At Saint Brendan Catholic School, the uniqueness of each student as a child of God is respected. The faculty encourages an understanding of individual differences as well as need to nurture self-esteem. Therefore, students are motivated to grow at levels of competence and responsibility within a framework of security.
By educating the total individual within a Catholic faith community, the school provides children with skills necessary to succeed and excel in contemporary society. The spiritual enrichment and academic excellence long associated with the Catholic tradition of education are proudly pursued at St. Brendan School.
Catholic students need to be prepared to be productive Christian citizens in a rapidly changing world. In accomplishing this, teachers must draw from a plethora of areas of ideas, including the world of sports, literature, commercials, newspaper stories, and everyday life experiences.
The liturgy and sacrament preparations are at the center of faith formation. Faith formation continues to be a collaborative effort between the home, parish and school.
The following standards are consistently incorporated into the St. Brendan curriculum:
- Students understand God's role in their lives.
- Students demonstrate knowledge of the Catholic faith and traditions.
- Students apply their faith and Christian values to their lives.
- Students recognize the value and dignity of human life.
- Students make a commitment to Christian service.
Religious Exercises
The development of each child's faith life is fostered through times of prayer, participation in religious celebrations, liturgy, services and the study of scriptures, thereby providing a Christian foundation and climate of faith to mature. Non-Catholic students are expected to participate in all religious activities and classes, except the Sacramental Life of the Catholic Church.
Children in Grade 2 will be prepared to receive the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist.
Students in Grades 7 & 8 will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Worship
Saint Brendan School exists as a vital part of the worshiping community of Saint Brendan Parish. The children's presence at Mass manifests their faith life and the commitment of the school to witness the sacramental life of the Church by participating in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Liturgical Involvement
The prayer and liturgical life at St. Brendan Catholic School is essential for preparation and involvement in a Catholic community. Children are encouraged to participate in our Wednesday "Student Mass", in our Sunday 9:30 AM "Children's Mass", and on Holy Days of Obligation. Children are also encouraged to participate in Ministry as altar servers, lectors, gift presenters, and members of the children's choir. At various times in the liturgical year our children are also encouraged to participate in "Stations of the Cross", praying the Rosary, Marian Coronation, and other special liturgical events.