"The Campus Ministry program at Catholic High is responsible for the spiritual atmosphere of the entire school. Through prayer experiences, service opportunities, and instructional sessions, the Campus Ministry Team seeks to provide every avenue for students and faculty to encounter God’s grace as part of their faith journeys. Our hope is to make Catholic High School a place that strives to build God’s Kingdom by creating a more just, compassionate, and peaceful world."
Scott Losavio '95/Campus Minister/Catholic High School
Christian values are inherent in all disciplines. Through the articulation of these values and through efforts to discover the mystery of God's self-revelation in all branches of learning, the teacher brings a Christian perspective to the classroom. We believe that classroom prayer is a means of making students more conscious of the presence of God in creation, in daily events, in others, and in the learning process.
Student Ministry TeamThe Student Ministry Team is composed of juniors and seniors who serve as mentors to the 8th and 9th graders. Once a month, student ministers meet with eighth- and ninth-graders in their religion classes to help them adjust to high school. In a program that begins with a three-day summer workshop and continues into the school year, team members receive training in small-group leadership, communication techniques and other ministry skills. The student ministers meet monthly for faith sharing.
Mission TripsEvery year, faculty members and students from both CHS and SJA participate in mission trips to the Navajo Nation in Klagetoh, Arizona and to Honduras. Additional mission trips are usually offered.
Religion DepartmentThe Religion Department strives to blend academic religious studies and the dynamics of human development, encouraging students to undertake the lifelong search for ultimate values and personal growth. Service to others, especially those in need, is stressed at every level. Community service to one's fellows is viewed as an essential facet of the religious education of a Catholic High student. In this respect, a program of required community service has become an integral part of religion courses. Thus, the student actually applies the concept of putting the Gospel into practice.
LiturgiesSchool Masses are available regularly for students and faculty. Involvement of many school groups in planning liturgies helps make the celebrations more meaningful to students. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation both at school and in their respective parishes. Active involvement at the parish level is recommended as an excellent introduction to the greater Church. Students are challenged to assume their responsibilities as lay leaders and to consider vocations and ministries.
Prayer ExperiencesBecause of the essential role of prayer in the formation of a personal relationship with God, students participate in varied and regular experiences of prayer. Each October seniors participate in an overnight retreat in order to set the tone for their final year at Catholic High. Students in grades 8, 9, 10 and 11 participate in days of recollection, with special attention given to the needs of each age group. The student ministry team serves as peer ministers in the days of recollection for eigth, ninth and tenth-graders.
Pastoral CounselingAs pastoral counselors, the campus ministers work toward the total faith development of each student, attempting to help him fulfill his social, psychological and religious needs. The campus ministers are available to students for spiritual guidance and faith counseling on a daily basis, listening, helping and lending support.
