RELIGION DEPARTMENT

Department Head
Anna Maria Lacaria

Department Members
Cindy Ashton
Michael Doyle
Angie Galka
Daniel Godin
Wojciech Nowak
Piera O'Brien
Powel Polec

Celebration of the Sacraments: Students at SJMP celebrate Mass four times a year. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is also celebrated during Advent and Lent. At certain times of the year, morning Mass is celebrated in the school Chapel.

Class Retreats: All students in grades 9-12 at SJMP go on a retreat once a year as part of their Religious Education Program.

Community Outreach: The Chaplaincy Team is available to meet with students on an individual basis to help them deal with personal problems within a Catholic framework.

Community Outreach: Students in all grades are involved in social service work, helping the needy in our community and in the world. The students at SJMP have raised thousands of dollars for those who are struggling with poverty in Toronto and the Third World. Students appreciate this opportunity to live out their call to bring God's love and justice to the world.

Special Liturgical Services: At certain times of the year, special liturgical services and devotions are planned. Students have participated in such things as the Angelus Prayer (during Advent) and the Stations of the Cross (during Lent). They have also planned opportunities to say the Rosary during May. Many of these activities have been initiated by student leaders with the help of the Chaplaincy Team.

Other Special Activities: Students and the Chaplaincy Team plan other celebrations such as: the Remembrance Day Service, Liturgical Services for Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Respect For Life Week in May, and other events on special religious days. Students use their creative talents to plan these and to participate in them.

Special Groups: Students often join special groups formed to celebrate some of the religious days mentioned above. One group, the "Spirit in Motion Dancers of SJMP", has danced at a number of Masses and special liturgical events.

Youth Ministry Course: The Chaplaincy Team is developing a special course (credit-bearing) that is based upon the principles of youth ministry. Students in this course will help the Chaplaincy Team plan many of the activities outlined above as well as initiate their own program to help our youth. Such a course is based upon the idea of living out our Catholic faith - "faith in action".

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