Spiritual Life

Spiritual Life

In light of its history, Saint Mary’s Hall maintains many Christian-based traditions, symbols, and ceremonies, but does not seek to promote or favor one faith over others.

We also feel it is important to acknowledge and celebrate Christmas, Easter, and other major holidays of the faiths represented in our school. We believe the guidance, direction, and strength derived from one's faith plays a large part in the fulfillment of our school’s mission of producing ethical students with lifelong moral and spiritual values.

Saint Mary’s Hall recognizes and promotes the importance of a strong religious faith. To that end, students are exposed to many religions through the celebration of several important events.

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday

Students learn about the significance of Ash Wednesday and its role in the Christian faith. Additionally, students, family members, faculty, and staff can choose to receive their ashes at this Chapel service.

Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha

Ramadan is the holy month in the Muslim tradition to focus on faith, prayer, fasting, the Qur’an, and compassion.  Eid al-Adha or the "Festival of Sacrifice" is the celebration in Islam of God's providing a sacrifice in place of Abraham's son and affirms an ethic of generosity and compassion for one's neighbors and especially for those in need. Recent guest presenters include Chaplain Lantigua, an Air Force Chaplain and Imam.

Diwali
Diwali

One of the most important Hindu and South Asian festivals of the year, Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil. At Saint Mary’s Hall, students celebrate by wearing traditional Indian dress and attending a Chapel that celebrates the tradition of Diwali.

Hannukah
Passover & Hannukah

Annually local Rabbis visit Chapel to teach about the history and relevance of Passover and Hanukkah for today along with how these sacred holidays are celebrated locally and around the world today. This provides our community a great opportunity to reflect on key topics such as tolerance, freedom, justice, and overcoming obstacles.

Lessons & Carols
Lessons & Carols

During Christmas, each division celebrates with a Lessons & Carols service. Students lead in these chapels by serving as the readers for the lessons or Gospel readings that retell the events of Jesus' birth. Various Saint Mary's Hall choir groups also lead in the signing of carols and performing Christmas music.

Saint Mary's Shield

For more information, contact Interim All-School Chaplain Susan Douglas at sdouglas@smhall.org.

Saint Mary's Shield