FAITH
At Our Lady Academy, faith is not just a part of our curriculum—it is the foundation of who we are. As a Catholic institution, we are passionately dedicated to fostering the spiritual formation of each student, guiding them to grow closer to God through a life rooted in prayer, service, reflection, and community.
Our vibrant faith life is woven into the fabric of everyday experience. As a school community, we come together regularly to celebrate the Holy Mass, deepening our connection to Christ and to one another. Students engage in daily religion classes that explore Catholic teachings, Scripture, and moral development. Our annual class retreats offer sacred time for reflection, renewal, and bonding, while monthly Eucharistic Adoration invites students into the quiet, transformative presence of Christ. Through our dynamic Campus Ministry club, students take an active role in leading spiritual initiatives, service projects, and peer ministry.
At OLA, faith is lived—joyfully, intentionally, and authentically. Students are encouraged to integrate Gospel values into every aspect of their lives, becoming compassionate leaders and faithful stewards of God’s love in the world.
While our traditions are deeply rooted in Catholicism, Our Lady Academy is proud to be a welcoming and inclusive community. We embrace students of all faith backgrounds and foster an environment of mutual respect, open dialogue, and shared spiritual discovery. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you will find in OLA a nurturing and uplifting space where you can grow in wisdom, character, and grace.
Here, faith is not only taught—it is experienced, celebrated, and lived out every day.
SCHOOL MASSES
Twice each month, the entire Our Lady Academy community comes together in a sacred and joyful celebration of the Holy Mass, and twice a semester we celebrate a Tri-School Mass with Holy Trinity and Saint Stanislaus. These gatherings are a cornerstone of our spiritual life, offering students, faculty, and staff a powerful opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God and one another. Each grade takes a meaningful role in the liturgy, actively participating by proclaiming the Word of God, offering prayers of the faithful, and contributing to the overall flow of the celebration.
Students also embrace the chance to serve in special liturgical roles—as altar servers, Eucharistic ministers, and musicians—enhancing the reverence and beauty of our communal worship. Our student-led music ministry brings the liturgy to life, filling the chapel with heartfelt song and inspiring participation from all.
While our celebration of the Mass is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, every student is warmly invited to join in this time of prayer, reflection, and spiritual unity. In these sacred moments, we cultivate not only a deeper relationship with Christ but also a profound sense of community, shared purpose, and mutual respect.
RELIGION CLASSES
At Our Lady Academy, every student is immersed in a rich and dynamic religious education experience, taking a dedicated religion class each year alongside their peers. Whether a student has been formed in the Catholic faith from an early age or is just beginning to explore spiritual questions, they are welcomed with open hearts and minds. Our classrooms are inclusive, respectful spaces where students are encouraged to engage with both the intellectual and personal dimensions of faith.
Rooted firmly in Catholic tradition, our curriculum spans a wide range of topics—Sacred Scripture, Church history, morality, sacraments, Catholic social teaching, and more. These courses not only impart knowledge but also challenge students to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and reflect on how faith shapes their lives and relationships.
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While our foundation is Catholic, our approach is universal. We intentionally foster a spirit of dialogue, curiosity, and respect that welcomes students of all religious backgrounds. Through thoughtful discussion, prayerful reflection, and shared exploration, our religion classes cultivate spiritual growth, ethical insight, and a deeper sense of purpose for every student.
CLASS RETREATS
At Our Lady Academy, our annual class retreats are a cherished tradition—offering students a powerful, full-day experience devoted to spiritual renewal, personal reflection, and class unity. More than just a break from the routine, these retreats are thoughtfully designed to help students pause, reconnect with their faith, and strengthen the bonds that unite them as sisters in Christ.
Each retreat is led by our Campus Minister Retreat Team—an inspiring group of senior student leaders who are specially trained to guide their peers through this meaningful journey. With compassion, leadership, and authenticity, they help create a space where students feel seen, heard, and spiritually supported.
Throughout the day, students engage in a blend of prayer, worship, small group discussions, team-building activities, and quiet reflection. These moments allow students to explore their relationship with God in a deeper, more personal way while also fostering the trust, empathy, and unity that define the sisterhood of OLA.
Rooted in Catholic values yet welcoming to all, our retreats offer a safe and uplifting environment where every student—regardless of where she is on her faith journey—can grow in both spirit and connection. It’s in these sacred moments of community and contemplation that many students discover new depths of faith, forge lasting friendships, and leave renewed with purpose, joy, and a sense of belonging.
ADORATION
Our Lady Academy is deeply blessed to share a spiritual home with Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, a stunning and historic place of worship nestled along the shores of the Gulf. Just steps from our campus, this sacred space offers our students a tangible connection to the broader faith community and the enduring presence of Christ.
Each month, our religion classes make intentional visits to the church’s Perpetual Adoration Chapel—a serene and holy place dedicated to continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. In this quiet, light-filled chapel, students are invited to pause, reflect, and encounter the peace that only Christ can provide. Whether through silent prayer, Scripture reading, or simply resting in God’s presence, these visits help cultivate a habit of contemplation and deepen students’ personal relationship with Jesus.
The chapel remains open throughout the day, and many students choose to return during lunch or in between classes. In the midst of a busy academic schedule, it offers a sacred refuge—a place to step away from the noise of daily life and find renewal, clarity, and peace.
This unique spiritual privilege is more than just proximity—it’s a daily reminder that God walks with us in every moment. At Our Lady Academy, the chapel isn’t just a place we visit; it’s a vital part of who we are.
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Campus Ministry at Our Lady Academy is more than just a club—it’s a vibrant community of students across all grade levels who are passionate about living their faith through action, leadership, and love. Rooted in the Gospel call to serve others, Campus Ministry empowers students to be the hands and feet of Christ in both our school and the wider community.
Members actively participate in a variety of service initiatives that bring hope, comfort, and joy to those in need. From spending meaningful time with residents at local nursing homes through bingo and conversation, to organizing baby shower drives that provide essential items for mothers and infants in crisis, Campus Ministry students put compassion into practice in tangible and impactful ways.
Beyond service, Campus Ministry plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual heartbeat of OLA. The group encourages daily Mass attendance, leads prayerful initiatives, and works to keep Christ at the center of our school life. Through their example, Campus Ministers inspire their peers to embrace a spirit of generosity, kindness, and faith-filled leadership.
Whether you're seeking to deepen your relationship with God, make a difference in the lives of others, or grow as a leader rooted in Catholic values, Campus Ministry offers a welcoming and purposeful space to do just that. Here, students don’t just talk about faith—they live it boldly, joyfully, and with open hearts.