Faith and Growth
Faith and spiritual growth are at the heart of life at Holy Spirit School. With God as our True North, we nurture students in character, conscience, and compassion—helping them understand who they are, whose they are, and how they are called to live. Anchored in Catholic virtues and Gospel values, our educational approach shapes not only academic achievement but also the moral and spiritual compass that directs each child’s future, paving the way to discover their God-given potential and lead lives of purpose, integrity, and hope.
Weaving Our School Life with Faith and Action
Religious instruction is an essential and ongoing part of each student’s journey, thoughtfully woven into everyday school life across all grade levels. Together with prayer, service, and community experiences, faith formation nurtures a deeper relationship with God and encourages students to live with purpose, compassion, and a spirit of service.
Prayer and Worship
Liturgical Nourishment
Prayer and liturgical participation provide students with regular opportunities to deepen their relationship with God and connect with their faith community. From daily prayers to weekly Masses and traditional observances, students learn the significance of rituals and celebrations in nurturing spiritual growth and a sense of belonging.
Formation in Character and Moral Development
Growing in Virtue
Students learn from saints, inspirational figures, and peers how faith and virtue can be lived each day. Through the Education in Virtues lessons and school-wide celebrations, they explore specific virtues, reflect on their meaning, and practice applying them. These experiences show that virtues are not just taught—they are lived, modeled, and celebrated throughout the school community.
Learn more about Education in Virtues below.
Service and Outreach
Discipleship in Christ
Our outreach and service programs help students understand that we are called to serve one another with compassion and dignity. Through meaningful service experiences—such as food drives, gift donations, and other community projects—, students learn empathy, responsibility, and the importance of caring for others.
Grades 3–8 complete community service hours through volunteer learning opportunities, while the entire school participates in school-wide outreach projects that foster compassion, responsibility, and care for others.
Sacraments
Encounter with the Living Christ
Students are guided through the sacraments as important steps in their faith journey. In second grade, they prepare for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and throughout their school years, they regularly receive the Eucharist and Reconciliation, experiencing the grace and joy of living a sacramental life.
Parish Interactions
Pastoral Guidance
Regular engagement with pastoral leaders provides students with guidance, mentorship, and deeper understanding of their faith. These interactions support both personal growth and preparation for sacraments, emphasizing a life grounded in spiritual reflection and service.
Home-School Partnership
Partners in Faith Formation
Faith formation is a collaborative journey between school and family. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to reinforce values at home through discussion, shared prayer, and participation in school and parish activities. This partnership strengthens the connection between learning, living faith, and practicing virtue in everyday life.
Buddy Program
The Buddy Program pairs older students with younger ones to build meaningful relationships rooted in care, leadership, and shared growth. Older students develop confidence, responsibility, and empathy as role models, while younger students gain encouragement and inspiration by learning from peers who model positive choices and kindness. Through these connections, students learn that faith and growth are strengthened through community and relationships.
Ministry Service: Altar Servers and Children's Choir
Students are invited to take an active role in the liturgical life of the Church by serving as altar servers (grades 4-8) and members of the children’s choir (grades 3-8). Through these ministries, students participate meaningfully in Mass—assisting at the altar or offering their voices in song—while growing in reverence, responsibility, and confidence.
These opportunities help students deepen their understanding of worship, develop a spirit of service, and express their faith through both action and music. By contributing their time and talents, students learn that serving the Church is an important and joyful way to live out their faith.
Integrity Built in Virtues
Education in Virtues guides students in developing strong moral character rooted in faith and everyday life, cultivating integrity as they strive to “have a heart like Jesus” wherever they are. Through weekly school-wide gatherings, students explore a specific virtue, learn from the lives of saints, and reflect on how these values can be lived out in meaningful ways. Shared activities with peers, including buddy experiences, help students practice virtues such as affability, trustworthiness, and respect. Classroom learning is intentionally connected to these virtues, reinforcing that virtues are meant to be lived, not just learned.
