FROM THE HEART OF THE CHURCH…
Since its founding more than fifty years ago, Saint Rose Academy has enrolled students in grades preK-8 for a dynamic academic experience in a joyful and formative Catholic environment. Under the direction of the Dominican Sisters of the Saint Cecilia Congregation (the “Nashville Dominicans”) and an outstanding faculty and staff, students receive an academically stimulating education that emphasizes the dignity of the human person and fosters an appreciation for all that is true, good, and beautiful.
…TO THE HEART OF THE CHILD
As the only Catholic elementary school in Birmingham led by religious sisters, Saint Rose Academy is uniquely qualified to form children with truth and love in a confused and hurting world. Saint Rose is dedicated to the intellectual, spiritual, physical, and emotional development of its students. Daily efforts by the faculty and staff make the faith a tangible reality for the children, one that is referenced in their decisions, practiced in their relationships, and shared with their families.
MOTTO: VERITAS ET CARITAS
Truth and love (especially in the Person of Christ) stand as the foundation and goal of Saint Rose Academy. The faculty and staff of Saint Rose are deeply committed to its mission of leading our students, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, in an unending pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty by providing a Catholic Education in a nurturing environment. Through a rich curriculum that focuses on the development of the whole person, Saint Rose Academy trains young minds to seek knowledge and truth (Veritas) and young souls to grow in virtue and love (Caritas).
Since its founding in the Mackin family home in 1956, Saint Rose Academy has been characterized by a family spirit. This spirit is grounded in the Dominican tradition of education and is manifest not only on the charming setting of the school, but also in the strong parental involvement and generous service to one another and to the community.
Saint Rose seeks to strengthen family life by offering support and guidance to parents in their role as primary educators of their children. The culture and rhythm of Saint Rose elevate the family so they may live their faith, respond to God’s grace and build a culture of life. Parents are welcomed in a partnership of trust and cooperation with the faculty and staff for the benefit of their children’s education.
A Saint Rose education is marked by many traditions that enrich the daily lives of our students. These traditions promote unity and harmony in the school and provide some of the most meaningful and beautiful elementary school memories.
Some traditions involve the entire school, such as the practice of praying one decade of the Rosary together each morning in October and May in front of the Mackin House.
Other unique Saint Rose traditions include the Harvest Festival, the Family Mass and Picnic, Field Day, and May Crowning. These events themselves, in addition to the time-honored way in which they are held, give evidence of the Saint Rose spirit in a very special way. As family traditions are a force of unity, so also are the traditions of Saint Rose, bonding together the students and families, the faculty and staff, and our alumni.
Saint Rose students encounter the living God each day and receive the truths of the Faith supported by right reason, enabling them to think clearly, choose wisely, and love rightly. Saint Rose Academy is marked by a richness in celebration of the liturgical year, and it maintains an atmosphere of faith that encourages the faculty, staff and students to live their Christian lives more deeply. Mass is celebrated on campus every week, and the students have regular opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance and for communal devotions that include daily chapel visits, Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, and the Lenten Stations of the Cross.
Through the sacraments of the Church, the life of Christ is formed and grows in the children of Saint Rose. Our grade 2 children are prepared by a Dominican sister to receive the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion for the first time. Our grade 8 students, also under the instruction and guidance of a Dominican sister, are prepared to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Furthermore, thanks to many generous priests of the Diocese of Birmingham, Mass is celebrated at Saint Rose Academy every Friday, allowing our Catholic students, faculty and staff to receive Holy Communion and Confession.
The Church’s liturgical calendar forms the basis of many traditional events at Saint Rose Academy. These events, which help to form the children in their liturgical and devotional life, including the following:
In imitation of Christ who came to serve (cf. Mk. 10:45), the life of faith in the students of Saint Rose Academy is manifested in their service to others. This service includes various class projects that teach students the importance of giving back to the community, service to one another, and daily efforts to be considerate of and helpful to others. Saint Rose students learn from a younger age to practice such kindness as:
Grace before ALL Meals
We give Thee thanks, almighty God, for all Thy benefits which we have received from Thy bounty through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
May the divine assistance remain with us always, and may the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Joseph
O my beloved Saint Joseph, adopt me as your child; take care of my salvation; watch over me day and night; preserve me from the occasion of sin, and obtain for me purity of soul and body. Through your intercession with Jesus grant me a spirit of sacrifice, a burning love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and a sweet tender love for Mary, my mother. Saint Joseph, be with me living, be with me dying, and lead me safely into the kingdom of God. Amen.