Sacraments and Devotions
Celebration of the sacraments, appropriate to each student's age, is central to our life and mission. In addition to weekly Mass and frequent Confession, St. Mary Catholic Virtue School students develop a "sacramental vision" that enables them to recognize God in all things.
Sacraments
Living the sacraments, our students develop a “sacramental vision” that enables them to recognize God everywhere.
Our second graders prepare for their first reconciliation and our third graders for their First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
The entire school attends Mass weekly. Families are always encouraged to attend. Mass is led by students in grades 1-8. Students serve as altar servers, readers, offertory gift bearers, and choir members.
Confession is available every week per grade. Our students prepare their examination of conscience with the help of their homeroom teachers.
Daily Prayer
Prayer is a daily practice at St. Mary Catholic Virtue School. Beginning with schoolwide announcements in the morning, our students also pray together before eating lunch and at dismissal.
St. Mary Catholic Virtue School students participate in the Chaplain-led program called "School of Prayer," once a week by Homeroom. During this time, they learn formal prayers, keep a personal journal, and devote time to Eucharistic Adoration.
Intercession of the Saints
Each classroom has a patron saint that matches the virtue of the grade. Our students learn about their patron saint. He or she teaches them and how to live according to virtue and how to build a friendship with Christ.
Spiritual Retreats
Friendship needs “quality time” to grow and develop. A key aspect of that time is silence and recollection to learn to listen to God's voice in our hearts. To that end, our middle schoolers enjoy an overnight spiritual, team-building retreat led by the school chaplain and their middle school teachers at the beginning of the school year.
Our teachers, as witnesses of a truth bigger than themselves and true apostles of the Gospel, also need to strengthen their relationship with Christ. To that end, they also attend 2 silent retreats, one of which is an overnight retreat.
All Saints Day
We are all called to holiness—to be saints! Through this celebration, each student can envision themselves as a saint, embracing the unique call God has placed on their lives. By learning about the saints, they become our friends and guides. Walking alongside them strengthens us and offers real, practical ways to journey toward heaven.
Presentation of the Lord
In this feast, we honor our grandparents, an opportunity to recognize the vital role grandparents play in passing down the faith. The Presentation of the Lord is a celebration of light, and during this rite, grandparents hand a candle to their grandchildren. This act symbolizes the transmission of faith, a tradition that stretches back to the Apostles, the first to receive the Good News of Christ our Lord. Faith isn’t created out of nowhere—it is passed down, generation to generation.
May Crowning
May Crowning is a special feast where we offer the fruits of our year at the feet of Mary. Our Lady walks with us always—her presence is felt in our rosaries, our prayers, and even in our school song. After all, we are St. Mary, and she is always with us.
Marian Festival
Our parish feast day is a joyful celebration of who we are as a community. We come together for a day full of activities, including a shared lunch, bouncy castles for the kids, and a fun soccer match between the priests and children. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the school and parish to unite, enjoy, and strengthen our bonds. As we celebrate Mary’s birthday, we honor her with our festivities and gratitude.Celebrated as a Parish on the closest Sunday to September 8th
Feast of St. John Paul II
Pope John Paul II visited Denver in 1993, a moment that reignited the faith of many families in Denver and across the country. He is also one of the patron saints of the DCJM, and his teachings on love and family continue to guide us, illuminating our mission. We joyfully celebrate this legacy at our school and parish on October 22nd.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
On December 12th, we honor the patroness of the Americas—a cherished figure who unites our entire continent, from North to South. This celebration allows us to embrace and appreciate Mexican culture, broadening our horizons and deepening our understanding of our shared heritage. We’ve had the pleasure of hosting mariachis, savoring delicious Mexican cuisine, and celebrating together as a vibrant community.
Feast of St. Joseph
In this solemnity, on March 19th, we honor St. Joseph, the earthly father chosen by God for His Son. He is the chaste spouse of Mary and a model of love and devotion.
Feast of the Annunciation
This Solemnity serves as a powerful reminder of the Incarnation, when the Angel Gabriel came to Mary to announce that she had been chosen to be the Mother of God. Typically falling during Lent, it offers a refreshing moment of joy amidst our Lenten practices and fasting. We celebrate this special occasion on March 25th.
Sacramental Vision
At St. Mary Catholic Virtue School, we help our students to develop a “sacramental vision” by which they will be able to see and understand how creation reflects God; how every person is a sacrament of God and how the Logos of God is present in the world.