Special Faith Activities
Sacramental Preparation
Within the context of their grade-level religion classes, and in conjunction with their families, students are given the preparation necessary to receive several sacraments that are integral to a solid Catholic education. Mary, Seat of Wisdom teachers prepare students for the following sacraments:
- First Reconciliation: Grade 2
- First Communion: Grade 2
- Confirmation: Grade 8
Living Stations of the Cross
A long-standing tradition at Mary, Seat of Wisdom School is the “Living Stations of the Cross”, presented by the 8th grade students during Holy Week. The Living Stations of the Cross service follows the tradition of the Stations of the Cross, but with students portraying Jesus, Mary, Pontius Pilate, and the people integral to the story of the Passion and Crucifixion of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Nativity Story
The 1st grade students at Mary, Seat of Wisdom have had the honor of presenting the Nativity Story to the entire student body during the week before Christmas each year. This well-loved tradition has students as active participants in the roles of Mary and Joseph, shepherds, kings, angels and readers.
May Crowning Celebration
As Catholics, we honor Mary in a special way during the month of May, and the May Crowning ceremony is a time-honored tradition at Mary, Seat of Wisdom School. The 2nd grade First Communicants and graduating 8th graders come together to present a beautiful and moving tribute to Mary, Our Mother. The 2nd grade students form a court of honor, through which the 8th grade students process to crown Mary and honor her with song, prayers, and special readings.
All Saints Day
3rd grade students at Mary, Seat of Wisdom present the All-Saints Day liturgy to the student body on the feast of All Saints (November 1) each year. The 3rd grade students each research and then represent one particular saint, and then share their understanding of these saints’ faith and heroism with the entire school in a liturgy.
Clerical Participation in Class
Father Gerald Gunderson, pastor of Mary, Seat of Wisdom parish, visits school homerooms to share in the students’ spiritual development. Through classroom conversation and focused presentations, Fr. Gunderson encourages each child’s spiritual growth and understanding of Catholic traditions and practices.
Altar Servers
Students in grades 5-8 are able to participate in parish daily morning Masses and funerals by serving the parish as an Altar Server. Students who choose to serve the parish in this capacity must attend a special training session and be willing to make up any schoolwork that is missed while serving Mass.
Guardian Angels
At the beginning of each school year, each 8th grade student is assigned a kindergarten student to whom they act as ‘guardian angel.’ This special relationship begins around the time of the Feast of Guardian Angels. The 8th grade students present the kindergarten students with a special Guardian Angel medal at an all-school assembly.
Blue Mass
Since approximately 10% of the Mary, Seat of Wisdom student body has at least one parent serving in the role of police officer or firefighter, a special ‘Blue Mass’ is held annually. Police officers and firefighters are invited to attend the all-school mass and reception.