Campus Ministry

As a Catholic school, SACHS provides a variety of faith-based experiences for its students. Possessing an Incarnational view of the world, Saint Augustine recognizes the presence of the divine in every aspect of the school, beginning with the natural beauty of the Saint Augustine campus. In support of Catholic faith formation, SACHS offers a myriad of spiritual opportunities:

1. Classroom and Community prayer
   Each teacher centers his/her instructional time on daily prayer that pertains to lesson themes and/or special circumstances within the community. In addition to classroom prayer, the entire Saint Augustine school community meets every morning in prayer. Lead by teachers and students, this time of meditation and reflection on scripture encourages ongoing faith formation. 
2. Theology
   SACHS students deepen their exposure to the gifts of the Catholic tradition with four years of required and elective theology coursework. Through readings, class discussions, journaling, activities, and service, students are challenged to live out their faith in their daily life.
3. Weekly Mass
   All students attend Mass every Tuesday in the chapel in addition to holy days of obligation. As members of the Body of Christ, students are encouraged to participate actively with full heart and voice. Throughout the year, students may serve in the various liturgical ministries. Students are also provided with opportunity to share in liturgical planning for each school Mass through involvement in the liturgy planning group.
4. Class Retreats and Kairos Programs
   Saint Augustine offers individual retreats for each class throughout the school year. Each class retreat focuses on a specific theme. In addition, juniors and seniors are invited to experience the four-day Kairos retreat program. The Kairos retreat, by challenging students to reflect deeply on the presence of God in their lives, often represents a powerful movement into adult faith.  
5. Christian Service Opportunities
   Service to others is an essential component of Christian discipleship. Thus, SACHS students will perform 10 hours (at least 5 hours must be outside of school) of non-paid community service per semester as part of their theology requirement. This component will count as 10% of their semester grade, and will be followed up by prayerful reflection.   Students will acquire a minimum of 20 hours of service a year, and 80 by the time of their graduation. Students desiring additional opportunities may expand their involvement through student service organizations such as the Optimist club, student council, and several others.
6. San Carlos Service Immersion Trip
   Students wishing to grow in faith and service may elect to participate in a service immersion trip to the San Carlos Native America Reservation. During this trip, St. Augustine students tutor and mentor kindergarten through 6th grade students at St. Charles Catholic school on the reservation. During the afternoon and evenings, students are exposed to hard realities of poverty and struggle on the reservation. Days typically conclude with a student lead meditative prayer processing the days events and insights through the lens of our Catholic faith.