The Sisters of St. Joseph are often referred to as “contemplatives in action”. They are dynamic women engaged in the work of love and justice in the world, while remaining deeply rooted in prayer and spiritual growth. In the spirit of our founders, we too are called to balance our busy, academic and co-curricular lives with communal prayer and personal spiritual growth. Liturgy is the act of gathering our community in prayer and worship. The term “Liturgy” often appears on our bell schedule,website, etc., and may refer to a variety of forms of communal prayer and worship. The primary forms of liturgy in our community are Mass, Student-Led Prayer Services and Communion Services.
As a Catholic school, gathering to worship and pray is rooted in traditional Catholic liturgical forms and guided by our charism of drawing all into One. Through the celebration of Mass, our community shares in the Sacrament of Eucharist and, as we receive the nourishment of the Body of Christ, we are called to go into the world as nourishment for others. For Mass, a priest is invited to campus to lead our community in the readings and prayers, and to celebrate Eucharist with us. In other, non-Eucharistic liturgies, a member of our school community, such as a student member of the Spiritual Life Council, a teacher, or an administrator, leads the community through the celebration. The term “Prayer Service” is used on our calendar to refer to non-Eucharistic liturgies. Whether it be through Mass or another type of liturgical celebration, our corporate, or communal prayer is always an opportunity to celebrate, reflect, offer praise and give thanks. Liturgy, in all of its forms, always calls us to the work of unifying love and challenges us to love God and neighbor without distinction.
Students are invited into full and active participation in Liturgy by bringing a respectful presence, joining in prayers and responses, singing and creating moments of silence. Students are also invited to help lead liturgical celebrations by becoming Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Liturgical Dancers, Music Ministers, and by offering Scriptural Reflections.
Prayer
Each school day also begins with communal prayer (morning prayer) over the P-A system. Once the bell rings, everyone is asked to stop, stand, silence themselves, and join in prayer. These daily prayers are written and led by students on Spiritual Life Council and often connect to holidays, justice issues, current events, and school activities. All assemblies, large-scale meetings, and activities begin in prayer as a reminder of God’s presence and as a way of rooting our intentions and actions in God’s all-inclusive love.
In addition to communal prayer and worship, students are invited to develop a personal prayer life. We believe that personal prayer and spiritual growth is our response to God’s great love, and can guide our actions, choices, and relationships. There are a variety of ways that students can explore more personal prayer practices or gather in smaller groups with more personal prayer needs. In Religion and other classes, students learn and practice Centering Prayer, The Examen, keep prayer journals, participate in guided meditations, yoga, and mindfulness activities.
To get more involved in Liturgy and Prayer, reach out to the Campus Ministry Team: