We have been celebrating Catholic Schools Week with treats, activities, and some surprises. As this week draws to a close, we share some student responses to how the Academy supports them and helps them grow in their faith.
How does the Academy help you grow in your faith?
The Academy offers so many opportunities for me to grow in my faith. We attend Mass and we also take religion as a core class. My teacher teaches us about our religion and how to continue to grow in our faith. We also do service activities that help us to remember how many gifts God has given us.
— Class of 2028 student
The Academy helps me grow in my faith by having the five Goals which ensure you’re living through Jesus. These Goals help me have guidelines outside and inside the school making sure I follow Jesus.
— Class of 2027 student
We have a very loving community, and we also have great traditions. We have Mass every First Friday, and after Mass we do something called team building, which is when we go into assigned groups with the whole school and do fun activities. We also have the remains of a saint in the Shrine which is very special because St. Rose Philippine Duchesne was amazing in helping make our school the great place it is today.
— Class of 2026 student
I feel comfortable sharing my values and discussing my faith in class, as the classroom is a safe space for everyone no matter what. This is something that the Academy has told and assured over the last 10 years, and makes me feel open to share my opinion without fear of judgment.
— Class of 2025 student
How often do you attend Mass or prayer services? How do they impact you?
We normally attend Mass every first Friday of the month and sometimes if there’s a special occasion. We also have prayer services when something devastating happens in the world. They impact me a lot as it shows me what we need to pray for and it shows me that we care about the rest of the world as much as we care about ourselves and it’s important to do that.
— Class of 2025 student
How do teachers and staff reflect the school’s Catholic values in their actions?
They encourage us to pray by being the role model. We pray during class, and they show us the wisdom of God in each and every class. The staff members at the Academy strive each day to show the best of themselves, either in the classroom or in their actions during Mass and prayer events.
— Class of 2025 student
Lower School students began Mass Buddies this month. Each student is paired with a Middle School student to sit with during Masses, building community and increasing reverence. Last week, the students found out who their buddies were after much anticipation at an ice-breaker meet and greet. This Friday will be their first Mass together.
The commitment of faculty and staff was celebrated each day with a special drawing for a gift card along with an Academy soup mug. Wednesday’s warm surprise was a coffee and hot chocolate cart. And, on Friday, they will be treated to lunch before their professional development afternoon begins.
During espacio each day this week, students shared a special prayer. Wednesday’s prayer was from Pope Francis:
Our prayer is one of Hope that, as a Nation blessed with many gifts, our actions demonstrate a genuine care for our most vulnerable sisters and brothers, including the unborn, the poor, the elderly, and refugees. The just Judge expects nothing less.
Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister. Amen.
