“It is in the School that we must get a hold on the children and bring them within the influence of grace.” – Mother Mary Charles Magdalen Walker, RSC, Foundress, Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus.
‘God First’ the School Anthem boldly proclaims. The pupils are socialised into a consciousness of God’s Presence from the first weeks of admission into the School. Not only are Catholic traditional prayers taught and the Catholic faith imparted, a customised Prayer Manual and Devotional Hymn Book makes it easy for all to participate in the prayers at the Daily Assembly to begin the day’s activities, and in consonance with the rhythms of the Church’s Liturgical Calendar. Thus a decade of the Rosary is recited and the Way of the Cross Prayed during the seasons indicated for them in the Liturgical Calendar. A typical day is equally punctuated by the recitation of the Angelus or the Regina Caeli as indicated by the Season, and finally closes with prayer.
Christian Religious Studies is taught as a subject all through the pupils’ stay in the School. The Term Opens and Closes with a Holy Mass. Thus, the pupils are brought within the influence of grace through informal and formal catechesis all through their stay in the School. The formal Catechism classes are organised for pupils from Primary 3 onwards to enable them receive one or more of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. The pupils also participate actively in the Missionary Childhood Association and hold a weekly Prayer Meeting. Participation in the School Choir is open to all. Counselling services are available to Parents, Staff and Pupils alike.
The practice of caring for the distressed and less privileged is woven into the formation offered to the pupils. Prayers are offered for distressed Families, Fellow Pupils as well as Sick and Deceased Parents and Friends. Twice each year, the pupils visit the Orphanages Homes for the physically and mentally challenged with material and monetary gifts collected beforehand to fraternise with the persons who live there. A substantial amount of money is realised from the Lenten Abstinence Practices undertaken by pupils and made over to the poor at the end of the season. The pupils are visible at and make significant contributions to the success of the Annual Parish Children’s and Youth Harvest. A scholarship scheme is available to orphaned pupils and promising pupils from less-privileged homes.