PRAYER AND MASS PARTICIPATION
First Friday School Masses: Students in grades 1-8 participate in a monthly first Friday Mass. Throughout the year, each grade is given the opportunity to prepare and lead the liturgy. This involves serving as lectors, altar servers, choir members, bringing the offertory gifts, as well as preparing and presenting a reflection at the end of Mass.  In addition to First Fridays, school Masses are prepared for Ash Wednesday and for Holy Days of Obligation that fall on school days.  Mass is also celebrated on graduation day and on the final day of school.

Weekly 8:00 a.m. Mass: Third through eighth grades attend a regular 8:00 a.m. Mass each week on an assigned day.  Older students participate as altar servers and lectors.  Students are encouraged to use the missal to give oral responses during the Mass and to be attentive to the readings, homily, and prayers of petition.  During Advent, students light the Advent Wreath and lead the Advent prayers.  Additional prayer services are held during the school year for special events such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Cesar Chavez day, and President’s Day.

Paraliturgies and Devotions: An outdoor service is held for the burning of palms for ashes.  Students participate in a Holy Thursday Washing of the Feet service and a May crowning service. Outdoor Stations of the Cross are constructed by the students each year and placed in the schoolyard for use by each class during Fridays of Lent.  A live Stations of the Cross event is conducted by the Student Council during Holy Week.  During October and May, several of the classes pray the rosary with parishioners.

Altar Server Program: Students in grades five through eight are encouraged to participate in the Altar Server program and serve at school Masses and all Sunday Masses.  Training takes place during the summer; and in addition to regular Masses, students often take part in weddings and funerals when requested to do so.

Children’s Choir: Students are offered an opportunity to participate in the Children’s Choir after school. They perform at a monthly Sunday Mass and at student Masses.

Classroom prayer: The school day begins with prayers and special intentions, while grace is said prior to breaking for lunch.  Several grades use a prayer buddies program, in which each student prays for another student in the class for a month.

Morning Prayer Circle: An informal prayer circle for parents takes place every morning after student drop-off.

SACRAMENTS
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Second grade students receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation in January.  They receive encouragement in the form of congratulatory cards from students in each grade and from the faculty and staff of the school.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated by each class, grades 2-8, at least twice during the school year. In addition, the students are encouraged to participate in the Sacrament with their families during the scheduled times on Saturday and at Parish Reconciliation Services held twice a year.

First Eucharist: Second grade students are prepared throughout the school year to receive their First Holy Communion in May.  Families are involved in the process, making a family banner, attending a family retreat, and enjoying an Agape Meal together prior to receiving the Sacrament.  Students receive congratulatory cards from students in each grade and from faculty and staff.  A celebratory family blessing event is held a few days later.

Baptism: Second graders establish a relationship with newly baptized children in the parish with a congratulatory card. The relationship continues with annual birthday cards until the infant reaches school age.

CONTINUED SPRITUAL GROWTH
Retreats: Students and staff have several opportunities throughout the year for spiritual retreats and renewal. Eighth grade students attend two full-day retreats each year.  The focus of the retreat is prayer, scripture, and moral behavior.

Seventh Grade/Kindergarten pairing: Seventh graders are paired with kindergartners for several functions throughout the school year.  These pairs sit together at the Masses and Prayer Services in which the kindergarten is present.  Seventh graders also teach and pray the rosary with their kindergarten buddies.

Relationship with Parish: There is strong support for the school from the pastor and priests in residence at the parish.  In addition, the Director of Religious Education serves as a liaison between the school and parish and assists in preparing the students for the school Masses and reception of the Sacraments.  Older students are encouraged to earn their service hours by assisting with Vacation Bible School and Sunday School and day care.  Parishioners are encouraged to attend school events, including Open House, the Science Fairs, the Fine Arts Festival, and the Parish Ball.  These events are described in the Parish Bulletin and are announced by the priests during Masses.