In 1912 the pastor of Ascension Church asked the Ursuline Sisters of Springfield to staff the new parish school. They brought with them a heritage of education with honor and love. When the sisters left the school in 1985, they passed their strong heritage to a devoted lay staff who have continued teaching and nurturing each child to develop his or her individual talents and to grow in faith and service to others.

Junior High Religion

Students in Grade 2 also use the "Gold Book" (We Celebrate the Eucharist, Silver-Burdett) for parent-child preparation for First Communion. In the preparation for First Communion, the child's first opportunity for reconciliation comes in the form of the Peace Service.

Students in Grade 4 have another opportunity to formally celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is open to students after the age of 12. Enrollment for the sacrament preparation sessions happens in the Fall of each year and the sacrament is celebrated the following October.

Christian Initiation Policy

In accordance with Archdiocesan policy for schools and religious education programs, parents are required to present a Baptismal Certificate at the time of registration.

Children not baptized in the Catholic faith do not participate in sacramental preparation for Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation.  It is the responsibility of the parent(s) to inform the child of this policy at the earliest opportunity.  The school/religious education staff will support the family with any resources that may be helpful in understanding this policy.

Those children who have not been baptized or have been baptized in another faith tradition who themselves, or in agreement with their families, choose to explore the Catholic faith have an opportunity to join an Inquirers Group.  No one’s journey can be compared to another’s; recognizing that God’s call to each is most individual.  Each person’s journey is unique.  Therefore, the period of Inquiry is the first step in an open-ended process that may lead to Baptism in the Catholic faith if the individual chooses to pursue it.

Those younger than seven years of age are to be baptized according to the Rite of Infant Baptism.  Those seven years of age or older are to be initiated through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in accordance with the Church’s Code of Canon Law.
Parents interested in information regarding this process may contact the principal, Director of Religious Education or the Pastoral Associate of the Parish.

All sacramental preparation is conducted through meetings scheduled outside regular class time.