Faith Formation
Religious Education
At St. Teresa, faith formation is at the core of our educational mission. Students not only learn about the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church but also actively engage in their own personal faith journey. They attend weekly Mass and actively participate in prayer services, including the Living Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and Sacraments (Catholic students).
Religion is not just a subject; it’s an integral part of our daily curriculum, enriching students with spiritual knowledge and values.
- Every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. during the school year and on Holy Days of Obligation, students gather for all-school Mass, where they take turns preparing and participating in the Liturgy.
- Parents and extended family members are not only encouraged but warmly welcomed to join our school community at Mass and special occasions.
We are more than just a supportive school and parish community. Come and experience our warm, welcoming, and faith-filled spirit!
What the curriculum teaches
- What it means to be a human person, made in God’s image.
- What it means to love (oneself and others).
- God’s original blueprint for who He made us to be and how He calls us to love.
- Understanding one’s own gifts and how to share those gifts with others.
Theology of the Body
“The human body includes right from the beginning the capacity of expressing love, that love in which the person becomes a gift—and by means of this gift—fulfills the meaning of his being and existence.”
—Pope St. John Paul II, Man and Woman He Created Them
St. Teresa of Avila School is a Theology of the Body Campus. What is Theology of the Body? It is a study of what it means to be human, in light of scripture’s revelation, as articulated by Pope St. John Paul II in his 120+ lectures. Theology of the Body articulates the same picture of God’s design for our world that is found in scripture—done in a way that is approachable, applicable, and easy to understand for our time.
Theology of the Body helps us to understand how we were created in the image of God, our identity in Christ, along with our gifts and givenness, so that we may see ourselves and others the way God intended. Pope St. John Paul II’s text also illuminates how the Catholic tradition interprets scripture’s vision of human relationships, where God invites humans into relationships that are mutually rewarding.
Topics within Theology of the Body are vast, and each spills into the next. But it is through this unique theological approach that we find a path to a deeply fulfilled life, where we understand our own innate dignity—and the dignity of others.
—Ruah Woods Institute
Sacrament of Reconciliation
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, often referred to as the Sacrament of Penance or Confession, is a cherished rite that allows us to experience the grace of God’s forgiveness and mercy. For children and adults, tt provides them with the opportunity to seek forgiveness for their shortcomings, reflect on their actions, and reconcile with both God and their fellow human beings. This sacrament instills in our students a profound understanding of the importance of forgiveness and the chance for renewal.
At our school, Catholic students are given the opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the beginning of the school year and during the holy seasons of Advent and Lent. These moments of reflection and repentance hold immense significance in their spiritual growth, paving the way for a deeper connection with their faith and the reception of the Eucharist in their First Holy Communion — also received in second grade.
It’s a meaningful step in their spiritual journey, reinforcing the values of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring love of our Creator.
First Holy Communion
At St. Teresa of Avila School, our Catholic second-grade students embark on a year-long spiritual journey in preparation for their First Holy Communion, a significant milestone in their faith formation. This sacred event takes place at St. Teresa of Avila annually on the first Sunday of May.
The journey towards First Holy Communion is not only a matter of ceremony but an exciting spiritual experience. To ensure our students are fully prepared, they engage in ‘Jesus Day,’ a mini-retreat filled with activities that help them understand the love of Christ. This special day is designed to bring them closer to the essence of the Sacrament, reinforcing the significance of their communion with Jesus.
Students in second grade also participate in Jesus Day, a mini-retreat prior to First Communion. We encourage parents to actively participate throughout their preparation including the retreat. The journey towards First Holy Communion is a shared experience, uniting our school and families in faith and love.
Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a sacred and significant step in the faith journey of our 7th and 8th-grade students at St. Teresa of Avila Church and School. This sacrament completes the commitment that was started at baptism to live a life of faith and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit.
To ensure our students are fully prepared special preparations are made available to all, whether they attend our school or are enrolled in the PSR (Parish School of Religion) program for children in public school. These preparations include in-depth catechesis, spiritual guidance, and opportunities for reflection on their faith journey.
In the lead-up to their Confirmation, a retreat is organized to offer them a moment of spiritual reflection and connection with their faith. This retreat helps them deepen their understanding of the Sacrament and allows for a meaningful, personal connection with their spiritual journey.
The next Confirmation for our 7th and 8th-grade students will be a momentous occasion in 2025. We are excited to share this journey with our students, guiding them toward a deeper connection with their faith and the Holy Spirit.
Community Service
Throughout the school year students participate in community service projects that foster their personal and spiritual growth. Projects include canned food drives, classroom pen pals with the elderly and spirit day donations for various charities or organizations.
St. Teresa School’s Student Council organized themed activities during Advent symbolizing Faith (Prayer Contest), Hope (Toy Drive for Children’s Hospital and St. Vincent De Paul), and Love (Christmas cards for the elderly). Student Council expressed HOPE that families would discuss the themes and share the experience as part of the St. Teresa FAITH community to show the LOVE we have for each other and for God, our Loving Father.
St. Teresa Youth Group also encourages community service by holding coat and sock drives for local charities like St. Vincent de Paul or Pregnancy Center West among other activities.
