Spiritual Life

We value each girl’s spiritual journey and we make time for prayer, reflection and matters of the heart. Our Episcopal identity guides us to embrace all faith traditions. Chapel speakers of all ages and walks of life share their experiences in relatable ways. Chapel services are held several times a week in each division.

Chapel services are a significant part of our community life at St. Catherine’s. We gather for chapel based on our division on a regular basis to celebrate the church, the world around us, as well as special events in the life of the School. We follow the Episcopal tradition in the liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer, and we welcome voices from diverse religious traditions as we live out the Baptismal covenant to respect the dignity of all people. Students and faculty in all divisions are encouraged to participate in leading worship as readers, speakers, musicians, acolytes, and ushers. Guest homilists are a regular part of our chapel services. Middle and Upper School students may participate on worship planning committees for their division, as well as join the Altar Guild. Students are required to attend all regularly scheduled services.

Episcopal Identity

St. Catherine’s Episcopal identity is expressed through the following principles and ideas as articulated by the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES):
 
  • School Worship that is creative, inclusive, draws fully upon the liturgical resources of The Episcopal Church and is a regular part of school life for all faculty and students.
  • Community Life, in which reflection, prayer, and matters of the spirit are honored and cultivated and the physical, mental and emotional health of all is supported and nurtured.
  • Religious Formation and Study that is meaningful, academically substantive, and age-appropriate; and in teaching the Christian tradition, which fosters dialogue with other faith traditions.
  • Social Justice, which is the integration of the ideas and concepts of equity, justice, and a just society throughout the life of the school; the embracing and honoring of diversity, and the inclusion of service learning as an integral part of the life of the School.

Our Patron Saint: Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Catherine of Alexandria, Egypt, is a Christian martyr who died in the fourth century CE. She is known as the patron saint of scholars and philosophers. In keeping with our Episcopal tradition, our school commemorates the life of St. Catherine annually. Our faculty, staff and upper school students elect a senior who best exemplifies the values of St. Catherine. 
 
    • Private Girls Elementary School: St. Catherine's School
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