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Living faith within the rhythm of the school day

Living faith within the rhythm of the school day

by Shannon Dufresne

The start of a new year offers a natural moment for reflection. At The Ursuline School, it is also a time to pause and consider how faith and spiritual development are lived out each day as essential parts of student life. These moments unfold quietly within the rhythm of the school day, offering students the time and space to reflect, listen, and reconnect.

At the heart of this work are Ursuline’s Peer Ministers—students in grades 11 and 12 who help lead prayer and worship for their peers. Through their presence and leadership, faith becomes something students experience together each day. Peer Ministers are supported by Dr. David Gelpi, director of Mission and Formation, along with members of the Campus Ministry team, including English teacher Tonianne Bellomo and Religious Studies teacher and Campus Minister Samantha Marrero, ensuring these opportunities remain student-centered and grounded in daily life.

Faith is present at the very start of each school day. Daily Prayer—written and read aloud during morning announcements by a Peer Minister—invites the community to begin together with intention. Gelpi offers, "It's a simple and meaningful practice that sets a reflective tone before the start of classes."

Throughout the week, students encounter additional opportunities in a consistent, unhurried way. On Thursdays during Flex 1, students may step into the St. Angela Chapel for a Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion. Soft light, moments of silence, and student voices guiding prayer create a reverent atmosphere. Facilitated by Peer Ministers, the service offers a shared experience of worship while reinforcing students' roles as leaders in the school's faith life.

Each month during lunch and flex periods, the chapel again becomes a gathering place as students are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Fr. Tom Byrnes. The quiet of the chapel offers a pause from the pace of the day—an invitation to renewal in a calm, prayerful setting. Monthly liturgies further bring the school community together at key moments throughout the academic year, offering opportunities to pray collectively and remain grounded amid the busyness of school life.

Later this month, the community will gather to celebrate the Feast Day of Ursuline foundress Saint Angela Merici on Tuesday, January 27. Students, faculty, and staff will be joined by the Ursuline Sisters and members of the Board of Trustees as the school honors the legacy that continues to guide Ursuline's mission and Core Values.

Campus Ministry also invites rising juniors and seniors to deepen their involvement through the Peer Ministry program. An application process is held each spring, with interviews typically beginning in March. Students currently in grades 10 and 11 who are interested in becoming Peer Ministers are encouraged to watch for additional details. 

“Peer Ministers play a vital role in shaping the spiritual life of our school. Their leadership helps create spaces where students feel comfortable praying together, asking questions, and growing in faith alongside one another.”
- Dr. David Gelpi, director of Mission & Formation

“Peer Ministers play a vital role in shaping the spiritual life of our school,” Gelpi said. “Their leadership helps create spaces where students feel comfortable praying together, asking questions, and growing in faith alongside one another.” Questions about Peer Ministry may be directed to Dr. Gelpi.

Together, these experiences reflect an essential part of daily life at Ursuline—one that supports students not only academically but also personally and spiritually as they continue to grow in faith.

 

  • Faith & Spirituality

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