Faith at Nativity of Mary School
Nativity of Mary School values its Catholic identity. The faith journeys of all our students, faculty, and staff are respected. Students’ faith is enriched and nourished through a comprehensive program that includes weekly participation in an all-school Mass, frequent prayer, access to the sacraments, religion classes, service opportunities, retreats, clubs and activities with a religious component, and classroom visits from religious sisters and the parish priest.
The Catholic Christian faith is thoroughly incorporated into daily life at Nativity of Mary School.
All-School Mass
Mass on Thursdays & holy days of obligation with opportunities to serve as readers, cantors, musicians, gift bearers, & altar servers
Prayer
Schoolwide; in the classroom; before events & extracurriculars; occasional prayer services & Eucharstic adoration; living Stations of the Cross during Lent
SacramentsFirst Reconciliation & First Eucharist preparation*; daytime reconciliation opportunities during Advent & Lent (grades 2-8)**
Religious Exposure
Monthly classroom visits, education, and community events from Pro Ecclesia Sancta sisters; visits from and access to parish priest
Clubs & Activities
Wednesday morning rosary; student leadership team; band & choir at Mass; religious songs at Christmas concerts; Kindergarten Las Posadas reenactment; Scouting; Christ-centered karate lessons and more
Curriculum
Religion class (taught by Catholic primary school teachers and middle school religion teacher); feast day projects; religious themes incorporated into other subjects as applicable
Service OpportunitiesSchoolwide service projects & clothing drives; classroom service projects & themes; weekly food shelf donations collected at Mass
Spiritual Retreats
Retreats for 6th grade and 8th grade; staff retreats twice per year
*Mainly offered via the parish, with some content also covered in second grade religion class.
**Note: Confirmation preparation is offered via the parish’s evening faith formation classes for 9th graders and older.