Catholic Life

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

This approach to the religious formation of children is rooted in the Bible, the Liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith and values. Centered around the story of the Good Shepherd, this program takes the Mass and uses child-sized materials and language so children can feel engaged and understand the importance of the liturgy. Central to this approach is the Atrium, a sacred space prepared for the children. A place of beauty, the Atrium is designed for being with and enjoying God, listening to God’s Word, and praying. We are fortunate to offer level one and two atria for children ages three to nine years old.

Corporal Works of Mercy

Each class at St. Andrew is assigned a Corporal Work of Mercy that they focus on throughout the year. Corporal Works of Mercy are acts of charity that address the physical and material needs of others. Each class carries out their Corporal Work of Mercy in different ways. For example, kindergarten is tasked with feeding the hungry, so they collect food and bring it to our donation bins before Mass each Friday. Older students are tasked with caring for the dead and they visit our columbarium and alter serve at funerals.

Education in VirtuesThe Education in Virtue program embodies a way of life rather than just offer resources. It provides an in-depth knowledge of the theological and moral virtues and the process of growing in virtue. Each week students learn about a new virtue, and we talk about saints who embody these virtues. Whenever a student is spotted exhibiting one of the virtues we study, staff fill out a fish with what they did and the virtue they were "caught" doing. The photo above shows the bulletin board of fish at the front of our school.

Sacramental Preparation

Students in second grade prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion while our eighth graders will prepare for their Confirmation. The second graders begin preparing in September and concentrate on these Holy Sacraments two times a week. 

Service Projects

Throughout the year, each class does one or more service projects. These often tie in with the classes assigned corporal work of mercy. When a class does a service project, they go around to each grade and talk to other students about the project and ask for donations. Some example of past service projects:

• Collecting money for St. Jude
• Collecting food and other necessities for Saline Area Social Services
• Collecting items for Desert Angels, a non-profit that sends care packages to those deployed overseas
• Collecting baby items for Hope Clinic

Weekly Mass and Adoration

The entire school attends adoration each Thursday and Mass each Friday. Students participate as altar servers, lectors, ushers and sing in the ensemble. You will also see the older students paired with younger students as role models during the Mass. We also attend Mass on Holy Days of obligation. Families are encouraged to join us whenever possible.