Our students come from a wide range of faith traditions, and we foster an environment that nurtures a sense of belonging and an understanding of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Building relationships is one of our enduring strengths and is key to our approach to teaching religion. No matter what age, the connection between what we learn in the classroom and what we live out in our relationships is vital. Just as important is our relationship with ourselves: We teach students to look within, to recognize the value and dignity in themselves so they may see it in others.
Religion is taught twice per week from kindergarten through middle school. Lessons range from studies of the saints and scripture to world religions and morality. Each lesson brings relevance and application to students’ lives, so that they may put the value of love and service into practice.
Spiritual LifeThe entire Lower and Middle School comes together once a month for Mass in our Rosary Chapel. Masses are devoted to song, community, and reflection.
Spiritual LifeSanta Catalina offers sacramental preparation for students entering grade 2 for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Preparation is offered after school in partnership with the Diocese of Monterey.
Spiritual Life
Rosary Chapel
Situated at the heart of campus, the Rosary Chapel is the center of spiritual life on campus and a beautiful reminder of the Dominican Catholic tradition on which Santa Catalina is founded. Students, teachers, and the wider school community gather here for chapel services, Mass, special events, and quiet reflection.
Service
Service learning and service activities help raise the consciousness of our students to the needs of others. We are proud of the “second nature” response our students have to putting faith into action—in fact, many service projects have come directly from student ideas and initiation.
Throughout the year, students prepare for, implement, and reflect on a variety of service opportunities. These range from school-wide service projects to Projects of Passion adopted by each classroom.
Examples include:
- Christmas caroling at local senior living facilities
- Outreach to people impacted by natural disasters and conflicts around the world
- Volunteering at the Monterey County Food Bank
