Embracing Faith, Unity, and Philanthropy

Committed to the vision of the formation of women who are faith-filled, empathic, and just, our Mission & Ministry team has enhanced mission-centered opportunities for high school students with the implementation of mission days. Throughout the year, each grade level will participate in a rotation of service-learning experiences encompassing education, direct service, and faith-based formation and reflection. 

These experiences aim to empower students to make a tangible difference in their communities and beyond. The mission days also cater to each grade level's unique developmental needs and curriculum. 

Highlights from High School Mission Day #2: 

 Freshmen embarked on a journey of self-discovery, immersing themselves in social-emotional learning and team building guided by Empower Adventures on campus.

Sophomores dedicated their time volunteering at various sites in our community. Along with guest speakers from the fields of social service and faith formation, this experience encouraged students to put their faith into action through charity, relationship-building, critical reflection, and prayer that benefits the Tampa Bay community and brings joy and hope to our world.

 Juniors, in conjunction with their World Religions course, visited three worship sites on their Mission Day: Wat Temple of Tampa, the Hindu Temple of Florida, and Congregation Schaarai Zedek. Learning about Thai Buddhist gestures of respect, Hindu stories and symbolic incarnations of God, and the evolution of Judaism, the students and staff appreciated how different religious and philosophical traditions aim to bring about goodness and moral living in people. To show a welcoming presence toward people of all faiths and respect that other religions “reflect rays of truth” follows both the messages of Nostra Aetate, the 1965 Catholic document on non-Christian religions, and our SNJM core value of Education in the Faith.

Seniors embarked on their Senior Day of Recollection at DaySpring. With time for low-ropes team activities, reflection on their high school journey, and prayer, the Class of 2024 bonded and shared their hopes for the legacy they co-create as Academy sisters.