Religious Life
Rooted in Faith, Growing in Love
At St. Mary School, our Catholic faith isn’t just a subject we teach—it is the very heart of everything we do. From our youngest preschool learners to our graduating 8th graders, we nurture each child’s relationship with God in a warm, loving, and supportive environment. Through daily prayer, rich religion curriculum, and weekly liturgies, our students build a strong moral foundation that guides them through life with kindness, grace, and courage.
Walking Together in Faith
Faith comes alive when our students actively participate in their spiritual journey! Every week and on Holy Days of Obligation, our school family gathers together for Mass. Our students take a joyful, hands-on role in these sacred celebrations—reading the Scriptures, leading petitions, serving at the altar, and filling the church with song.
Inside the classroom, daily religion lessons offer more than just faith history; they provide a safe, nurturing space for children to explore strong Christian values, learn how to face new challenges, and discover God’s endless love for them.
Putting Faith into Action: Our Hearts in the Community
We believe that true faith shines brightest when it is shared with others. At St. Mary’s, living out Christian values means opening our hearts and extending a helping hand to our neighbors in New Richmond and beyond. Throughout the year, our students, teachers, and families come together for meaningful service projects, including:
- Spreading Joy to Our Seniors: Visiting local living centers like Deerfield to sing Halloween and Christmas carols, bringing homemade Valentine’s Day centerpieces, crafting greeting cards, and sharing hand chime concerts.
- Caring for Those in Need: Preparing meals, donating lap quilts, pillowcases, hats, and mittens for Grace Place, and collecting food and pennies for the Five Loaves Food Shelf.
- Serving Worldwide & Locally: Packing life-saving meals with Feed My Starving Children and hosting cozy gatherings like our annual Veteran’s Day reception and Alumni/Parent/Community Tea.
- Honoring Our Heroes: Sending heartfelt holiday cards to our local police officers, firefighters, and postal workers who keep our town safe and connected.
- Parish & Fellowship Connections: Leading weekend liturgies, leading the Rosary at St. Pat’s, hosting donut Sundays, making Thanksgiving placemats for community meals, and gathering for our beloved annual Pet Blessing!
Building Lifelong Bonds: Faith Friends & Prayer Partners
One of the sweetest traditions at St. Mary School is the special bond shared between our older and younger students. Through programs like Faith Friends and Prayer Partners, older students step up as gentle mentors, guiding our younger children during Mass, working on fun service projects together, and praying for one another throughout the school year. It’s just one more way we make sure every single child feels loved, cherished, and right at home in our school family.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14