Spiritual Development Program

Annunciation Catholic School, founded in 1954 by the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, is a fully accredited, Catholic parish elementary school under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Washington and the Church of the Annunciation.

Annunciation Catholic School and its faculty and staff are dedicated to developing the whole student through a community experience that stresses solid academics, encourages an active faith life, and follows God’s laws. Students are challenged to learn how to respect the dignity of God’s life, to develop themselves according to their God-given talents, to be aware of the truth of God’s love for all, and to live in God’s faith.

School Liturgies and Holy Days of Obligation

Bi-Monthly and/or on holy days of obligation, students attend Mass with our parishioners. Students actively participate by planning the liturgy, lectoring, bringing up the gifts, and altar serving. The Annunciation Roth Youth Choir provides the music.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Catholic students have several opportunities throughout the school year to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This is also an opportunity for our non-Catholic students to meditate or pray quietly in church.

Sacramental Preparation

First Penance and First Holy Communion

After preparation during weekly religion classes and with the assistance of our priests, Catholic students in Second Grade and the CCD program receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the winter and First Holy Communion on the second Saturday in May. Meetings for parents/guardians are held prior to both sacraments to describe the preparation process and the parents’/guardians’ role.

Although our non-Catholic students do not receive the sacraments, they are required to fully participate in the Penance and Communion classes as part of the religion curriculum.

Confirmation

After preparation during weekly religion classes, completion of service projects, and with the assistance of our priests, Catholic students in Seventh and Eighth Grades and the CCD program are Confirmed every other year in late winter or early spring. A meeting for parents/guardians is held prior to the sacrament to describe the preparation process and the parents’/guardians’ role.

Although our non-Catholic students do not receive the sacrament, they are required to fully participate in the Confirmation classes as part of the religion curriculum.

Parents/Guardians interested in learning more about the Catholic faith for themselves or their children should contact the Principal by the end of September to make arrangements with the Pastor.

Upper School Retreats

Students in Grade 6 through 8 participate in a retreat at the beginning of the school year. This day allows students to see the interconnectedness of God’s creations and develop respect for others.

Our Eighth Graders attend a day of reflection with their class and homeroom teacher. This is a time to not only recall and celebrate memories, but a time to examine all they have gained, and what they will be taking with them.