Spiritual Life 2011-12

Spiritual Life

At Saint Mary High School we begin each day with a schoolwide prayer led by our students. Our theology classes begin with prayer to foster an awareness in the students of the presence of God in their daily lives.

Retreats

Our retreat program this year includes an opening retreat for the freshmen class on September 9 and a retreat for seniors on May 4. These retreats emphasize each individual's relationship with God along with community building activities and leadership skills.

School Masses

As a school we attend Mass at Saint Mary's Church throughout the year. If a holy day of obligation falls on a school day, the school community participates in the Mass that day. The dates for the 2011-12 school year are: August 30 (1:00), October 21, November 1, December 8, February 2, March 19, and May 17. In addition, classes will go to Mass separately during their Study period at some point during the year.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation

During the Season of Lent, all students are given the opportunity to go to confession. Priests from area parishes are present to assist.

Community Service Requirement

The following community service requirements have been set forth by the administration of Saint Mary High School:

Class of 2012 - 30 hours over the course of the high school career

Classes of 2013, 2014, 2015 - 30 hours per school year.

Students are required to log and respond to community service projects. Theology teachers share the responsibility of verifying all logged hours. For more detailed information about this requirement please contact Rob Lepage or Jillian Fiorentino.

Soup Kitchen

On the first Monday of each month at 4:00pm, students and staff serve at the Community Table in Westfield. The dates for 2011-12 school year are: September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5, January 2, February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6.

Confirmation Preparation

As part of the junior Theology course, students are prepared for reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Many area parishes accept this preparation in lieu of religious education classes. We are the only Catholic high school in the diocese to offer this preparation.