St. Dominic School is, first and foremost, a faith-filled Catholic community. In the true spirit of Jesus’ message, the God-given gifts of each child, family, and staff member are welcomed and celebrated.
Our faith is interwoven throughout the school day. Each class attends Mass once a week and participates in a grade-level-appropriate religious curriculum. Prayer is shared multiple times throughout the day. Students participate in various worship celebrations, including the Living Rosary, St. Dominic Day, May Crowning, Stations of the Cross, a Holy Thursday Lenten retreat, and the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. During the seasons of Advent and Lent, students in grades three through eight participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Worship Celebrations
At St. Dominic School, worship celebrations are vital in fostering a deep connection to our Catholic faith and community values. Here’s a closer look at some of the key worship events that enrich the spiritual lives of our students:
Living Rosary: This beautiful tradition involves students praying the rosary, with each student representing a bead. It’s a powerful way to reflect on the mysteries of the rosary and pray as a community.
St. Dominic Day: A special celebration dedicated to our patron saint, St. Dominic. The day is filled with activities, prayer, and reflection on the life and teachings of St. Dominic, inspiring students to live out his example of faith and service.
May Crowning: During this ceremony, we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary with a crown of flowers, symbolizing her role as the Queen of Heaven. Students participate in processions, hymns, and prayers, expressing their devotion to Mary.
Stations of the Cross: During Lent, students participate in the Stations of the Cross, a series of reflections on Jesus’ journey to the crucifixion. This helps students contemplate Christ’s sacrifices and deepen their understanding of His passion and love.
Holy Thursday Lenten Retreat: An opportunity for students to reflect on the significance of Holy Week through a day of prayer, meditation, and activities designed to deepen their spiritual experience and understanding of the Last Supper and Jesus’ path to the cross.
First Reconciliation and First Eucharist: These sacraments mark important milestones in our students’ spiritual journeys. First Reconciliation, or Confession, allows students to experience God’s forgiveness and mercy. First Eucharist, or First Holy Communion, is a significant event where students receive the body and blood of Christ for the first time, strengthening their connection to the Catholic faith.
Sacrament of Reconciliation During Advent and Lent: Students in grades three through eight can participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during these liturgical seasons. This practice helps them prepare their hearts for Christmas and Easter, encouraging spiritual renewal and growth.
These worship celebrations are integral to the life at St. Dominic School, nurturing a faith-filled environment where students can grow spiritually, morally, and intellectually. By participating in these traditions, students learn to appreciate the richness of the Catholic faith and are inspired to live out its values daily.
A former St. Dominic 7th grader, Gladeline, entered the annual Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Christmas art contest in 2016 and won FIRST PLACE in the 6th-8th-grade category within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles! MCA (formerly called the Holy Childhood Association) created Christmas cards with the winning piece to raise funds for impoverished children worldwide. Go, Gladeline! Go, Saints!
