November 2, 2011 13:13

LEARNING FOCUSED IN FAITH Sts. Joan of Arc & Patrick School is devoted to the spiritual development of its students and their families. Academics, athletics, extra-curricular and social activities reflect our Catholic heritage. Students actively participate in the celebration of the Mass. On Mondays, grades 1 through 8 celebrate together, alternating monthly between our two sponsoring parishes. On Fridays, kindergarten, first and second graders celebrate Mass at St. Patrick, while third through eighth grade Mass is at St. Joan of Arc. Students have frequent opportunities to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic adoration, and seasonal prayer activities such as Stations of the Cross. Because faith is to be lived, prayer is integrated throughout the school day. Students pray at the start of the day, before and after meals and snacks, at the start of classes, and at the end of the school day. All that we do is offered as service to our Lord. Religion classes are appropriate for each age group. Beginning in preschool, children learn of God's love for them. As students mature, they learn more about the teachings of the Church and their role in the universal Church. The STSJP Virtues Program allows students to learn to live virtuous lives by studying the lives of saints. This study includes exploration of the ways students may integrate saintly virtues into their own lives. Service is an integral part of our faith. Through class, school and group activities, students learn to serve one another in both formal and informal ways. Student Council and National Junior Honor Society lead students in campus, parish and community service projects. Individual acts of service, including helping one another, assisting teachers, or participation in the Mass, are ways students learn to live their faith.