SACRAMENTS & FAITH FORMATION

Forming Future Saints

Sacramental Life

At St. Gertrude School, faith formation is not an extracurricular—it is the foundation. Rooted in the life of the Church and the Dominican tradition, students are formed daily in both intellect and spirit. Each week, the entire school attends Mass, entering into the rhythms of the liturgical year and deepening their relationship with Christ through the sacraments. Students in grades one through eight prepare to serve as lectors, choir members, and altar servers—actively participating in the sacred liturgy and learning to take their place in the Church’s mission. This liturgical life is not occasional; it is essential to who we are: a school forming saints for this life and the next.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

Frequent reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation plays a vital role in our students’ spiritual formation.Beginning in second grade, students regularly take part in this sacrament of healing—learning to examine their conscience, receive God’s mercy, and grow in virtue. Each confession is a personal encounter with Christ that deepens their interior life and strengthens their desire for holiness.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Under the guidance of our Dominican Sisters, students are prepared with both theological depth and pastoral care to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Second grade marks the reception of First Reconciliation and First Communion, while eighth graders receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

More than a curriculum, this preparation is a sacred season—drawing families into deeper participation in the life of the Church and strengthening each child’s faith, identity, and belonging in the Body of Christ.

Faith Formation

Faith is the living source from which all formation at St. Gertrude flows. It shapes our mission and guides our vision, rooting every aspect of our school life in the mystery of Christ. Nourished by the sacraments and the liturgical calendar, our students enter into a faith that is both deeply personal and communally rich.

With hearts turned toward the altar, students are immersed in the Church’s living tradition—through the Holy Mass, prayer, devotions, and catechesis. Each moment of formation awakens in them a deeper hunger for God, preparing them to become disciples who live and witness Christ’s love in the world.

Religion Classes

Students receive daily religious instruction from skilled catechists. Kindergarten through third graders grow in faith through the hands-on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program in the atrium.

Virtues in Practice

Elevating the Dominican charism, we form

Each year, students focus on a theological virtue—faith, hope, or love—exploring related virtues monthly through lessons and home activities. They also learn from saints who embodied these virtues.

Created by the Dominican Sisters, the Virtue in Practice program has been a daily part of St. Gertrude School, guiding students toward true happiness and friendship with Christ.

Spiritual & Liturgical Life

Throughout the year, students engage in spiritual and liturgical activities that nurture the whole child and cultivate Catholic culture and community. These include daily prayer, weekly Mass, regular confession, participation in liturgical feasts and celebrations, Adoration, the Rosary procession, Stations of the Cross, retreats, and instruction by Dominican novices.