Overview of Spirituality

RELIGIOUS FORMATION

The religious formation of children is the primary reason for the existence of Catholic schools. At St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School, our mission is to partner with families to form disciples of Jesus Christ and help our students grow in faith on their journey to Heaven. For this reason, religious education is at the heart of our curriculum and school culture.

Through the study of Scripture, Church doctrine, prayer, and the liturgy, students are invited to deepen their relationship with God in ways that are appropriate to their developmental level and connected to their everyday experiences. Prayer is woven throughout each school day, beginning and ending the day and continuing in classrooms, before meals, and during various school activities. Faith formation is not limited to religion class but is integrated into all aspects of school life.

Students attend weekly Mass with their class each Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. In addition, all students are expected to participate in Mass on Holy Days of Obligation and during special liturgies and faith-centered school events. Through these opportunities for worship, prayer, and service, we strive to help students develop a lifelong relationship with Christ and live as faithful members of His Church.

Sacramental Preparation

Catholic students in second grade prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is typically celebrated in the winter, and First Holy Communion is celebrated in the spring. Catholic students in grades 3–8 also have the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent.

The preparation of young people for the sacraments is a shared responsibility among parents, the parish, the school, and the candidates themselves. St. Luke the Evangelist Parish and School work together to provide a comprehensive sacramental formation program. The Director of Religious Education oversees sacramental preparation for all parish and school children, while classroom teachers provide the instructional component under the Director of Religious Education's guidance and the school administration's support.

As Catholics, we believe that the Eucharist is truly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Reception of Holy Communion is both a sign of unity with the Catholic Church and a profession of this belief. For this reason, non-Catholic students participate in classroom instruction about the sacraments but do not receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation or Holy Communion.

During Mass, non-Catholic students are welcome to come forward with their arms crossed over their chest to receive a blessing. Families interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or in becoming Catholic are encouraged to contact the parish or school. We would be happy to answer questions and assist you in exploring the process of entering the Catholic Church.

LITURGICAL SEASONS

We participate in the Catholic Church's liturgical seasons throughout the year. Prayer tables in each classroom are changed according to the season. In May and October, we say the rosary at a school. During Advent, we offer Reconciliation to Catholic students in 3rd-8th grade. During Lent, we pray the Stations of the Cross as a whole school and offer Reconciliation to Catholic students in 2nd-8th grade.