Catholic Identity
At Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, faith is the cornerstone of everything we do. We believe that nurturing our students' faith is essential to their overall development, guiding them not just academically, but spiritually and morally as well. Our Catholic faith inspires us to live with love, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose, shaping our students into individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also grounded in values that will guide their lives.
Faith in God as our loving Father teaches our students to trust in His plan and care for one another. Through our belief in Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for our salvation, we instill in them the importance of living according to His teachings—showing kindness, practicing forgiveness, and serving others with humility. The Holy Spirit empowers our students to recognize their unique gifts and use them for the greater good, encouraging them to grow in their relationship with God and make a positive impact on the world around them.
In all aspects of school life, from academics to extracurricular activities, we emphasize the significance of following Christ's example. Our sacramental practices, particularly reconciliation and the Eucharist, deepen our students' connection to God and to each other, reinforcing the sense of community that is so vital to our Catholic identity. Prayer and Scripture are integral to our curriculum, helping students develop a personal relationship with God and guiding them in their daily decisions.
Student Retreat Opportunities
Students in grades K through 8th are given retreat opportunities. The Kindergarten, First and Second grade retreat was hosted by our middle school religion teacher, Ms. Carroll, who also had our older students assisting. Third, Fourth and Fifth grades enjoyed a Christmas retreat as well as a Lenten retreat.
During the 2023 Lenten season we took the time to focus on being the Hands, Feet, Face, and Heart of Jesus Christ to others.
Our middle school students experienced their first retreat of the 2021-2022 school year! The students began their morning reflecting on God’s love for them. Michael Batista led the students in a reflection, which focused on how they were created in the very “Image of God.”
The retreat focused on: How God created each one of us and how He created us with a purpose. The students reflected on how, even when we make mistakes, or when our imperfections show, God still loves us and sees those imperfections as an opportunity to grow closer to Him.
After this amazing talk, students had the opportunity to take these ideas, mix them together creatively, and express them by drawing a self-portrait while looking at their reflection in a spoon. They enjoyed observing and coloring their funny reflections and learned that God loves them with all their imperfections. Extraordinary works of artistic expression were created. Everyone enjoyed themselves.
Community Service
At Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School, the true mark of a Catholic/Christian is shown through love for others. Our students actively live their faith through our Community Service Program and special ministry activities. Service is an essential part of our school life, and all students are required to complete a set number of community service hours each year. These hours are earned through various service activities within the school, parish, and wider community—excluding normal home chores. Fulfillment of this requirement is necessary for graduation or promotion. Middle school students must complete 20 hours of community service, documented with forms provided by homeroom teachers.
The following are the service hour amounts for students in grades K-5:
Grade 5: 14 hours
Grades 3-4: 10 hours
Grades K-2: 6 hours
