Faith Formation

LFS Students learn and grow in their religious and spiritual life, internalizing values they will use as adults, following the example of Jesus and our patron, St. Thérèse!

   Catholic Identity

The Catholic faith and Carmelite spirituality is interwoven throughout the curriculum. Little Flower School endeavors to put into practice the key concepts of Message, Community, and Service as outlined in the American Bishop’s Pastoral Message on Catholic Education (To Teach as Jesus Did, 1972).

  • Religious Education is incorporated into the daily teaching curriculum. Students start their day with a morning offering asking St. Thérèse’s intercession:

    Dear St. Thérèse,

    Help me to trust in Jesus’ love for me, just for today. Help me to thank Jesus for loving me and blessing me, just for today. Help me to please Jesus by doing all he asks of me, just for today. Help me to do my best in my classes and to treat others with kindness, just for today. If I fail in any of these things, help me to tell Jesus I’m sorry and to trust in his forgiveness, just for today. As Jesus forgives me, help me to forgive others, just for today.

    With Mary as our Mother and you as my sister, I offer all of today to Jesus our Loving Savior.

    Amen.

  • Introduced during the 2021-2022 school year, all grade levels have a chance to explore contemplative prayer using prompts from St. Thérèse’s “Story of a Soul” and the Discalced Carmelite saints.

    Example of meditation: St. Thérèse speaks of scattering flowers in front of Jesus in order to show her love for him. She understands that when she does something ordinary with extraordinary love for Jesus, this action is like scattering a flower, and makes Jesus happy.

    Now, close your eyes, and imagine that the child Jesus is there in front of you. He is younger than you are. Perhaps you see him as an infant. Imagine that you have a flower in your hand. You offer it to the Child Jesus. See how he smiles and is happy with the gift you give him. Perhaps you might like to scatter the flower petals for him, and see how he laughs with joy when he sees you doing that for him.

    Each time you choose to do a good deed, no matter how small, out of love for Jesus, you are offering him a flower. You are making Jesus smile.

  • Students attend Mass weekly and on special feast days at Little Flower Basilica, where the Discalced Carmelite Friars share the Catholic faith and Carmelite charism with students and their families.

    Lessons and Liturgy are adapted to the level of the students and they are given an opportunity to participate in its preparation (altar servers and readers).

Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion

Students are prepared for the reception of Penance and Eucharist in the second grade. Parents/Guardians of children from Little Flower Catholic School must attend classes in preparation.

Service

In addition to assisting as altar servers or singing in the choir, students give their time to school and parish activities, class service projects, and collect goods and raise money for those in need.  All students participate in the Stewardship program.

Gospel Values

The practice of Gospel Values is fostered in everyday living. The school motto, Remember, Jesus Christ Came From Heaven Spreading Love, Peace, and Hope, reflects the Gospel values that are practiced on a daily basis. The motto is a mnemonic device which stands for the ten Gospel Values: Reconciliation, Justice, Courage, Community, Faith, Hope, Service, Love, Patience, and Humility.

A different Gospel Value is highlighted each month alongside a Beatitude and a Catholic Social Teaching. Students engage in discussion of how we can each live these out in a daily life. Service projects and other activities reinforce the Gospel Values.

Guidance

Students receive guidance on issues facing youth and children on a weekly basis. On a part time basis Guidance Counseling students from St. Mary's University, under the direction and supervision of trained professionals, offer group and individual sessions (with parent permission). Guidance materials employed include Archdiocese recommended “Growing in Curriculum” and "Right Choice" a supplemental guide.

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Faith Formation at Home with FORMED

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