Santa Clara High Schools' beliefs, values, and goals are reflected every day in the life of our community. Each class, activity, and service builds upon the talents, experiences, spirit, and love we share. These make us who we are.
Guided by the Catholic Church's belief and the school's philosophy To Teach As Jesus Did, Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary High School's administration, faculty, staff, and student body continually strives to develop and improve their Catholic, academic, spiritual, and emotional lives. Students' co-curricular activities are designed to facilitate interaction and growth between the CSHM campus community and the surrounding community.
The spiritual life of every Santa Clara High School student is encouraged and enhanced by daily class prayer, and frequent liturgies, directed and prepared by each class which incorporates a specific theme utilizing scripture and music. Selected students, faculty, and staff participate as altar servers, lectors, musicians, and Eucharistic ministers. Every morning the principal welcomes the students and begins the day with a meditation and prayer. Teachers and/or students lead prayers and offer intentions at the start of every class. Many athletic events are preceded by a prayer service in the Chapel led by the Campus Minister. The Campus Minister and team aid classes in planning liturgical events develop and lead class retreats and prayer services including Memorials, Ash Wednesday, Blessing of the Throats, First Friday Service, Stations of the Cross, and Reconciliation services. The Campus Ministry team attends funerals, confirmation, special liturgies, and other services for members of the community and student body.
Campus Ministry
The Campus Ministry Program endeavors to achieve the following goals:
● To promote the Christian growth and development of the members of the Santa Clara community: students, teachers, alumni, and parents.
● To teach all Santa Clara Community to live the Beatitudes.
● To challenge students to become leaders who will make a difference in the world beyond Santa Clara.
● To awaken our sleeping spirituality and strengthen our relationship with God.
● To provide opportunities for members of the school community to deepen their understanding of and
commitment to Jesus and His Church.
● To help to foster the growth of each person at Santa Clara.
● To assist the Theology Department in providing an approach to living the Gospel message.
● To assist the Principal and faculty/staff in developing a community.
● To create students with a longing for social justice in the world.
Masses
Masses are Mandatory regardless of your faith. During the year, the Campus Ministry Department and members of the student body assist at a variety of liturgical celebrations. Students are expected to be in attendance and conduct themselves in a respectful manner.
Retreats
Retreats are mandatory regardless of your faith.
During the course of the school year, each grade level will participate in a retreat.
● Freshmen have a one day retreat on campus.
● Sophomores have a one-day retreat on campus.
● Juniors have a one-day immersion retreat off-campus.
● Seniors have a three-day, two-night retreat off-campus.
Retreats are opportunities for students to spend time in prayer through individual and group exercises.
Christian Service Program
Mission Statement:
Inspired by the life of Jesus Christ and the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, the Christian Service Program calls each SCHS student to a life of Christian Charity to our neighbors, particularly those in most need. The mission of the Christian Service Program is for students to exemplify an understanding of the Beatitudes and that each student may grow in confidence, exploring a role as a valued member of the community.
Program Summary:
At Santa Clara High School, Christian Service is an essential part of the overall Catholic high school experience. Catholic education offers a unique opportunity to learn not only from classes but also empowers students to go beyond the classroom to put “Faith into action”. Our goal is for a student to leave SCHS with a personal commitment to help those in need. The students are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of Christian service per year. Seniors will graduate with 40 hours or more of Christian Service. This is a graduation requirement.
Project-Based Learning:
In recent years, it appears that social media and technology have advanced tremendously. Instead of logging hours into a Christian Service folder, students will now be required to brainstorm, record, and produce their experiences of Christian service through the use of multimedia. This will be achieved by a PowerPoint presentation or video to be presented in their religion class. Their Christian Service Projects will be worth 10% of their grade in both the first and second semester.
Freshmen - 10 hours Juniors - 20 hours
Sophomores - 15 hours Seniors - 25 hours
