Faith Formation
Saint Thomas the Apostle School believes strongly that the education of our children must be centered in Christ. In order to do this, we incorporate prayer, worship, study, and the Sacraments into our daily activities. We are also active partners within our larger parish community, often sharing our gifts, activities, retreat opportunities and some aspects of our Sacramental Preparation with members of our parish community of Saint Thomas the Apostle Church.
Daily Prayer
Each day after making our morning announcements, we take a moment for school-wide prayer. Silence falls throughout our hallways and classrooms. During the year, each student from third through the eighth grade has an opportunity to write their own prayer and share it over the intercom system with the whole school. During this special time we set aside daily, we have shared many sad moments, have enjoyed many happy moments, and have witnessed God’s goodness and love. We also post daily prayer intentions on the monitor located outside the Main Office, remembering those intentions throughout the day.
Daily Bible Reading
Each day our students have an opportunity to spend time reading scriptures from their own personal Bibles. Personal Bibles are required for all students in grades 3-8. After students read a passage, related to a theme or element of our faith, the class has a short discussion about its meaning and how it applies to them individually. This practice has become an integral part of the unique culture at Saint Thomas School.
Weekly Mass
Once a week, normally on Fridays, we gather as a school community for the celebration of Mass. Teachers and their classes take turns preparing the Mass theme, introduction, readings, Prayers of the Faithful, songs, and special meditations. Students participate as lectors, servers, gift bearers, choir and sacristans. After being confirmed, some of our eighth graders participate as Eucharistic ministers.
K-2 Prayer Services
While the entire school attends special Masses for Holy Days and special occasions, our youngest students often have their own prayer services instead of attending weekly mass. This has become a unique tradition at Saint Thomas. These prayer services are specifically designed in an age appropriate manner to encourage students’ participation. This opportunity allows our K-2nd grade students to take a more active role in their communal prayer experience. During the second semester, when our second graders are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion, they begin to attend the weekly school Mass.