Spiritual Formation
The mission of Holy Spirit is to develop independent, life-long learners who can and will live for Christ.
Pope John Paul II told us to, "Open wide the doors for Christ."
Sacramental Preparation
Sacrament preparation is conducted in 2nd grade and also in 7th and 8th grades. For all Catholic 2nd graders, preparation for First Reconciliation is during the fall term and First Eucharist is received in the spring term.
Confirmation instruction is done by the Religion teacher throughout the year for Holy Spirit 8th graders. Service hours may begin being served in the 7th grade to assist Confirmandi in acquiring all necessary hour for the Sacrament.
Reconciliation
Students in Grades 3-8 are given an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation multiple times throughout the school year and are encouraged to the receive the Sacrament at other times throughout the year.
Social Awareness and Outreach
The social application of Christian teaching is presented as motivation for student participation in various fund-raising programs and service activities. This is coordinated through the Student Council.
Outreach programs include, but aren't limited to, coat and school supply drives, Uplift and Respect Life. Older students help at St. Mary's Food Kitchen. All Holy Spirit School students participate in ongoing service.
Joyful Works
Joyful Works is a Holy Spirit Parent's Association sponsored program whose goal is to promote and celebrate community service. Every time a child does an hour of community service, they get to write their name on a hand and have it added to the Joyful Works wall outside St. Elizabeth Hall.
RCIC Program
New students from Catholic families (Grade 3-Grade 8) who have not yet received the Sacraments may participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) Program. In this program, the students will be instructed and prepared for the Sacraments of Initiation. younger children, who have not been baptized, may receive this Sacrament after consultation with the Parish Director of Religious Education and the Pastor.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Classes
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes help children encounter the living God through presentations based on the Bible and Liturgy. Children nurture their relationship with Jesus within a prepared environment (atrium). The atrium is specially prepared with age appropriate materials for this Montessori based religious formation program.
Integrating Faith & Academics
At Holy Spirit Catholic School, teaching religion is a curriculum priority, as is integrating religion into the day-to-day activities of the school. We lead students to an understanding of Catholic principles and virtues, guiding them to engage in his or her own personal relationship with God. Every Holy Spirit Catholic School student is entitled to and receives Catholic faith formation and spiritual development. Together with students and their families, we build a faith-based community rooted in the Gospel of Christ and His command to love one another.
Preparing Minds for the Future: Souls for Eternity
Students actively participate in liturgies and assist in the planning of Masses, Rosaries, Benedictions and the Stations of the Cross. Students in grades 1-8 participate in school liturgies weekly by singing, reading, writing prayers of intercessions, bearing gifts, and praying with one another. Students in grades 5-8 may volunteer to be altar servers.
As a school community we:
Attend Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation.
Grades 1-8 host Masses throughout the year
Grades Kdg.,1 and 2 participate in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Gather together for a Rosary on each Friday afternoon during October and May
Participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent. (Grades 2-8)
Participate in the Stations of the Cross during Lent
Spend time in the Adoration Chapel
Gather together for All School Adoration in the Church
Gather together for Benediction the First Friday of every month
Participate in various service projects throughout the year
Hawks Helping Others- a day spent with Catholic Charities activities
Integrate our faith into every curriculum area
The Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education (ACRE) is annually administered to the students in grades 5 and 8. The ACRE is produced by the National Catholic Educational Association and serves as an integrated approach to assessment offering both faith knowledge as well as beliefs, behavior, attitudes, and practices sections.
Service For Others
St. Mary's Food Kitchen: This service provides a chicken dinner to the homeless and less fortunate at St. Mary's Food Kitchen once a month. Four eighth grade students and two parents assist the parish volunteers each month during those months that school is in session.
7th Grade Marian Medal
Young ladies in the 7th grade take part in the Marian Medal program and celebrate completing the program at a Sunday Mass. They grow in their relationship with our Blessed Mother throughout the year, learning from guest speakers and by doing service projects. This special program has been available for the past 24+ years and is open to all 7th grade girls.