Spiritual Formation

All Catholic schools share the fundamental mission of promoting the spiritual development of students through the integration of faith and learning. It has always been the collective "raison d'etre" of Catholic schooling. But there are many ways to accomplish this important mission.

At Saint Patrick Catholic School, we believe that the manner in which we approach this task is integral to fulfilling the task itself.  

THE VISION: A seamless integration of faith, learning and life.

Saint Patrick Catholic School's spiritual formation program is based on a thoughtfully planned curriculum and spiritual education experience guided by trained teachers who invite students and parents into a collaboration resulting in self reflection and goal setting. Saint Patrick's believes that this spiritual forum will enliven and deepen faith development of the children and the school community.  

The following four elements or “graces” are the foundation to the school's spiritual formation program.

Prayer

It is a really simple concept. The more time we spend in a relationship, the better chance that relationship has to become meaningful.   Prayer is the primary way we develop a relationship with God. Saint Patrick Catholic School is dedicated to work with parents in developing within children a prayer life that will last a lifetime. It doesn't happen by accident. This will be accomplished by:

• Encouraging spiritual time in personal prayer, community prayer and reflection.
• Empowering students to lead portions of prayer time on a rotating basis.
• Providing daily gathering times for students to come together as one body for prayer.
• Developing individual creative personal prayer, conversations with God and Jesus are integral to Christian spirituality.
• Learning time honored, traditional prayers.

Religious Education

Understanding scripture, the story of salvation, Church teaching and tradition is fundamental to the Saint Patrick Catholic School religious education program. This instruction is taught by trained teachers. Their importance cannot be underestimated. Moreover, children and youth learn by what they hear and see from others, especially adults. So, first they must see their teachers and parents modeling a Christian world- view. We understand and commit to:

• A belief that all Saint Patrick's teachers and staff are religious educators—all are responsible for modeling faith.
• Supporting parents as the primary teachers of their children by engaging in reflection and goal setting.
• Providing a staff free to identify teachable moments on issues of faith when they arise, so that faith and values are integrated with the school curriculum.
• Providing a clear religious education curriculum harmonious with the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Community Life

At Saint Patrick Catholic School, we understand that values can only be mediated through community. We are the "Body of Christ," the Church, and we are all our children have to assist them in learning and living Christian values.   Because we see God's presence in all of life, we joyfully foster and maintain good relationships in Christian community. We do this joyfully both as sign and symbol of Christ living among us, fully aware that we are models for our children. Believing then, in this spirituality of right relationships, we are committed to:

• Encouraging all to identify, nurture and celebrate students' gifts.
• Supporting the teachers, staff and children by encouraging the presence of parents, friends and volunteerism at Saint Patrick's.
• Encourage parents to participate in school activities when possible.
• Taking the time to teach children how to create, nurture, maintain and heal relationships.

Service

Saint Patrick Catholic School children will learn the value of service and stewardship in all areas of their lives. We emphasize the value of giving of time, talent and treasure to those in need. As Eucharistic people, St. Patrick's children will learn to see “the face of Jesus” in all they encounter.  

As the children learn in an atmosphere of faith, the service-leadership program will give students specific opportunities to minister to others and thus live out their baptismal call "to serve." We believe and are committed to:

• An emphasis on learning to love and serve others.
• Providing St. Patrick's students developmentally appropriate opportunities to serve each other in school and in our community.
• Providing an atmosphere for reflection on how they can best share their gifts and talents with others.

Jesus said. "Feed my lambs. Follow me." (John 21:15, 19) At Saint Patrick Catholic School, we are committed to helping our students know that God is real in their lives. This, in turn, will help our students become disciples of Jesus Christ. When a student understands that the service that they do, is in response to Christ's message, they begin developing a seamless integration of Christian faith and life.

“We who know the story and try to live it out, have the joyful task of telling it to others. When our words rise from hearts full of love and gratitude, they will bear fruit…” ~ Henri Nouwen