Corpus Christi School, Shaping the Future

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Corpus Christi School is dedicated to the spiritual formation of its students; therefore, many liturgical opportunities are provided to ensure growth. Corpus Christi School is grounded in the Franciscan tradition of the Sister of Saint Francis of Philadelphia that minister to its students. Therefore, the Franciscan charisms of contemplative prayer, environmental awareness, the joyful presence of hospitality, respect and social justice are enmeshed in the daily lives of our students.

Students gather monthly to celebrate the Eucharist or to participate in prayer services.

• A typical school year begins with a 'Back to School Liturgy' in September when each class candle is passed on to signify Jesus as the light of the world who lives within each of us.
• The feast of St. Francis is celebrated with a school mass in early October; often times students gather on this day for the traditional blessing of the animals.
• In the Fall, and again in late winter, all students in grades 2 through 8 receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.
• All Saints Day and All Souls Day provide the opportunity for each of us to consider those who have gone before us as role models for our lives.
• In late Fall, students participate in a Thanksgiving prayer service that reminds us of God's goodness and blessings.
• During Advent, the season of waiting, the symbolic Advent Wreath can be found in the classrooms and hallways.
• "Catholic Schools' Week" in late January, is a time for Catholic Schools to celebrate who we are and what we believe. A schoolwide Mass, with festive music and liturgical dancing, exemplifies the joyous nature of worship and of our faith.
• An Ash Wednesday prayer service sets the theme and tone of the Lenten season; students frequently enact the Stations of the Cross and participate in Sader meals.
• Earth Day activities include a prayer service that emphasizes environmental awareness and our school's covenant with the earth.
• The Prayer Partner Program joins 5th graders with senior members of St. Mary of the Assumption and Corpus Christi parishes. Throughout the school year students correspond with and pray for their senior partners. In May the students invite their partners to an anointing mass in which all have an opportunity to receive the 'anointing of the sick'.
• Students and faculty join in thanking our many volunteers at the May devotion where Mary is crowned as queen and mother.
• In June, the school year closes as it began, with the entire student body worshipping together.
• Throughout the school year all classes have the opportunity to attend the daily parish mass.

Ritual is the language of the Catholic liturgy and throughout the liturgical calendar year, the children become active participants in the rituals and traditions of our faith.

Gestures such as the sign of the cross, praying over and blessing each other, sharing food, joining hands in prayer, celebrating feast days, praying litanies as well as the use of water, candles, incense, oil and ashes are all experienced.

The symbolism of wearing vestments, as well as other symbols are explained, not only by teachers, but by parish priests who actively work to visit classrooms and meet students in smaller groups.