the Rosary, and examine the Catechism of the Catholic church with the spiritual and corporal works of Mercy. Building on this strong foundation we invite our students to see their faith as a way of life. Our religion program is hands-on, with a strong emphasis on service-learning and self-reflection. Our students spend time together in daily prayer, in preparation for first Sacraments, liturgical celebrations, weekly Mass, and serving others. Our curriculum is integral in the nurturing of the whole child: intellectually, physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and culturally.

HOLY EUCHARIST

Preparation begins in September with a parent meeting, during which a priest, the second grade teacher, and our principal discuss the layout of the program as well as suggestions on how to make a faith-connection at home. The sacrament is celebrated in a ceremony during the Lenten season.

RECONCILIATION

Beginning in the second grade, teachers begin preparing students for confession by having them complete devotional exercises designed to develop a deeper understanding of forgiveness and repentance.Students are taught value of penance and the Act of Contrition and are guided in the process of reconciliation.