Religious Education
The Catholic school environment gives testimony to Catholic morals, values, and ethics in society and in the Church. All students participate in daily classroom prayers and religious education, twice monthly Mass and other devotional activities. The religion program strives to deepen love of God and neighbor in each individual. It is the reason for our existence as a parochial school.
Regular religious activites and worship include:
- A developmental study of religious truths and of Sacred Scripture
- Participation in worship, including twice monthly Mass
- Practices in Christ-like living and family life
- Study of the Bible and other religious texts
- Meditation and spiritual reading time
Daily Prayer
One only has to step onto the campus of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School to know that we are a Catholic school. The cross is featured prominently on the outside of our facility and hall and several statues of our Blessed Mother adorn the campus. Each classroom has a prayer center with sacramentals such as crucifixes, statues of Mary and the saints, prayer books and candles. Prayer is a central part of our day here at OLMCS. The day begins with morning assembly where the student council leads the school in our school prayer. During the Advent and Lenten seasons there is a special devotional for that season, such as the Advent Wreath and Jesse Tree. Every class prays the Hail Mary at the noon angelus bells. Each class ends the day with prayer. Some classes use a special class prayer written by the students while others recite traditional prayers and share special intentions.
Catholic Traditions
Our Catholic identity can be witnessed beyond the classroom in our community worship and participation in the sacraments and paraliturgical services through out the year. A wide variety of liturgical services and activities that are consistent with the school’s mission and philosophy are implemented by the professional staff to actively engage students. Such liturgies and paraliturgical services include student body mass at least two times a month, Family Mass once a month, Reconciliation services twice a year, and seasonal prayer services such as Blessing of the Animals, Advent and Lenten-themed morning assemblies, and Stations of the Cross.
Community Service and Social Justice
"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15
Using Christ as our model to serve and answering the call of the Church to spread the gospel, Our Lady of Mount Carmel offers a variety of opportunities to inform students of social justice needs both globally and locally. Middle school students fulfill fifteen hours of community service a year in the areas of school, church, and community. The whole school commits to serving the community throughout the year in a variety of ways such as though beach clean ups, outreach to local retirement homes, and making lunches for the homeless. One of the key features of our annual Catholic Schools Week celebration is the Day of Service. The entire school community is encouraged to give to charitable causes, collect canned goods during Thanksgiving, and participate in the Giving Tree program sponsored by the parish.
