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Faith Development

Faith Development


In keeping with the spirit of St. Louis the ethos of our school is aligned with that of the founding congregation, which through time has brought its own charism that has helped to create the educational philosophy that informs the running of the school.

As a Catholic Grammar school we, as leaders, teachers, parents and pupils, are asked to reflect on how we live out the St. Louis ethos which was Abbé Bautain's vision. Part of our spiritual growth is to reflect on what our roles and responsibilities mean in living out the Gospel message.

We understand that parental preference for St Louis Grammar School affirms a commitment to the school's Christian ethos and to the Religious Education programme provided here. However, the school welcomes pupils from other traditions. Grounded in the St Louis tradition of education, we see religious faith and practice as an integral part of the whole school experience. All pupils study
Religious Education throughout their time in St Louis.

The main aim of the Religious Education Programme could not be achieved without considerable emphasis on religious practice during the school year. The Holy Eucharist is central to our faith. At the beginning of the first term the entire school community gathers for Mass in St Colman's Church, Massforth, to give thanks and ask for God's blessing on the year ahead. Mass is celebrated on many occasions including a special Mass for year 8 pupils and their parents in October to celebrate their 'new beginning'. Year group assemblies, a Lenten Penitential service, special liturgical services at Christmas and Easter and retreats, play an important part in faith development. At the end of sixth form, Mass is celebrated for Year 14 students and parents.

St. Louis is a caring school, where students are encouraged to live out their faith by supporting a range of charities, local, national and international. Fundraising takes several forms including ticket sales, sponsored fasts, goal shoots, sponsored walks and bag packs. In the past, groups of students and staff have travelled to Rwanda and Romania to work in orphanages bringing with them substantial funds and resources to aid their development. The school also supports the local branch of St. Vincent de Paul by providing hampers at Christmas. We are currently developing links within the St. Louis Network with St. Louis schools worldwide. Each year thousands of pounds are donated to a range of charities including Macmillan Cancer Care, Action MS, SERVE, Trocáire Lenten Appeal, the Hospice, and St. Louis Mission work in less economically developed countries.