The students and staff are provided many opportunities to grow in knowledge of, appreciation for and practice of their Catholic Faith. These opportunities included community service projects and altar serving. Religious teachings and values are incorporated into all areas of the curriculum.
Religion
Children learn Christian values in every aspect of the St. Mary of the Annunciation experience. St. Mary’s religion program uses the text from Sadlier-Oxford publishers (copyright 1999). Coming to Faith helps the children explore their Catholic faith, develop morally, and grow in religious understanding and practice. Its foundation is the four sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Creed, Sacraments, Commandments, and Prayer. The information is solidly based on Scripture. Liturgical seasons are planned for and celebrated as a parish with all students who are eligible in the second grade. The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated with all eligible eighth grade students. Students celebrate Mass together once a week as a student body.
Students in grades K-6 participate in the Mass as lectors, cantors, and gift bearers. This promotes the development of social skills and professional life skills. As part of our Building Christian Character program, students focus on the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Each day a brief, thought-provoking quotation will be read (over the public announcement system) that is related to the value of the month. Monthly assemblies are held that focus on the Work of Mercy of the Month. Classes take turns presenting a different Work of Mercy at the assemblies to the rest of the school family. For more information on the Spiritual Works of Mercy, click here. Additionally, classes focus weekly on different postures, gestures and/or elements of Worship through our Faith Focus program. For more information on the Faith Focus program, click here.
The average number of minutes of instruction per school week at St. Mary School is approximately 150 minutes.
Student Ministry
During the school year the students are empowered to assist teachers and each other in planning various activities. As part of the Christian formation of students, they are encouraged to exercise Christian discipleship in ways appropriate to their age and personal gifts