Catholic Identity
Sacred images, traditions, and Sacraments of the Catholic Church permeate the school culture. Rooted in Christ, days begin and end with prayer – with plenty of other opportunities to pray and hear God’s Word through scripture, throughout the day. Weekly Mass attendance, prayer services, and other celebrations help students gain an understanding of what it means to be a member of Christ’s Church and appreciate the graces that come from regular reception of the Sacraments.
Additionally, students focus on a new virtue each week through the implementation of the Disciple of Christ Education in Virtue Program and learn about living a virtuous life so that they can be a disciple of Christ now and throughout their lives. Students learn the meaning of the virtue, ways to cultivate it, see Saints who model it, and read scripture and prayer related to the virtue.
Service
“We must reflect the light of Christ through lives of prayer and joyful service to others” – Pope John Paul II
The reward of service is intrinsic. As Catholics, our whole lives are designed to be a dynamic relationship with the living God. God is focused outward, and when we connect to Him we become like Him and focus outward ourselves. Service to the community is a manifestation of this outward focus.
Each month, a specific grade(s) leads a faith in action service project for Cathedral School students. Students learn about who the service project is benefiting as well as why it is so important to be Christ-like and help those in need.
October - Baby Bottle Coin Drive benefiting the Mother & Child Education Center, 4th grade
November - Food Drive benefiting Lift Urban Portland , 5th grade
December - Blanchett House, 8th grade and Mother & Child Education Center, Kindergarten
January - Diaper Drive benefiting the Mother & Child Education Center, Pre-Kindergarten
February - Blanchett House, 3rd grade
March - Sugar & Spice Drive benefiting Blanchett House, 7th grade
April - Cares NW Easter Baskets, 1st grade
May - MAC Attack benefiting the Portland Sunshine Division , 2nd & 6th grade
In addition to monthly service projects, middle school students are expected to have at least 10 outside service hours each year before they graduate from Cathedral School.
