Article submitted by Lakeland Catholic Schools

Notre Dame High School Helping Students Deepen Their Faith

At Notre Dame High School, the "Damers Code" was established about three years ago in an effort to increase understanding of the school beliefs regarding student attitudes and behaviours. Following the work of the Moral Intelligence Initiative, the "Damers Code" focused on key virtues such as respect, empathy, and tolerance.

With the "Damers Code" came more common language and another avenue in which to pursue the goals the school held for each student graduating from Notre Dame High. This year, the Damers Code has been written in the form of a prayer. The Notre Dame Prayer is posted in every classroom and each Monday morning, all staff and students pray together as an entire school community. The weekly prayer asking for God's help in achieving the school's goals is serving as another format for students and staff to stay focused on both the goals and the Catholic dimension of the school. The school prays together daily, but this is the first time they have established a prayer specifically for Notre Dame High School.

Faith Café Helping Staff Deepen Their Faith

The Faith Café's held in each school during Advent and Lent have become sacred time for staff to read the Scriptures, reflect and pray together. This tradition was started in 2006 following an invitation from Sister José Hobday who encouraged the Lakeland staff to take the time each day to savor the Word of God as much as we savor a great cup of coffee. Lakeland's religious education coordinator has become a master of preparing latte's for the participants to sip on while they reflect and participate in powerful discussions based on selected bible readings. What initially started as a few adults gathering to 'sip on the scriptures', has grown to after school gatherings that help educators deepen their knowledge and grow in their faith as they share their understanding and insights on ways to live the message of the Scriptures in our daily lives. Board members and central office staff are always invited and take the opportunity to join the school staff on their faith journey.

Faith Café at Notre Dame Elementary School creating Advent prepartion for students. Photo supplied by Lakeland Catholic Schools

Lakeland Catholic Schools continue to seek opportunities to deepen the faith of staff and students so they come to know and believe in the love God has for us.