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St. Mary School

Faith

Saint Mary School

Authentically Catholic

Our Catholic faith is the heart of who we are and all that we do. We believe that teaching the children to love as Christ has loved them will yield positive fruits in their lives and in the lives of those they meet. Ultimately, we want to help them become saints.

In the classroom

Religion Curriculum

Course of Study

The goal of our catechetical efforts is to foster an environment that helps a Catholic Christian develop in knowing, practicing, and continuing to grow in the understanding of and teachings of Jesus and of the Catholic Church that we inherited from Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. It is in the Catholic Christian community, in its prayer and sacred liturgies and in its lived experience, that students will continue to learn how to live the challenge of the Catholic faith so as to help build God’s Kingdom of justice, peace, and love.

The course of study offers standards in the areas of: Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship, Knowledge of Faith, Liturgy and Sacraments, Morality, Christian Prayer, and Community Life. Under each standard are major objectives for that specific area. These objectives are placed on a chart showing when they are to be introduced, developed, mastered, and maintained. Each of these objectives has grade level indicators which show what students in that grade should know and what skills they should practice.

Diocesan Course of Study for Religion

Theology of the Body

All Catholic schools in the Diocese of Columbus teach the Theology of the Body (TOB). TOB explains God’s design for our nature, which is a blueprint for moral living that adults and children can understand and apply to the hard questions about sex, gender, life, marriage and the ongoing quest for human fulfillment.

Learn more from the Ruah Woods Institute

Beyond the classroom

Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Saint Mary School students kneeling in prayer in the pews during Mass

Every week

Weekly Mass

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term “Eucharist” originates from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving. In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. As a school, we come together each week to participate in the celebration of the Holy Mass. Family members are welcome to join us!

Priest holding a monstrance during Eucharistic Adoration at the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption

Every month

Monthly Adoration

During Eucharistic Adoration, the faithful pray to Jesus Christ, who is present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist, also referred to as the Blessed Sacrament, is kept in a tabernacle at our church.

While it is true that you can pray to God anywhere and that He is always within you, it is especially powerful to adore Jesus in the Eucharist. In the presence of the Eucharist, we pray to the body of Jesus Who gave His life so that we may live. It is His body, blood, soul and divinity that is really, truly, and substantially present in the Eucharist.

We adore and receive the Eucharist in Communion at Mass, which is the most beautiful act of worship that we have as Catholics. We have Jesus truly present in all of the tabernacles around the world. We can continue to adore Him in the Eucharist after Mass in a quiet time of prayer and contemplation on Who we have just received. Being in the presence of the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ gives spiritual strength and nourishment in a uniquely powerful way.

As a school, we gather together each month for Adoration and Benediction. Family members are welcome to join us!

Sacramental Preparation

Our second and eighth grade students receive sacramental preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion (2nd grade) and Confirmation (8th grade).

2nd Grade

Reconciliation & First Communion

8th Grade

Confirmation

Additionally, the Basilica of Saint Mary welcomes those who are new to the Lancaster area and would like to join our parish church, those who are looking to return to an active practice of the Catholic faith and participation in the sacramental life, or those adults or families interested in becoming Catholic through our parish O.C.I.A. Process.

Becoming Catholic at the Basilica

Liturgical Season Celebrations

For Catholics, the liturgical calendar marks the Church year, a sequence of seasons and feasts celebrated in the liturgy during a year’s time. The liturgical calendar uses terms and measurements similar to a typical calendar. However, the liturgical calendar’s purpose is to celebrate and understand the mystery of Jesus Christ and the expectation of His return in glory. In each liturgical year, we celebrate the entire life and paschal mystery of Jesus Christ. Liturgies celebrated during different seasons have distinctive music and specific readings, prayers, rituals, and colors.

At Saint Mary School, we celebrate the liturgical seasons by having an Advent Calendar, Lenten Penance Service, and more.

Deepening faith

Retreats

Throughout the year, our students attend various retreats to deepen their faith lives.

  • 2nd Grade

    First Communion Retreat

  • 5th & 6th Grade

    Faith & Science Retreat

    at Damascus

  • 7th Grade

    Leadership Retreat

    at Damascus

  • 8th Grade

    Confirmation Retreat

    at Damascus

Our Core ValuesHow to Apply