Our Faith

WHY BYZANTINE CATHOLIC?

The founders & directors of the school embraced the Eastern Catholic Church in 2006 and love the rich, vibrant heritage found here. The Eastern Liturgy recognizes the importance of the roles that both the body and the soul have to play. It is a visceral, experiential way of life which emphasizes beauty, mystery, and a poetic knowledge of the Faith. This aligns beautifully with the educational philosophies of Maria Montessori and John Senior, who were both Catholic themselves.

"From the First Millennium, Christians of the Byzantine tradition have referred to themselves as "Orthodox Christians". Byzantine Catholics are Orthodox Christians who embrace full communion with the Church of Rome and its primate, Pope Francis, the successor of St. Peter, the first among the Apostles. Sadly, however, the break in communion between the Orthodox East and the Catholic West of 1054 still affects us today, as our communion with Rome means we are not in full communion with our mother Orthodox Church. We pray for the day when the Churches will again be one."

- http://www.byzcath.org/index.php/about-us-mainmenu-60/about-byzantines-mainmenu-62

THE LITTLE LAY ORATORY

We are under the umbrella of The Little Lay Oratory, a lay religious organization that seeks to draw people closer to Christ & to learn more about the eternal truths woven into the tapestry of Creation. All are welcome to join us for services, lectures, meetings, and prayer.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LITTLE LAY ORATORY

here

OUR SCHOOL PATRONS

Two great Anthonys, Eastern & Western

St. Anthony of the Desert

was a Christian monk from Egypt, revered since his death as a saint. For his importance among the Desert Fathers and to all later Christian monasticism, he is also known as the Father of All Monks. His feast day is celebrated on 17 January. His symbol is a book, which is also a symbol of learning & wisdom.

"The fruits of the earth are not brought to perfection immediately, but by time, rain and care; similarly, the fruits of men ripen through ascetic practice, study, time, perseverance, self-control and patience."

St. Anthony of Padua

was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. Noted by his contemporaries for his powerful preaching, expert knowledge of scripture, and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick, he was one of the most quickly canonized saints in church history. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on 16 January 1946. He is also the patron saint of lost things. His feast day is 13 June. His symbol is a lily, which is also a symbol of beauty.

"We are formed by environment and grace, by politics and prayer, by church and conscience. All God's creatures conspire to teach us as well. We stumble. We stutter. We rise. We are lifted."

PRAYER TO BEGIN CLASSES

Grant, O Lord, that I may face all that this new day is to bring with peace of mind.

Grant that I may dedicate myself completely to Your holy will.

For every hour of this day, instruct and support me in all things.

Whatsoever I may receive during the day, teach me to accept it tranquilly, with the firm conviction that everything comes by Your holy will. Govern my thoughts and feelings in all I do and say.

When unforeseen things occur, do not let me forget that everything comes from You.

Teach me to behave sincerely and wisely toward every member of my family [& class], not embittering or embarrassing others.

Grant me strength, my Lord, to bear the fatigue of the coming day and all that it shall bring.

Guide my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to suffer, to forgive, and to love, and pray Yourself in me. Amen.

- Morning Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret

MONTESSORI & THE CHURCH

Maria Montessori was a doctor (the first woman to become a doctor in Italy), scientist, researcher, and a devout Catholic. She specialized in psychiatry and research in education, spending years observing how children learn best.

Her philosophy of education is essentially Catholic; it elevates the dignity of the human person above the rigor of the curriculum, asks for each student to strive for virtue & exercise self-control, and emphasizes the importance of Beauty, Truth, and Goodness.

Popes have condoned Montessori education as the most Catholic of all educational philosophies, and even suggested that all Catholic schools should be Montessori schools.

“It is possible to see a clear analogy between the mission of the Shepherd of the Church and that of the prudent and generous Montessori directress - who with tenderness and love knows how to discover and bring to light the most hidden virtues and capacities of the child.”

~Pope Saint John the XXIII

OUR FAITH IN PRACTICE

John Senior, in his Idea for a School, proposed that the students live out the poetry of the Church by singing the Liturgy of Hours (the Psalms) throughout the day. This is in keeping with Montessori's desire to see those in this developmental period learning experientially.

At St. Anthonys, as we sing Third Hour (9am), & Sixth Hour (noon) each day, the students will become subject to the Word of God, and it will seep into their very souls, forming their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Our rich Catholic theology is also woven all through our daily discussions (along with literature, philosophy, science, history, mathematics, and politics) which are aimed at the pursuit of Truth.