Faith and Catholicity

Catholicity has always been the center stone of Cathedral High School. In 1918, Bishop Joseph Chartrand promoted the creation of an all-male Catholic high school for a city that already boasted three Catholic girls' academies. The word cathedral comes from the Latin "cathedra" which means the Bishop's chair; wherever the chair, there too was the church.

Four years of religion classes are a graduation requirement for all Cathedral students. Courses in scripture, morality, world religions, church history, social justice, adult living, and marriage complete the theology curriculum. The basic tenets of the Catholic faith explained in theology class are frequently inserted into discussions in literature, history, current affairs, and biology.

Twenty percent of our student body bears witness to the living faith of other religions. Our theology department strives to form individuals in the Catholic tradition and uphold respect for other faith traditions.

The theology curriculum is augmented by numerous co-curricular activities. All students, sophomore through senior, are required to complete twenty-five hours of community service each year. Campus ministry organizes freshman and sophomore days of recollection, two Junior girls' overnight and two Junior boys' overnight, and an extensive program of six Senior Christian Awakening retreats. The Liturgical Planning Committee organizes all school Masses, Living Rosaries and Penance Services. Two separate mentoring programs exist. The Peer Counseling Program connects seniors and freshmen to discuss the high school experience and offer a helpful perspective. The Spiritual Companion program is offered to all students; it allows students to meet individually with adults connected with the Cathedral Family who serve as spiritual mentors.