Catholic school students stop for prayer one or more times each school day. Prayers are said for family and friends and to aid the students through the school day. To increase their fraternal love and humanity, students say "Come, Holy Spirit," a prayer calling to the Guide given to humankind following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Prayers for peace to St. Francis and of contrition to God encourage students to renew their faith daily.
Mass is held at least once a week and on special occasion in Catholic schools. Mass is a gathering of believers to hear Scripture and be renewed in understanding the values of faith. The teaching of Scripture at mass helps students to learn the faith as well. Students can volunteer as altar servers during mass as a special dedication to the church and to God.
Middle and high school students at Catholic schools sometimes attend student retreats. These retreats focus on the personal issues that children of that age face and re-frame those issues in the context of the Christian faith. Topics might include self-awareness, body image, relationships with the opposite sex and relating to non-Christians. Students will learn how to be a Christian and reaffirm how to discern between Christian good and evil.
One of the central tenets of Christianity is to help others in need. Jesus spent his life healing those who were sick and giving to the poor. The act of giving, in Christianity, enlarges the heart of the givers and brings them closer to God, whom the Bible describes simply as "love." Catholic schools often require students to perform a minimum number of hours doing community volunteer work. Students can volunteer with a soup kitchen, tutor students who need help, mentor younger students or participate in campus ministry services.