Student Essays
“Our faith is important because it shows who we are and what we believe in. Certainly then, we should make sure our faith is strong in God! Prayer is significant in our lives, yet most people forget to pray. People should pick out a time to pray; praying once in the morning and once at night is good. Praying the rosary is also essential when we try to keep a close friendship with God.” Sixth grade student, St. Jude School & Preschool
“All through the years, I have had many cool teachers that give me a great education and are very fun too. The teachers relate the things we learn each day to what kids our age do – from TV shows we watch to the sports we play. The teachers here motivate us to try our best and always lead us on the right path to getting there.” Seventh grade student witness speaker, St. Jude School & Preschool
“Doing charitable work is when something is done out of the kindness of our hearts and taking time from our daily lives to help others. We can help others in small ways which can touch many lives; therefore, donating your time for service hours, such as for a neighbor or even someone you don’t know is rewarding.” Seventh grade student, St. Jude School & Preschool
“Being a new student was difficult for me, but everyone here was welcoming and understanding. The teachers here are always available, kind, intelligent and make it comfortable for me to talk to them. The students are united into one, as a big family, and we come together every week to show it by going to Mass as a school community.” Seventh grade student witness speaker, St. Jude School & Preschool
“A Catholic education is a pathway to success in life. Without the teachers, the students, and what lies ahead of them, the ride would not be as exhilarating. Jesus did not die on the cross to watch over us and do nothing. He wants us to have a great experience with some awesome people. A Catholic education is such a remarkable experience.” Eighth grade student, St. Jude School & Preschool
“The education program here at St. Jude School is outstanding. Every day aside from basic classes, I get to participate in a Spanish class that will prepare me for the future, while the younger grades have ChinaLink once every week.” Seventh grade student witness speaker, St. Jude School & Preschool
“St. Jude School is special to me because we learn about God and when I grow up I want to be a priest. Another reason I am glad I go to a Catholic school is we can pray. I will be good and listen to show I am thankful for this gift.” Second grade student, St. Jude School & Preschool
“Through my nine years at St. Jude, my experience has been amazing. I have made amazing friends and most of all I have grown in my Catholic faith. St. Jude has given me the strength, education and the ability to achieve anything by going above and beyond.” Seventh grade student witness speaker, St. Jude School & Preschool
“As a Catholic, I can do many things to strengthen my faith; as a group of Catholics, we can work together to set examples for the future generations….three ways for me to strengthen my faith are through prayer, by attending and participating at church, and by receiving sacraments.” Eighth grade student, St. Jude School & Preschool
“We take Spanish class and have electives that teach us a different variety of things such as Genealogy, Scrapbooking, Photography, Archaeology, Forensic Science and many other things. At St. Jude, there are so many opportunities to learn different things.” Seventh grade student witness speaker, St. Jude School & Preschool
“I know this is a special gift given to me because I can learn about God. Another reason I am glad I go to a Catholic school is religion class. I will listen closely to show I am thankful for this gift.” Second grade student, St. Jude School & Preschool
“St. Jude has had a big influence on my Catholic faith. This school has not only strengthened my faith, but really taught me more about what it means to be Catholic. One of the things that St. Jude students do to strengthen their faith is to attend Mass weekly as a school community.” Seventh grade student witness speaker, St. Jude School & Preschool
“Strengthening my Catholic faith today starts a foundation for the future. I want to keep this legacy for my children. One way I can make it happen is to just participate. I can start by listening in mass…I will try to follow God’s word. I will start with making sure I follow the Ten Commandments every day. Strengthening my Catholic faith will make me stronger and a better person that will continue as I grow older.” Sixth grade student, St. Jude School
“A Catholic education is important because it keeps God in our schools. It strengthens the values of family and faith, and it has a ripple effect on our society. When God is at the center of education, a child receives a strong foundation of religious morals and values. With these morals and values, children can put their faith into action and become positive role models for society. There are many ways to put faith into action. Youth groups like Jude*s Kids are one way that enable students to put faith into action and make a difference in society.” Seventh grade student, St. Jude School
“In order to leave a lasting legacy for future Catholics, a good Catholic education is necessary because it ensures emphasis on prayer, service hours, and religion class each day. If prayer is really stressed to students, a great environment will be present mentally and physically in schools. Similarly, the service hours that we do will create a legacy of acting as God and for God in a holy way. Lastly, our religion class that we have once a day allows our students to really bond and connect with God together in a group setting. Overall, a Catholic education is important because it helps us develop our spiritual self and set a good example for generations to come!” Eighth grade student, St. Jude School