Here at St. Mary School we attempt to create an atmosphere of Christian values and ideals. We teach the children to look upon Religion, not as another subject, but rather as a way of living, a process of developing a lifelong relationship with God. This goal is achieved through various means, one of which is our Religion textbook. In addition to the basic text, we begin and end our school day with prayer. All students learn about Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, the Saints, the Blessed Mother, and the Holy Days of Obligation. During the seasons of Advent and Lent, the Fourth and Fifth Graders are given the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In May all the children participate in the "Living Rosary" and the crowning of Mary.
In the Fifth Grade Religion curriculum, the central theme of the text entitled We Believe, We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments by Sadlier highlights the reception of each Sacrament. The students are taught that they encounter Christ in an intimate way through the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. The students are taught to enflesh the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and the Beatitudes by reaching out to those in need through various service projects performed throughout the school year. They respond to the particular needs that arise as far away as Haiti, or as close as St. Anne's Food Bank here in Shrewsbury. The children are taught to put their love of God into action. The Fifth Graders share their faith by participating in the Mass on All Saints' Day. They dress as the saint of their particular choosing, create a poster, write a report, and tell some interesting facts about their saint. The children lead the assembly through the reading of Scripture and participation in song. This activity reinforces their faith, and brings it to life.