Catholic Identity and Community Service Projects

Religion, prayer, and Gospel values are an integral part of every school day. Students, teachers, and guests gather each morning together to begin the day with a gospel message, prayer, the "Pledge of Allegiance," celebration of birthdays, and welcoming of any guests. Prayer permeates the remainder of the school day in classes, at meal times, and at the end of the day. Our daily prayer calls to mind God's love and His Presence with us always.

Student led prayer services are conducted at school on a regular basis for Holy Days, and for special events. Religion classes are taught every day to all students and Christian values permeate lessons taught in all classes. Our Catholic Christian identity can be found throughout the school building and in every aspect of school life. All students attend Holy Day and First Friday of the Month Masses and Middle School students rotate attending Noon day Mass each week.

“Whatever you did for one of these least of mine, you did for me.”
                                               --(Matthew 25:40)

The students at Wheeling Catholic are learning this scripture based message through on-going, yearlong service projects. Some classes participate in direct service – performing a service activity first hand, while others participate in indirect service – performing a service without first hand contact with the recipients. All projects are based on age appropriateness.

Time is spent at the beginning of the school year learning about the organizations and people who are served. In some cases, representatives from the community come to the school to speak to the students so that they are better informed of their “mission.” In addition to the service, each class spends time in theological reflection giving them the opportunity to process the experience from a faith perspective. Two ongoing projects include:

• 7th Grade - Family Services Senior Center
• 8th Grade - 18th Street Neighborhood