Faith Opportunities

"Cor Mariae" means the Heart of Mary, and at the heart of our school is our Cor Mariae Chapel. 

A place open to all our students and families to pray in front of the tabernacle whenever they need. 

Prayer is at the heart of each school day at St. Mary's Catholic School. Students begin their day in prayer, pray before meals and throughout the day, and come together as a school community to grow in their relationship with Christ. 

These daily moments of prayer help students develop a lifelong habit of turning to God with gratitude, trust, and thanksgiving. Whether in the classroom, at Mass, or during special liturgical seasons, prayer is woven into every aspect of school life, nurturing hearts and minds rooted in the Catholic faith.

The celebration of the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith, and at St. Mary's Catholic Schools, students gather as a school family for Mass every Wednesday at 8:40 am. 

Students actively participate by serving as lectors, altar servers, and choir members, making the liturgy a meaningful part of their faith formation. 

In addition to our weekly school Mass, students also celebrate all Holy Days of Obligation, deepening their understanding of the Church's liturgical year and strengthening their relationship with Christ through the sacraments. 

Families, parishioners, and community members are always welcome to join us in worship.

At 8 am on Thursday mornings, there is a student-led rosary prayed in the Cor Mariae Chapel. All students and families are welcome to join in this community prayer to Our Lady. 

St. Mary's Catholic Church has Adoration open to the public on the first Wednesday of each month. All students, classes, and community members are welcome to  adore the Eucharist in front of the Blessed Sacrament. 

The St. Carlo Acutis Prayer Guild was formed to offer Adoration in the Cor Mariae  Chapel on the weeks it is not offered in the church. For the safety of our children, this Adoration time is not open to the public and is covered by volunteers who have completed their Safe Environment training. If you would like to cover a spot or be a substitutue please reach out to Lili Schulte at communications@queenofpeacesd.org.

Students are blessed to prepare for and celebrate the sacraments as an integral part of their faith journey. SMCS students receive age-appropriate sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation, helping them grow in their understanding of God's grace and the life of the Church. 

Preparation includes classroom instruction, prayer, retreats, and opportunities for families to participate, ensuring that each sacrament is celebrated with reverence and joy. These sacred milestones strengthen students' relationship with Christ and equip them to live out their Catholic faith with confidence and purpose.

First Reconciliation & Communion preparation is completed in the classroom. Confirmation preparation takes place on Wednesday nights starting in the Fall. 

Faith formation extends beyond the classroom through meaningful Bible studies and liturgical observances that help students encounter Christ throughout the year. Students deepen their understanding of Sacred Scripture through age-appropriate Bible studies, classroom discussions, and reflection, while the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time provide opportunities to experience the richness of the Catholic faith. Special prayer services, Stations of the Cross, May Crowning, living rosaries, and other school-wide celebrations invite students to actively participate in the life of the Church and develop a deeper appreciation for our Catholic traditions.