Saint Clare Catholic School utilizes the Virtues in Practice program created by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia from Nashville, TN for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The purpose of the program is to grow closer to Jesus by imitating His life and virtues.
This 3-year program focuses on the Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity). Children not only study and grow in virtues, but experience virtues as a part of their everyday lives. The program covers 27 virtues over a three-year cycle with 81 saints held up as models of the virtues.
The years of the cycle emphasize, and are named for, the three theological virtues:
- The year of FAITH focuses on Catholic devotions and the idea that “faith works” (Gal 5:6), with a school-wide emphasis on service projects.
- The year of HOPE emphasizes study skills, because in order to fulfill His plan for our lives we need to develop the talents God has given us.
- The year of CHARITY emphasizes community, particularly how students interact with one another, because “he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 Jn 4:20).
Saint Clare has participated in the Virtues in Practice program since 2023. The 2025-2026 school year will be the year of CHARITY.
Monthly virtues for the YEAR OF CHARITY are:
- September: Charity — Loving God with all of your heart, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself
- October: Friendship — Sharing a mutual love that seeks the good of the other
- November: Courtesy — Being thoughtful of others
- December: Purity — Keeping your soul free of sin
- January: Fortitude — Being brave and strong in the face of trials
- February: Prudence — Making good decisions in specific circumstances
- March: Respect — Recognizing the dignity of all people
- April: Forgiveness — Pardoning those who offend you
- May: Responsibility — Being reliable in your duties and accountable for your actions
More information on the program can be found here.