Faith Development

Participation in the Catholic Faith
Faith development is a prime consideration at St. Mary’s. Families should realize their obligation to practice their faith and support our Parish Community in its activities. Families not registered in a Catholic Parish are welcome to register here at St. Mary's.

All students, Catholic and Non-Catholic, will attend religion classes, Mass, and devotions. All students are required to participate in a respectful manner at all times. Daily religion classes are offered to all grades. Christian principles will be the guiding influence in all academic subjects and in all matters of conduct and discipline.

Each school day begins with an all-school assembly in the gym. In addition to school related announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance, we praise God through song and prayer.

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Sacramental Policy
All students preparing to celebrate a sacrament must register with the Religious Education Office. Students attending St. Mary’s School will be prepared for sacraments as part of their daily religion instruction. The Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Communion are celebrated during the 2nd grade. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every two years (in even school years) with grades 7 and 8.

New families must provide a copy of their child’s baptismal certificate at registration. If the child is older than 2 nd grade and has not received the Sacrament of Baptism, Reconciliation and/or First Communion, please contact the Parish Religious Education Office. The Director of Religious Education will create a plan for sacramental preparation.

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Liturgy
All School Masses or Chapel Masses are celebrated on a weekly basis. Classroom teachers take turns preparing the liturgy. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade are involved as servers, lectors, gift bearers, and ministers of music where appropriate.

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Reconciliation
Students are given the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent as part of the school day. Families are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation often. Times are published in the Sunday bulletin.

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Devotions
Students have the opportunity to participate in devotions such as praying the rosary, Stations of the Cross, and May Crowning. In addition, special prayer services are scheduled throughout the school year.

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Christian Service
Students have opportunities to participate in service projects such as food and clothing drives, parish outreach to the poor, and the Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen as part of their education and faith development at St. Mary’s.