Liturgical virtues in Catholic schools

Catholic schools celebrate the sacraments in communities which include students and faculty of all faiths and of no religious affiliation, facing various challenges to student engagement. This paper begins with a summary of the challenges in Catholic school liturgies, particularly in the celebration of the Eucharist, with an overview of the limited relevant guidance from Church documents. Suggesting a paradigm shift away from the challenges and towards the opportunities of multi-faith assemblies at Catholic Mass, it names ‘liturgical virtues’ which can be advanced in worship, are promoted through school culture, and are beneficial to all members of the community regardless of religious affiliation. With these virtues in mind, it suggests principles to guide the preparation needed for students to engage with the Mass in a way appropriate to their developmental stage and religious practice. It concludes by contemplating how Catholic school Masses can be a sacrament of unity, reinforcing student and school identity while maintaining the sanctity and distinctiveness of Catholic sacramental practice.