This article kicks off a five-part series on Donahue Academy’s identity. (Part I)
Over the next five weeks, we will explore the five domains of activity that give Donahue Academy its unique identity within the broader context of Catholic classical education. It is helpful to consider first what all this activity strives after, since each activity the school undertakes ultimately supports or saps its vision and mission. Donahue Academy is animated by its earnest desire to partner with parents to raise saints. It fulfills this aspiration through its mission: “Donahue Academy is a Catholic, classical school where students encounter Christ and pursue excellence in all things. Students will deepen their love of God and others through the pursuit of all that is true, good, and beautiful.” So, without further ado, let us start at the beginning: Donahue Academy is Catholic.
In practice, the Catholic education the school delivers works toward the twin goals of faith formation and character formation, beginning with the youngest souls in pre-kindergarten all the way to graduating seniors. The Catechism teaches that: “The transmission of the Christian faith consists primarily in proclaiming Jesus Christ in order to lead others to faith in him.” (CCC 425) And that, “at the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person, the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, the only Son from the Father… Catechesis aims at putting ‘people… in communion… with Jesus Christ: only he can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.’” (CCC 426) Furthermore, “in catechesis “Christ, the Incarnate Word and Son of God, …is taught – everything else is taught with reference to him…” (CCC 427) Thus, Donahue Academy delivers on its vision and mission by facilitating an authentic encounter with Christ. Our faith formation program is anchored on sacramental and liturgical living as well as religious instruction and service.
Donahue Academy students have opportunities to partake in the sacraments of Communion and Penance daily, to participate in devotions such as Adoration, daily prayer, retreats, and talks. They receive religious instruction through thematic homilies and daily curricula. The school also encourages students to live their faith through liturgical training and the celebration of the Church’s liturgical calendar, service projects, specific drives focused on works of mercy, pilgrimages, and interest clubs. Importantly, Donahue Academy faculty, coaches, and staff bear witness to the joy that comes from their own life of faith and draw students into the love of Christ by invitation and example.
It is precisely in the context of a rich sacramental and liturgical life that students can grow not only in faith, but also in virtue, and therefore character. The Catechism teaches that, “a virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.” (CCC 1803) Thus, Donahue Academy takes a programmatic approach to character formation. In practice, it undertakes an additional four domains of activity – known by their shorthand forms of Classical, Fine Arts, Athletics, and Community – to provide students with practical means to forge their will and temper their moral strength. Inside and outside the classroom, Donahue Academy students grow in the theological and cardinal virtues. By fixing the student vocation to virtue, the school propels young souls to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 RSVCE)
Amen!
