Foundation in Faith
First and foremost, Our Lady of the Greenwood is a Catholic School. Christian values and moral teachings, as passed on through the teachings of our beautiful and rich Catholic faith, are the foundation of this school and all its programs.
At Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic School, we strive to build a community of faith based on the Gospel of Christ and His command to love one another. We also seek to assist each child in developing a personal relationship and friendship with the Lord that will guide and support him or her throughout his or her entire life. If, by the end of a student’s eighth grade year, the student has a desire to pray and serve God, the Church, the wider community, and one another, then we have succeeded.
Because we know that the hand of God is everywhere, Christian teachings and values are identified in all of the subject areas. Although our curriculum follows the guidelines established by the state of Indiana and our text books are adopted from state approved lists, we never cease to point to God the Father as the foundation and author of all things, and Jesus Christ, who “holds all things together in himself” (Colossians 1:17). As Dante says in the Divine Comedy, it is God who is “the Love which moves the sun and the other stars.” God is behind everything, and we point to God in all subject areas because to neglect him would be to not study any of the subjects fully.
Religious formation therefore lies at the very heart of our curriculum. Our most important goal is for both the students and adults in our community to discover and embrace the Gospel message of Christ and, by living it fully, to work for social justice in the world. Students in all grades at Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic School study the life and mission of Christ and what it means to walk in His footsteps. Christ is our role model. The students’ self-worth is heightened by the knowledge that they are beloved children of God. This sense of self-esteem is crucial to the character formation of our students. Students learn the importance of prayer as the foundation in building a personal relationship with God.
It is critical to the faith development of each student that all who attend Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic School be a part of the larger parish community. We have a wonderful parish with many activities going on, so our hope is that students and their families be active members of the parish. At a minimum, this means going to Mass each Sunday. The faith must be lived in the family if it is to take hold in a child’s heart and life, and this starts with going to Mass as a family each Sunday.
Catholic Social Teachings
The following seven principles are the bedrocks of Catholic Social Teachings. They are central to our Catholic doctrine and practices and are meant to animate the life of every Catholic institution, family, and person. As such, they lie at the heart of Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic School. We seek not only to teach them, but to provide a culture where they are lived out fully and naturally. Many of our school projects are centered on these teachings.
1. The Dignity of the Human Person
God made each of us; therefore, each of us is special. No matter who we are, what we look like, where we are from, or what we believe, all people have dignity and are special. We believe that every person is precious and that people are more important than things.
2. Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Jesus knew that people need other people. We all need our family, friends, and neighbors. He tells us it is right that in our lives we should have these important people who help us. Jesus says we must work to help them, too.
3. Rights and Responsibilities
All God’s people are entitled to food, work, clothes, a home, a school, and a doctor when they are sick. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to these things. Many people don’t have the things that they need. Jesus wants the people who already have what they need to help these other people. We call this a responsibility.
4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Jesus teaches that people who have less than others must be helped and given what they need. It is just and right to share your wealth with the poor, and Jesus instructs us to put the needs of the poor and the vulnerable first.
5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
Work is more than just a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. Workers have rights to decent work, just wages, and safe working conditions. By our work, we help ourselves and others and show love to God.
6. Solidarity
Because we are all God’s children, we are all brothers and sisters. We are connected, even though we may be different from one another, live in different places, or speak different languages. This connection through God makes all people our neighbors. We must love our neighbor as Jesus taught. By loving all of our neighbors in the world, we can help bring peace and justice to the world.
7. Care for God’s Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Caring for the Earth is not just an Earth day slogan; it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of action.
Three Things Thursday
Occasionally, students are allowed to attend school out of uniform. These days are listed in the Eagle Flyer and on the school website calendar. They provide an opportunity for families to help those in need. A donation is requested for the privilege of being out of uniform. See the Uniform Policy section in this handbook for appropriate dress code on Three Things Thursday.
Sacramental Preparation
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
Children typically receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation of Holy Eucharist for the first time during their second grade year. They prepare for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion during religion classes at school. Preparation of these sacraments is the emphasis of their religion classes during the entire year. Non-Catholic students participate in sacramental preparation along with their classmates. Although they do not take part in the sacraments, they have also made a special journey with their families and friends and are encouraged to attend First Reconciliation and First Communion services to share in the community celebration.
Confirmation
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation……Enrollment in this program is through the Religious Education Department at Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish.
School Masses
All students at Our Lady of the Greenwood Catholic School attend Mass at 8:30 each Wednesday and Friday. Classes take turns planning the Masses and participate in all parts of the liturgy. Many students also take part in the choir. The goal of these Masses is to bring all students closer to Jesus and to make the readings and lessons accessible to all. Students also attend Mass on Holy Days of Obligation and other important days, such as Ash Wednesday. Parents are always welcome at these Masses! In fact, it sets a wonderful example to all students to see many parents present. Parents should also ensure their children are attending Mass each Sunday.