-
SPS students participate in Masses and other faith-based services throughout the year that commemorate key Christian traditions and beliefs. These include:
- Respect Life Living Rosary – All students in Grades K-8 participate in this annual event held outdoors each October in the SPS courtyard. The students stand side by side to form a living set of rosary beads and to pray the Rosary as a school community for Respect Life issues. At the conclusion of the Rosary, the students plant a bush or flower in the school’s Respect Life Garden in honor or memory of friends and loved ones who have made significant contributions to our school or parish.
- Christmas Spanish Service – Integrating Spanish curriculum with faith formation, this program features performances from all students in Grades K-8. The service includes a narration and reenactment of the Christmas story, liturgical dancers, musicians, and solo and group singing in Spanish.
- Feast Day of Elizabeth Ann Seton – Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was not only the foundress of the first Catholic school in the United States but also of the Sisters of Charity, who have faithfully served St. Philip School for over 100 years. Throughout our entire 100+ years of serving children, a Mother of Seton Sister has served as Principal of SPS, including our current administrator, Sister Geri Marr. In honor of the contributions of St. Seton, an all-school mass is followed by a service in which Sister Geri and the SPS teaching staff take part in recounting Mother Seton’s amazing story. Each year, students from alternating grades serve as readers and altar servers.
- May Crowning – In this joyous celebration of our Blessed Mother, recent First Communicants lead the procession, followed by our newly confirmed 8th graders, with both classes in their respective Communion/Confirmation attire. Second graders perform a song in tribute of Mary, and each 8th grade student lays a rose at the foot of her statue. A May Court and May Queen has the honor of crowning Mary. The court is selected by vote of the entire 8th grade class for female students who best exemplify the qualities of Catholic womanhood.
- Middle School Shadow Stations – Beautiful in its solemnity, this annual re-enactment in shadow tableaux of the Stations of the Cross is always a moving and memorable experience for all in attendance. Eighth graders serve as narrators, liturgical dancers, soloists, and re-enactors, while Sixth and Seventh grade students participate as singers and musicians.
