At the Catholic Academy of the Holy Family, all denominations are welcomed and celebrated. Since the school was founded by the Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy, it continues in the strong tradition of Catholic Education.
Each day begins with prayer. Students, faculty and visitors to the building are encouraged to list their prayer intentions in the intention book in the front hall so everyone in the school can pray for their needs.
Each week, Mass is celebrated. Students take the leadership roles at the Mass, leading the singing, proclaiming the scripture, serving the priest and offering prayer petitions. They are even greeters and offer visitors hymnals so they can sing along.
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Students participate in Religion Class each day and the general curriculum guidelines of the Diocese of Buffalo are following in all texts.
Beginning in preschool, students learn about God's great love through creation. Just this year we have added the ''Atrium,'' which is the Montessori religion component. In keeping with the Montessori philosophy students will learn a Bible story or tradition and then experience its meaning through actually using the items mentioned in the story. In the upper grades, students study more in depth the stories of the New and Old Testaments and the history of the church from the time of Pentecost through present day.
One of the lessons at the eighth-grade level involves studying the beginning of St. Benedict's monasteries. In order to truly understand the contemplative lifestyle of the monks, the eighth-graders spend an entire day in the monastery, wearing robes, remaining silent and praying often.
All of this helps the child to grow in self-confidence and poise. They become used to public speaking and to being put in leadership positions. The lessons encourage self-control and self-monitoring as well as growing in faith and love for God and one another.