Catholic Identity
Faith Formation
Our Catholic Identity and Living Our Faith
Under the guidance of St. Ann's Catholic Church, we seek to nurture the spiritual and emotional development of our students by providing a strong foundation in the Catholic faith. At St. Ann's, our faith is evident throughout our school and our curriculum. These faith celebrations provide our students with the opportunity to practice Catholic principles in their daily lives, give them the opportunity to extend classroom learning, and, most importantly, come together as a Catholic community.
This includes:
- Full, daily religion curriculum for all grade levels, including sacramental preparation in second grade
- Each day begins and ends with prayer, including before lunch
- Student-led Mass each Friday or Holy Days of Obligation
- Altar servers
- Prayer buddies
- May procession and crowning
- Observation and awareness of Holy Days of Obligation
- Community service is another way our students work to incorporate their faith into daily life, and it is an integral part of the religion curriculum. By performing these service projects, students gain a sense of human compassion, learn the importance of civic responsibility, and realize the blessings bestowed upon them.
Weekly School Mass
We invite you to join us for school Mass, which is held on most Fridays during the school year at 8:30am. At every Student Mass, students in kindergarten through eighth grade participate as greeters, lectors, altar servers, and choir members. Parents, family, and friends are always welcome. Each class will have the opportunity to plan and lead the liturgies.
First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Students receive sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion during their second grade year. As part of this preparation, all students and their parents are required to ensure completion of First Reconciliation prior to First Holy Communion. Additionally, First Communion takes place in March, traditionally chosen by students during weekend Masses.
Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week (CSW) -- organized by the National Catholic Educational Association -- is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It typically takes place the last week of January or the first week of February. St. Ann's Catholic School will observe the week with Mass, an Open House, and appreciation events. Through these events, our school will focus on the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to Church, local communities, and the nation.
School Traditions
Throughout the year, St. Ann's Catholic School participates in and hosts a variety of fun activities and events for our students and families. These school traditions run deep in the St. Ann's community and are great ways to combine family-friendly fun with Catholic teachings.
Traditions include:
- Catholic Schools Week (CSW)
- All Saints Day Saints Museum (third grade)
- Book Fairs
- Red Ribbon Week
- Grandparents Day
- Garden City Field Trip (third grade)
- St. Francis of Assisi Pet Blessing
- Hot Dog Day
- Veterans Day Parade
- Pep Rallies
- St. Ann's Family Fair
- Field Day
- Mardi Gras Gala
- Distinguished Alumni
- STAR Event Honoring our Graduating Seniors
Service
Catholic identity is an important part of the St. Ann's Catholic School curriculum, and it's the foundation of our mission to lead each student in the formation of a strong Catholic faith through the balanced pursuit of faith, knowledge, and character. Beginning in preschool, students plan and implement various service projects that benefit our local community and beyond. This causes helping others and acts of service to become core fundamentals in the lives of our students.
Some service projects Include:
- Food drives to benefit local food pantries
- Diapers & Wipes Drive to benefit the Life Center
- $5 Jean Days (free dress) to raise money for various immediate needs
- Coat drives
- Cleaning up local parks
- Toys for Tots Toy Drive
- Feathers for Food
- ...and many more!