Liturgical Life
Where prayer and learning walk together
The liturgical calendar and sacred liturgy govern all areas of student life. Observing the feast days of Our Lord, Our Lady and the saints helps give concrete meaning to catechism and doctrine studies, so students can consistently apply principles in their day-to-day lives.
The Sacred Liturgy
The Church teaches that the liturgy is the source and summit of the Christian life. It is there that we worship Christ in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and allow Him to strengthen us through the Holy Eucharist for a deeper love of God and neighbor.
Beauty, reverence, and silence help young hearts to listen to the word of God. In our chapel, students learn that worship is the first and highest work of the day. They may assist at daily Mass, they pray the Rosary together every day of the week, and have the opportunity to participate in the Divine Office if they choose.
Life and Liturgy
Prayer is the soil in which study and friendship grow. Following the liturgical calendar, the students' prayer lives take shape as they strengthen devotion inside and outside the chapel.
The profession of faith can take many forms. Besides those liturgical events composed and promoted by the Church, the spontaneous visits to the chapel, processions, class devotions and occasional all-school prayers punctuate the liturgical year and its wealth of material for spiritual growth.
It is not only about prayer
The liturgical life is much more than saying prayers together in the chapel or even participating in a rosary procession. It is a spirit which animates the life of the school and gives meaning to everything we do. In Advent, the Jesse tree adorns most classrooms, and at Christmas time, it is a Nativity scene. The Sisters help the students make the most of their Lent by prayer and deed, and prepare them to celebrate Easter in a festive, fitting way.
Come play and pray with us
A visit to our home in Massena is the best way to experience how everyday life connects with the faith at the Academy. Whether you are a student or a visiting family, you are welcome to experience the liturgical life of our school community firsthand. From praying to the saint of the day in the morning to wishing "happy feast day" to each other, the liturgy makes up an integral part of life here at the Holy Name of Jesus Academy. We would love to show you what the liturgy means in our life.