The goals of Catholic education are to assist parents in forming their children's moral character and to prepare students' minds, hearts, and hands for their vocations in life so that they may live wisely and generously in an increasingly complex world.
Every student enrolled in AHS takes a formal religion course each semester. These courses are designed to pass on the Catholic intellectual philosophy, tradition, and history. Gospel values and Catholic Church social teachings are integrated into other areas of the curriculum as well.
Since service is an integral part of the Gospel message, in addition to the rigorous academic classes, students are required to perform and document a minimum of ten hours of service during each semester. Students help out at their parishes, at school or school-related functions, and for not-for-profit community organizations that promote Christian values. Emphasis is placed on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
AHS provides various opportunities to cultivate the habit of prayer, the practice of the faith, and participation in liturgical life. Each day begins with prayer. Classes begin with prayer, and there are all-school Masses on Holy Days and First Fridays. Weekly Mass and Morning Prayer are offered before school in the Chapel. There is a yearly retreat for each grade level and a Communal Penance service each semester. During National Catholic Schools' Week, there are daily activities celebrating the unique features of Catholic education, including prayer services, speakers, days of appreciation, and a vicariate-wide all-schools Mass with the bishop presiding. In addition, the Rosary is recited during Homeroom or in the Chapel several times a year.
The Campus Ministry Club members assist with Prayer Services and help to plan music, do the readings, and write and read the Prayers of the Faithful for the all-school Masses.
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