We work to instill in each of our students a lifelong desire and commitment to helping others. An important focus for our campus ministry program is putting our faith into action through service to others. All of our students participate in local, national and/or international community service projects. These projects vary from year to year and often correspond with the interests of individual grades.

Bernie's Books April 2024
Third Grade students sorted 12,500 books at Bernie’s Book Bank. During Week of the Young Child, April 14-19, we will be collecting used books for Bernie’s Book Bank.

Lent

We are excited to announce our 2024 partnership with Catholic Extension! Since 2018, we have partnered with Catholic Extension for our Lenten Almsgiving. What the parish and school have been able to accomplish during this time is truly amazing. Please click here for an overview of projects throughout the years. 

Our 2024 Lenten Almsgiving is supporting missionary priests in the Diocese of Cheyanne, Wyoming. Please click here for an overview of this year's project. 

"Lent is a favorable season for opening the doors to all those in need and recognizing in them the face of Christ" -- Pope Francis

Fostering a sense of family and commitment between the students, older students are paired up with younger students to mentor and share faith with their prayer partners for the school year. This teaches the older children the responsibility of being a mentor while providing the younger children with role models. Prayer buddies share special masses, prayers services, and other events during the year.

We begin each school year with a kick off assembly where Prayer Buddies meet each other and attend Mass together as a school. 

Prayer Buddies:
Grades 1 and 5
Grades 2 and 8
Grades 3 and 6
Grades 4 and 7 

The students at St. Paul of the Cross School prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion in second grade.

In eighth grade, they prepare for their Confirmation. The second and eighth grade religion curriculum is centered on their preparation to these sacraments.

Please refer to the Sacrament tab on the St. Paul of the Cross Religious Education website for further information. Click here to be directed to that webpage.

At St. Paul of the Cross Parish, the school and the catechesis students share in the commitment as they receive these sacraments together.

St. Paul, in compliance with the policy and procedure of The Archdiocese of Chicago, has two parent meetings that you are expected to attend, one for Reconciliation and one for First Communion. 

Students in grades Kindergarten through 8th attend weekly mass. 

Through the school year, students plan and participate in monthly themed all school Masses. Parents and community members are invited to attend these and all prayer services. Our all school Masses celebrate saints, the season of the Church, Catholic traditions such as Rosary, Stations of the Cross, May Crowning, and important issues and concerns of our faith such as Social Justice, and being good stewards of the Earth.

Students from all grade levels are given opportunities to actively participate in liturgical prayer throughout the school year. They are cantors, readers, and gift carriers. They take part in processions or plays, choir, and leading prayer. Gathering in worship and prayer is an integral part of the St.Paul of the Cross School experience.

We place the highest value on our Catholic beliefs, which are woven throughout all aspects of our lives at St. Paul of the Cross School. We believe that through an enriched prayer life, an awareness of the needs of others, and study of our faith, students will grow in their Catholic life. Our ultimate goal is to develop within each of our children a moral conscience that will help guide them throughout their lives. Morning prayers and intentions begin the students’ day. Once a week students in Kindergarten through 8th grade join the parish community at morning mass.

Through the school year, students plan and participate in monthly themed all school Masses. Parents and community members are invited to attend these and all prayer services. Our all school Masses celebrate saints, the season of the Church, Catholic traditions such as Rosary, Stations of the Cross, May Crowning, and important issues and concerns of our faith such as Social Justice, and being good stewards of the Earth.

We work to instill in each of our students a lifelong desire and commitment to helping others. All of our students participate in local, national and/or international community service projects. These projects vary from year to year and often correspond with the interests of individual grades.

• Daily prayers begin the students’ day.
• During religion classes, students learn the beliefs and social teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Students participate in mass each week.
• Students prepare all school masses and prayer services throughout the year.
• Prayer partners, the pillar of student relationships, unite younger and older students at mass and other school activities.
• Students are fully prepared for the sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

While our curriculum emphasizes the Roman Catholic faith, students are also taught to understand and respect people of every religious background.