Spirituality
“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Our Catholic character informs all that we do and hope to impart on our students. It is our foundation and our future. The abundant gifts and traditions of the Roman Catholic faith are richly reflected in our faith formation program and educational offerings, instilling a deep understanding of how our faith enriches every aspect of our lives.
There are many facets to our faith community. Sharing in the robust faith community of St. Bonaventure Parish, we engage in worship through weekly class Masses, daily prayer, sacramental preparation, and monthly Eucharistic adoration. Students are encouraged to play an active role in all liturgical ministries from reading scripture to serving at the Altar. Faith Families allow students to find joy and belonging while growing together in Christ.
Faith Formation On Campus
Growing together in Christ, the Faith Formation program at St. Bonaventure creates opportunities for students to grow in their spiritual identity throughout the Liturgical season.
In addition to their Religious Studies curriculum, our students attend Mass together with their classmates on a weekly basis, regularly engage the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion, and participate in the rosary prayer services and monthly Eucharistic adoration. A complete list of faith formation activities at St. Bonaventure includes the following:
Weekly Mass and daily prayer
Diocesan-approved religious studies curriculum
Liturgical participation as student lectors and altar servers
Monthly Eucharistic adoration
Daily school-wide prayers lead by Student Council
School-wide rosary prayer service, twice a year (October and May)
Reconciliation during Advent and Lent
Stations of the Cross, every Friday during Lent
Grade-level retreats
Faith Families - student run
Sacramental preparation for Reconciliation and First Holy Communion for baptized Catholic students.
Grade level Christian Service Projects
Enhanced prayer life at school and home with Hallow partnership
Weekly All School Mass Choir or Sunday Children’s Choir
Sacramental Preparation
Students in 2nd grade who are baptized Catholic prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion together with their classmates. Preparation is integrated into their daily Religion curriculum, allowing students to grow in understanding and faith within their school community.
Partnership with Hallow
St. Bonaventure is proud to partner with Hallow to support and strengthen the prayer life of our students and their families. This faith-based app provides guided prayers, reflections, and meditations that make it easy to bring prayer into daily life at home and at school. Through this partnership, each student receives five complimentary Hallow licenses for family members, helping parents, siblings, and loved ones grow closer to God together. This resource deepens our shared commitment to making prayer a joyful and meaningful part of everyday family life.
Faith Families
Our Faith Families Program is a meaningful way for students to grow in faith, leadership, and belonging. Each Faith Family brings together students from every grade level, with an 8th grader serving as the Head of the Family to guide and support their group. We begin the year with a special meet-and-greet where families build relationships and set shared spiritual goals. Throughout the year, Faith Families gather regularly for Student Body Masses, morning prayer assemblies, and service projects, helping our Saints connect across grade levels while living out their faith together as one school community.
Altar Servers
For many years, St. Bonaventure students have faithfully served our parish community as Altar Servers, playing an important role in the celebration of the Eucharist and other liturgical ceremonies. Rooted in the meaning of “ministrare,” which means “to serve,” this ministry offers students a beautiful way to grow in reverence, responsibility, and love for their Catholic faith.
As part of the Mass, our Altar Servers assist the celebrant by carrying the cross and processional candles, preparing the altar for the gifts, and supporting the sacred rituals of our worship.
All students in grades 4–8 are invited to participate, and informational meetings and training sessions are offered each year to welcome new servers into this meaningful ministry.
L.I.F.T. Nights
Organized by the Junior High Ministry of St. Bonaventure Parish, LIFT Nights are energetic and celebratory large group gatherings of Junior High students from across St. Bonaventure Parish. LIFT Nights are led by a passionate group of high school and college students who believe that every young person deserves role models and peers who share in their faith journey and understand what it means to be a Catholic teen in today’s world. LIFT Nights take place six nights throughout the school year from 7:00 - 8:15pm in the Parish Hall. Sign up is through Faith Formation at the Parish.