Spiritual Life

faith and discovery

A journey Rooted in Episcopal Values

St. Mary's is a family-oriented school and the primary mission of the parish church. We believe that spiritual development is an essential part of a well-rounded education. As such, we we draw upon the rich traditions and values of the Episcopal Church and infuse faith into daily life. Our commitment to spiritual life is evident in all aspects of our school where we inspire curiosity, kindness, and dignity in a caring Christian community.

In keeping with the mission of the school and parish, it is the school's desire to reflect the diversity of our community, embracing families of all faiths and backgrounds. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to discover their spirituality in a safe and supportive environment. To this end, we offer a variety of opportunities for students to explore their faith.

Inside of the Chapel with a church session in progress.

 

 

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CHAPEL SERVICES

The school community gathers on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8:15 for chapel services. These services are a vital part of our St. Mary’s Episcopal community. Students in 7th grade serve as acolytes in Chapel, and they lead the services through scripture readings and prayers of the people. Parents, grandparents, and friends of our school are always welcome to join. During monthly Eucharist services, the congregation enjoys music provided by the Children's Choir and our Praise Band.

Godly Play during Religious Studies

religious studies

Religious education classes begin with a prayer, followed by exploration and discussion of biblical narratives from both the Old and New Testaments. As students ascend grade levels, they delve deeper into topics covered in the Bible, learn more about Christian traditions, and participate in a World Religions class to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of other faiths and traditions. Throughout the school year, the St. Mary's observes Christian seasons and holidays with reverence, while also recognizing and respecting the diverse faith traditions of all our students and families.

A young student reading a book to an older student.

chapel buddies

Chapel buddies are assigned at the beginning of the year, pairing older students with younger students. Not only does this thoughtful initiative transcends grade levels, it cultivates meaningful connections between student and fosters a sense of community. It's also a wonderful opportunity for our older students to act as mentors, promoting leadership development in the school.