A faith that is practiced,
not merely professed.
Faith formation is the forming, shaping, and strengthening of the spiritual awareness and response of our students, faculty, and staff — the work of an entire school, every day.
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 (NIV)
Four standards of life.
One formed character.
Study
Veritas — Truth
The pillar of study revolves around Veritas, the Dominican motto meaning truth. Students learn to seek truth through an outstanding educational program that encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
- Nine advanced/honors courses and seven Advanced Placement courses.
- Students support one another as peer tutors and academic mentors.
- Daily after-school help from teachers — at minimum thirty minutes per day.
- A robust academic recognition program including Honor Roll and Aquinas Awards.
Prayer
Ora pro nobis
The pillar of prayer is woven throughout all dimensions of school life. From formal prayers — morning prayer and weekly services or Mass — to informal experiences such as blessings given by teachers, students learn that prayer is relevant in every situation.
- Classes commonly begin with prayer.
- Each day starts with Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Weekly prayer services are student-led and student-driven.
- Monthly Mass celebrations align with Catholic days of observance.
Service
Caritas omnium
Throughout the year, students participate in service activities and drives to support the less fortunate. They learn to share their gifts and talents with those in need — especially those in need — and then to reflect on that experience.
- Service hours completed each semester, with written reflections.
- Students lead prayer services and serve as lectors at Mass.
- Blood drives, sock drives, clothing drives, and food drives throughout the year.
Community
Communitas fidelis
The pillar of community is emphasized by our fellowship and Catholic traditions. With over 155 years of history, St. Catherine's is a place where students are known, mentored, and sent.
- Students and staff pack the stands to cheer on athletic teams.
- Guardian Angels and Angel Ambassadors mentor younger students.
- Student-driven clubs and organizations for every interest.
Five hundred Angels.
Two thousand hours.
Two days.
Our annual Day With A Purpose is a St. Catherine's tradition. Students begin with prayer, then are dispatched in random teams to do four hours of service across the Racine community.
Freshmen and sophomores serve on one day; juniors and seniors serve on another. Over five hundred students and adults. Two thousand service hours. In a single week.
- — How did you make an impact?
- — How did this positively help someone?
- — What Catholic Social Teaching does this show?
- — What Dominican Pillar does this show, and why?
A retreat for each year.
A pillar for each retreat.
Community
On-site at SCHS
Games and team-building led by Guardian Angels — our junior and senior student role models.
Study
Covenant Harbor
Team-building and a low ropes course. Saints as models for study, working through the letters of STUDY.
Prayer
Siena Retreat Center
A sunrise retreat: early-morning prayer together, Mass, posters, a letter activity.
Service
Wonderland Camp, Lake Geneva
A year before launch, seniors commit to going into the world to do good.
Faith doesn't take the summer off.
Rock The Block
A "stay-at-home" mission trip. Students work with families in Racine neighborhoods who need extra help — a week of service walking-distance from our schools.
Vacation Bible School
Scuba VBS themed weeks at St. Rita, Sacred Heart, St. Mary by the Lake, and St. Lucy. K–5 register as participants; 6–12 as volunteers.
Steubenville Youth Conference
Students travel by coach bus to the University of St. Thomas for the nation's premier Catholic youth conference. July 26–28. $400 per student.
Dominican Preaching Conference
Hosted by the Dominican Sisters and the Dominican Youth Movement. Students develop action plans for the upcoming school year alongside Dominican-school students from around the country.
Advent Teen Night Retreat
Open to ALL students in grades 7–10 — from any school. At St. Sebastian's Church, 6:30–10pm. $5/student. Mass, dinner, rotation of stations with games, service at a nursing home, and Christmas cookie decorating.
Kristen Dahlgren
B.A. History, Secondary Education, and Religious Studies — St. Norberts College. At SCHS since 2020. In education since 2011. Kristen leads our Campus Ministry, coordinates retreats, and welcomes every student — of every faith background — into the spiritual life of our school.
- kdahlgren@sienacatholicschools.org
- (262) 632-2785 ext. 417
- Text (262) 955-8183
- Submit a Prayer Request