Catholic Identity
As a Catholic community, we strive to create a Christian educational community committed to high educational standards within the framework of Catholic principles.
We expect all St. Monica Catholic School students to:
- Be faith-centered individuals who regularly pray on their own and attend Mass.
- Read, understand and share with others God's word in the Holy Bible.
- Develop a personal relationship with Jesus and try to live His example.
- Use the personal talents that God has given him/her to serve their family, school, and parish.
A St. Monica Catholic School student strives to be:
A faith-filled Catholic who:
- Practices Christian virtues by making good moral judgements.
- Practices various forms of prayers.
- Uses his/her talents by giving service in school, parish, and community.
- Locates and understands Scripture passages.
A life-long learner who:
- Sees the value of Fine Arts.
- Implements technology to enhance research skills.
- Puts forth effort to achieve academic potential to master basic learning skills.
- Uses critical thinking skills to solve problems.
- Develops spiritually, mentally, and physically.
An effective communicator who:
- Expresses clear written and oral ideas respectfully
- Applies the skills of an active listener
- Articulates beliefs and opinions respectfully and with conviction
- Demonstrates manners and courtesy appropriately
A responsible individual who:
- Strives to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Understands varying points of view and cultural differences.
- Accepts challenges and pursues goals.
- Analyzes options when making choices.
- Participates appropriately when working independently and collaboratively.
CLICK HERE for a link to our relationship with Catholic Charities.
Spiritual Life at St. Monica Catholic School
Our Catholic identity is something that we are very proud to share. Families of all faiths are welcome to share as St. Monica Catholic School (SMS) practices our Catholic Christian values every day.
How is our Catholic faith shared on a daily basis? We start each school day with prayer as a way to prepare for the day. During lunch, time is spent thanking God for the bounty and blessings we have received. We end each day again with prayer as a time for reflection. In between, our teachers and staff are sure to integrate Gospel values and God's message into lessons in all subjects.
Our Catholic faith is also taught to each student during PK-8 religion classes, and our school attends Mass each Wednesday as an entire student body. Masses are held each Friday for 1st through 4th grades, and 5th through 8th grades the following week. Friends and family are encouraged to join us!
At SMS, you see our faith alive each and every day.
The Rosary
Each week, our staff gather together to pray The Rosary. You are invited to pray as well. CLICK HERE for a Rosary guide.
The Angelus
At noon everyday we pray The Angelus. You are also invited to pray at noon wherever you are. CLICK HERE for the prayer.
Sacraments
SMS closely coordinates with our parish Religious Education and Youth and Young Adult Ministry programs to meet the instructional preparation guidelines recommended by the Roman Catholic Church.
Students receive preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist during the school day in 2nd grade. In addition, SMS students join with student participants in our parish Religious Education program for a weekend retreat and for First Communion in the spring.
Students are eligible for Confirmation preparation in 8th grade. This instructional preparation is done with our religion teacher during the school day. The 8th grade year begins with the Confirmation Mass in the fall.
SMS coordinates with our parish Religious Education and Youth and Young Adult Ministry programs for families seeking the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation for their children outside of the timeframes listed above.
Mass and Prayer
The celebration of our children's liturgy is central to our SMS community. Each Wednesday and Friday during the school year, Mass is celebrated at 9 AM in our parish sanctuary. We welcome parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and any guests new to our parish and/or school to celebrate with us! Each of our students has opportunities throughout the school year to prepare and assist with our Mass celebrations from leading the choir to being a lector. Teachers prepare their classes for Masses on Wednesday and then every other Friday at 9 AM.
Hymn Lyrics
Worship Aide
Server Ministry
Our Server Ministry program instructs young Catholic men and women to serve at the altar during Sunday Mass, weddings, and funerals. This is a ministry of service offered to and for God. We try our best to help all servers come to the knowledge that this is a privileged ministry in which they are participating and therefore should be done with much reverence. We, as community, are grateful for their service. The servers are directed by the associate pastor and are trained on a yearly basis. Any Catholic child from 5th grade to high school is invited to participate in this ministry. Contact Stacie Hernandez at s.hernandez@smsindy.org.
Eucharist Ministry
SMS parents are invited to serve as Eucharist Ministers during school Masses. For information or to request to be put on the schedule, please contact Stacie Hernandez at s.hernandez@smsindy.org.
Virtues in Practice
Parent Guide
St. Monica Catholic School integrates the Circle of Grace and Bullying & the Bible programs into our social/emotional and safe child curricula. Please discuss these opportunities with your child's teacher.