Religion

Saint John the Evangelist School is a manifestation of the educational mission of the Catholic Church and the teaching ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame. The faculty and staff in partnership with parents work to provide students with the foundations of a Christ-centered faith, with a love for justice and truth that inspires service to others, and with a blossoming spirituality.

St. John the Evangelist School follows St. Julie's path to spirituality. St. Julie Billiart, founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame, developed a path to spirituality accessible to all, especially children. Her way exhorts everyone to find God's presence everywhere and to remember that God is so very good. Through the image of the sunflower, St. Julie taught, simply but profoundly, how to approach the Creator. St. John School continues to teach the students about God in this way, a way that even the youngest student can understand.

The religious traditions of St. John School were begun by the Sisters of Notre Dame, who originally staffed the school and who continue to lead it. The faculty is educated in St. Julie's way and St. John's traditions so that the children consistently find the goodness and happiness that is God. As St. Julie directed, the school is united by a common vision of the gospel and a common call to follow Jesus.

Much comprises the religion program. In the classroom, students learn the Catholic faith through daily religion lessons. Appropriate materials and textbooks are utilized for every grade Pre-K though 6th grade. In addition, the gospel values permeate the school's curriculum.

Daily, the students begin their school day with morning prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary and Prayer of St. Julie). Also, students say a prayer of grace before every snack time and lunch. On the first Friday of each month, students attend a liturgy and reception of the Eucharist. Each month a different grade actively participates in the liturgy through readings and presentation of the gifts.

Importantly, St. John School prepares Second Grade students for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Communion. Each spring, the second grade students receive this sacrament in a beautiful liturgy at St. John's the Evangelist parish.

Service is an integral part of the school, for example, students participate in annual food and clothing drives for the poor, and they make many contributions to the missions. Service also encompasses how students treat their peers and teachers. Respect and kindness are fostered, acknowledged and praised.

St. John School teaches the Catholic faith through gospel values in the curriculum, religion lessons, prayer, the Liturgy, sacraments, and good works or service to others.

St. John School, along with parents, strives to create an environment where students grow in their understanding of themselves as children of God and as important members of the church and the community.