Catholic schools collaborate with parents and guardians in raising and forming their children as families struggle with the changing and challenging cultural and moral contexts in which they find themselves. Catholic schools provide young people with sound Church teaching through a broad-based curriculum, where faith formation and culture are intertwined in all areas of a school’s life. By equipping our young people with a sound education, rooted in the Gospel message, the Person of Jesus Christ, and rich in the cherished traditions and liturgical practices of our faith, we ensure that they have the foundation to live morally and uprightly in our complex modern world. This unique Catholic identity makes our Catholic elementary and secondary schools “Schools for the human person” and allows them to fill a critical role in the future life of our Church, our country, and our world (Catholic Schools on the Threshold, no.9, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops).
Religion Class
Students receive daily age-appropriate instruction on their Catholic faith in Religion. Teachers are certified by the Diocese of Orange in Religious Instruction. The faith formation curriculum is faith-based, allowing students to understand the important contributions of the Church and its people throughout history.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
In 2023, St. Barbara School adopted an additional faith program called “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.” Led by Sr. Catherine, all of our students in grades TK-5 spend 1 class a week in our new Atrium learning about our Catholic faith with hands-on experiences, activities and prayer. God and the child have a unique relationship with one another, particularly before the age of six. The growth of this relationship is assisted by an adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child.
Prayer
Prayer is an integral part of each day. Morning prayer, prayer before meals, prayer before dismissal, and prayers for special intentions are recited throughout the day.
Paraliturgical Celebrations and Liturgies
We come together as a school to celebrate the liturgy at the 8:15 Mass one day a week and once a month on Sunday. School liturgies are prepared monthly by teachers and students and participated in by school staff, parents, and students. Holy days of obligation are observed.
Students have the opportunity to prepare special liturgies for faith formation. These may include student body Masses, prayer services, Stations of the Cross, the Living Rosary, May Crowning, scripture readings, and meditations.
Sacraments
Reconciliation is offered twice a year for students in grades 2-8. Students in second grade and up, who have been baptized and receive instruction in the School Sacramental Program, are eligible to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Eucharist.
Baptism is also offered to those students in need of this sacrament. Sacramental programs are coordinated through the Parish office.
