SPIRITUAL LIFE
As a passionately Catholic school, spirituality isn’t just an important part of what we do — it is everything we do. Welcoming all faith traditions, we encourage and equip our students to build their own relationship with Jesus through the development of their spiritual life both inside and outside the classroom.
FAITH IN THE CLASSROOM…
Religion is a core subject in our curriculum and taught daily to all students. Our religion faculty are incredible — they not only teach our students about Jesus, but they also exude His love and joy, showing by example how to live like Him.
We also intentionally integrate religion across all subject areas, teaching students the impact of faith on every aspect of life.
These concepts are reinforced by our virtue-based curriculum. Each week, the entire student body focuses on cultivating a specific virtue, giving them practical ways to live out their faith and values.
…AND BEYOND
But the focus on faith extends well beyond the classroom at SPCS. Each morning begins with school-wide prayer, a powerful practice that strengthens and unites our community and anchors us in our mission for the day ahead.
Additionally, we attend Mass together at least once a week, with students taking turns being altar servers, lectors, choir members, and more. Families love joining us for school Masses because they are simply so joyful!
And you’ll regularly see our pastor, Fr. Jim Magee, leading several special events throughout the year, popping into religion class, and engaging with our students to accompany them on their spiritual journeys.
“What makes St. Peter different from any other private school is the Catholic faith. Please continue to do the wonderful work you are doing daily to teach the faith and put it into practice. It is the #1 reason we want to be at St. Peter…we already drive a great distance and would drive even further to enrich our children’s lives spiritually in the Catholic faith. Thank you for implementing the virtue program this year and for all Father Jim does to engage with the children to teach the faith in a way that they understand. “
– Elizabeth Leonard, SPCS Parent
SPCS SPIRITUAL LIFE
SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
These beloved SPCS Catholic traditions and events help our students engage with the faith in a real, tangible way:
ALL SAINTS DAY
A beloved SPCS tradition, eighth grade students bring the saints to life for All Saints Day.
Students research the saint of their choosing, then dress as the saint they have chosen and present what they have learned to the school community. They speak in the first person, as if they are truly the saint.
It’s a wonderful way to draw close to some of the greatest people in the history of the Catholic faith (plus practice research and public speaking skills!).
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
For our PK3 through 1st grade students, we utilize Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-style, play- and exploration-based introduction to the Mass, Bible, prayer, and faith.
It is such a joy to watch our youngest students explore faith through this interactive program. In the “Atrium,” our children develop a relationship with God on their level, with the opportunity to play and explore using articles of the Mass and sacraments, hearing and seeing images of scripture, and praying and playing with faith-based toys and sensory materials.
You can learn more about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd here.
PRAYER PARTNERS
One of our most loved Spiritual Life programs, our Prayer Partner pairings help build a community of faith in our school. Each year, older students are paired with younger to form a relationship and pray for each other during and beyond the school year. Prayer partners also sit with each other at our all-school Masses, participate in activities together throughout the year, and serve as role models for their younger prayer partners.
RECEIVING SACRAMENTS
Through religion class, Catholic students receive the formation necessary to be eligible for reception of sacraments. Students in second grade receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and eighth graders can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
We’re so proud to have some students who have decided to become Catholic after attending SPCS. We love to accompany these students on their journey of faith and have assisted interested students and families in receiving the Sacrament of Baptism and enter the Catholic Church.
OTHER SPIRITUAL LIFE TRADITIONS AT SPCS
- Blessing of the Stuffed Animals for St. Francis’ feast day
- Middle school rosary walk through Greenville Cemetery on All Souls Day
- Chalking of Classroom Doors with Epiphany Chalk
- Blessing of Throats for St. Blaise’s feast day
- Ash Wednesday ash distribution
- School Stations of the Cross during Holy Week
- 8th Grade Retreat
SERVICE LEARNING
WHERE LEARNED FAITH
BECOMES LIVED FAITH
…BUT WHAT IF WE’RE NOT CATHOLIC?
We are so excited to welcome you into our school family! Whether your family has deep Catholic roots, is exploring faith, or simply looking for a values-based education, we’re truly glad you’re here.
We know that Catholic school life might feel unfamiliar at first, especially if you’re not from a Catholic background. That’s okay! You are not alone — in fact, half of the SPCS student body is not Catholic. Here’s what to know:
- All students are included in every part of school life with gentleness and respect.
- Religion class is taught in a way that is informative.
- Students are never told that their non-Catholic traditions are wrong. In fact, if a student shares something from their own faith tradition, it is welcomed as a contribution—not discouraged or dismissed.
- Questions are always welcome! If you’re ever unsure about something your child shares or experiences, please ask. We’re happy to explain and walk with you.
Still not sure what to expect? Here’s our quick introduction to what your child will experience at Catholic school and the “why” behind many of our traditions.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
CONTACT US!
For questions about admissions, please contact our Admissions Office at admissions@spcsnc.net
