Catholic Identity
Faith at the Heart of Cathedral
Faith is an integral part of daily life at Cathedral School. Sacred images, Catholic traditions, and the Sacraments shape our school culture, and each day begins and ends with prayer. Students regularly encounter God’s Word through Scripture, weekly Mass, prayer services, and devotionals such as the Rosary, helping them grow in faith and understanding within a supportive community.
Students also develop strong moral character through the Disciple of Christ: Education in Virtue Program, which focuses on a new virtue each week. Through reflection, Scripture, prayer, and the example of the saints, students learn how to practice virtues in meaningful ways—guiding them to live with compassion, integrity, and purpose both now and throughout their lives.
Service at Cathedral School
“We must reflect the light of Christ through lives of prayer and joyful service to others” – Pope John Paul II
The reward of service is intrinsic. As Catholics, our whole lives are designed to be a dynamic relationship with the living God. God is focused outward, and when we connect to Him we become like Him and focus outward ourselves. Service to the community is a manifestation of this outward focus.
Each month, a specific grade(s) leads a faith in action service project for Cathedral School students. Students learn about who the service project is benefiting as well as why it is so important to be Christ-like and help those in need.
October - Baby Bottle Coin Drive benefiting the Mother & Child Education Center, 4th grade
November - Food Drive benefiting Lift Urban Portland, 5th grade
December - Blanchett House, 8th grade and Mother & Child Education Center, Kindergarten
January - School wide Book Drive for The Children's Book Bank at SMART Reading & Dollars for Dress Down benefiting Blanchett House
February - Diaper Drive benefiting the Mother & Child Education Center, Pre-Kindergarten & 3rd grade
March - Sugar & Spice Drive benefiting Blanchett House, 7th grade
April - Cares NW Easter Baskets, 1st grade
May - MAC Attack benefiting the Portland Sunshine Division, 2nd & 6th grade
In addition to monthly service projects, middle school students are expected to have at least 10 outside service hours each year before they graduate from Cathedral School.
