Student Faith Formation

Students gather as a full community to celebrate the Eucharist, the “source and summit” of our faith.

• Led by our chaplain and rotating priests.
• Students serve as lectors, altar servers, and gift bearers.
• Music includes student-led worship.

Our theology program is fully aligned with Catholic teaching and developmental stages. All grades, 7-12, have their own Theology curriculum.

Scripture, morality, Church history, sacramental theology, and prayer.

• Opportunities for research, reflection, journaling, and faith projects.
• Each week, first-block class teachers lead a short lesson and discussion on the virtue of the week.

Every student participates in a grade-specific retreat each year. Each retreat begins with mass, adoration & reconciliation,

• 7th Grade: focus on St. Augustine of Hippo, God is the longing of their heart
• 8th Grade: focus on a strong foundation to get ready for high school
• 9th Grade: focused on prayer, reflection stations, and learning to “hear God’s voice.”
• 10th Grade: Service focus, going out into the community and working at various sites
• 11th Grade – KAIROS: A transformative 4-day/3-night Ignatian-style retreat focused on Knowing God, Knowing Self, and Knowing Others, and living the 4th
• 12th Grade: Senior retreat emphasizing community, living the 4th, and preparing for life after CN.

We offer regular opportunities for students to encounter God through the sacraments.

• Reconciliation: Offered weekly and throughout the year, especially Advent and Lent, with multiple priests available.
• Adoration: Once a month all day adoration is available as well as  Grade-level or class-based visits; students receive guided reflections and silent prayer. 

Holy Days of Obligation: Celebrated as a full school community.

Service is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and integrated throughout the year.

• Each grade has required service hours connected to curricular standards in Theology.
• Students use MobileServe to track service and reflect on their experiences.
• School-wide service projects such as Comfort & Care Packs, food drives, and Advent/ Lent outreach.
• Inclusive service options for students with diverse learning needs (e.g., De La Salle program).
• Partnerships with local organizations and national/international mission experiences (Mexico, Costa Rica, Jenkins, KY; Panama).

Students grow as spiritual leaders.

• Kairos Student Leaders receive specialized formation in facilitation and ministry skills.
• Grade level retreats student Leaders run small groups, support sacramental moments, and model Christian witness.
• Student-led prayers, reflections, and community-building initiatives throughout the year.

Students are invited to explore the many ways God calls us to live.

• Planned visits to Belmont Abbey, religious sisters, and vocation talks.
• Conversations with priests, deacons, and lay ministers.
• Integration of discernment language in retreats and spiritual practices.
• Vocation/Faith clubs for men, women & middle school: Includes service projects, guest speakers, and meaningful conversations about faith and leadership.

A program blending athletics with Catholic virtues.

• Coaches and athletes pray together using themed reflections (Temperance, Fortitude, Gratitude, etc.).
• Encourages sportsmanship, humility, and seeing God in competition.
• Reinforces the idea that faith accompanies us “onto the field.”

We honor the rhythms of the Church year. In the chapel and the classroom

• Advent: Prayer banner competition, prayer services, service drives.
• Lent: Stations of the Cross, reconciliation services, almsgiving projects.
• Feast Days: Special Masses, saints’ activities, and classroom reflections.
• Visual reminders (purple cloths, Advent wreaths, etc.) across campus.

Our school day begins in prayer—grounding everything in God’s presence.

• Morning prayer over the intercom.
• Class prayers and spontaneous prayer intentions.
• Staff models prayer at meetings, professional development, and retreats.
• Students lead prayers for events, assemblies, and athletics.

The environment itself teaches faith.

• Chapel available for students and staff throughout the day.
• Outdoor prayer garden.
• Crucifixes in classrooms.
• Religious artwork and quotes throughout hallways.

We work closely with the Diocese of Charleston and local parishes.

• Priests visit theology classes and student events.
• Students serve liturgically at parish Masses.
• Shared events such as March for Life, pen-pal projects, and service efforts.

Adults also grow in faith so they can form the next generation.

• Staff retreats and virtue reflections.
• “Happy Hour” community-building with faith-themed messaging.
• Ongoing formation in Catholic worldview and accompaniment.