Spirituality at St. Thomas the Apostle School

The Administration and Staff of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic school put great emphasis on the spirituality of our students. Here are a few of the ways we incorporate spirituality into school life:

• The religion curriculum for students in kindergarten through eighth grade covers church history, liturgy, morality, creed, sacraments, creation, saints, angels, and the Bible.
• Prayer is an important part of each day. We begin our mornings with prayer as a whole school, and then continue our own intentions within the classroom. The day concludes with the Our Father. All classroom instruction begins with a prayer.
• The students attend Mass every Friday morning as a school. Each class takes turns preparing the Mass. The children do the reading, prayers of intention, carry up the offertory gifts, and act as greeters at all church entrances. Students may also join the choir to share their vocal or instrumental talents. Professional musicians and student volunteers lead the congregation. The 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders attend an additional Mass during the week.
• Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation is done in conjunction with the Parish Religious Education Program. The religious education provided in the school also supports this preparation for the sacraments.
• Retreats and prayer services help enhance your child's opportunities to develop a closer relationship with God and with their faith family. Eighth graders participate in a fall and spring day of retreat. Seventh graders have a retreat in spring. Sacramental preparation also includes a retreat.
• Students Taking Action is a Christian community service program providing opportunities in junior high to help enhance Christian commitment to serve others.