Faith Formation at IWA

No. Incarnate Word Academy welcomes students from all faith backgrounds. While the school is rooted in Catholic tradition and teaching, our community is diverse, and many students are non-Catholic. All students participate respectfully in faith-related activities as part of our mission to form the whole person—spiritually, academically, and morally.

Yes. As part of our schoolwide faith formation, all students attend weekly Mass and participate in songs, prayers, and spoken responses. Non-Catholic students receive a blessing during the procession in which baptized Catholics (who have received their First Communion Certificate) receive Holy Communion. 

Yes. Parents are always welcome to join the school for weekly Mass and may obtain a visitor’s pass from their child’s school level office.

Faith is integrated into daily life through:

• Daily prayer in classrooms and gatherings
• Religious Studies classes appropriate to grade level
• Opportunities for service and reflection
• Christian values woven into all academic subjects
• A culture that encourages compassion, leadership, and personal growth

The curriculum includes Catholic theology, tradition, scripture, morality, and social teaching, and is always taught with respect for students of all backgrounds.

IWA’s faith formation helps students develop:

• A strong moral compass
• Confidence in their identity and purpose
• Leadership grounded in compassion
• Critical thinking shaped by Catholic social teaching
• A lifelong understanding of service and responsibility

Graduates leave with academic preparation and spiritual grounding that support success in college, career, and life.

Non-Catholic students are fully included in all activities. When teaching Catholic beliefs, teachers provide context, encourage respectful dialogue, and help students connect faith concepts to universal values such as kindness, service, forgiveness, and integrity. Students are never pressured to convert and are valued for the unique perspectives they bring to the community.

No. Catholic students achieve their sacraments through their home parishes. IWA joyfully recognizes and celebrates these achievements with a first Holy Communion celebration in the 2nd grade classes and recognition of Confirmation in the High School Level awards and recognition ceremony. 

Yes. At various times throughout the year—especially during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent—Catholic students may participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Priests from local parishes visit campus to offer Confession.

IWA remains committed to providing sacred space for prayer and worship. The school continually evaluates campus needs and future planning, and information about chapel development will be shared with families as plans take shape.

Yes. Age-appropriate retreats, reflections, and spiritual formation programs are part of the student experience. These help students:

• Deepen their relationship with God
• Build community
• Discern their gifts and purpose
• Strengthen leadership and character

High school level students often participate in more extended retreat and mission trip experiences.
 

Service is a cornerstone of IWA’s mission. Students may complete service hours at both Catholic and non-Catholic organizations, as long as the work aligns with the school’s values and supports the community. Projects may include parish ministries, nonprofit organizations, civic groups, or social outreach programs.

Faith is not just a class—it's part of the school culture. Students experience:

• Morning prayer and spiritual reflection
• Acts of service woven into curriculum
• Opportunities for leadership rooted in Christian values
• Celebrations of liturgical seasons (Advent, Lent, Holy Week, etc.)
• Guidance from the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament’s charism of love, compassion, and service

Named for the foundress of the Order of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, Venerable Jeanne Chézard de Matel, the De Matels is a volunteer student group that fosters leadership, reverence, and involvement in schoolwide worship. Students help prepare and support Masses and prayer services through music, readings, and other roles.

Yes. Students explore the history, mission, and spiritual legacy of the Sisters of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, who founded IWA in 1871. Their commitment to education, service, and faith remains an important part of school identity.

Students often express curiosity about:

• Why certain days are Holy Days of Obligation
• How someone becomes a saint
• How to discern God’s call in their lives
• Favorite traditions or aspects of the Catholic Church
• The lives and ministry of the Sisters

Teachers and campus ministry staff guide these discussions with openness and age-appropriate explanation.