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Spiritual Life
Our Dominican foundresses, Sr. Edna Ann Hebert, O.P. and Sr. Shirley Owens, O.P., envisioned the rich potential of combining Montessori and Catholic principles to serve the hearts and minds of students. Children of all ages have a unique relationship with God, and assisting even the youngest children in spiritual and moral growth is a crucial aspect of our mission. In accordance with both our Montessori and Catholic beliefs, St. Catherine’s has adopted the teachings of “The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” to support the spiritual life of our students. Inspired by the profound religious intuition of children, the Catechesis curriculum combines the self-teaching principles of Montessori with the theological moorings of Hebrew scholarship, scripture studies, and Roman Catholic liturgy and doctrine.
Beginning at the Primary level, students attend monthly Mass, and children in Primary and Elementary visit the school catechist in our Atrium weekly. The Atrium is a prepared environment specifically intended for the spiritual growth of children. The space helps to nourish each child’s relationship with God by allowing for a period of retreat that facilitates introspection and silence; encourages religious life through community and worship; provides concrete, tactile work through which children may converse with God; and prepares the child for involvement in the larger worshiping community.
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In adolescence, students are encouraged to recognize the responsibilities that come with receiving God’s gifts and to envision themselves as collaborators in a life committed to spiritual work and understanding. Our Catholic Adolescent Community and High School students receive lessons in preparation for Confirmation. In their Theology course, students study each of the sacraments and their function and operation under a panoply of Catholic teaching and social practice.
Mass Schedule Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Richard Hinkley, director of spiritual formation at St. Mary’s Seminary. Mass will be held in the SCM gym, and all members of our community are invited to attend.
Wednesday, September 21 at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, October 19 at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, November 1 at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, December 8 at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, January 18 at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, February 22 at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 at 2:15 p.m. Friday, April 28 at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, May 17 at 8:45 a.m.
