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Faith Life

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Faith is the core of everything we do at Fairfield Prep.

Faith in God. Faith in each other. Faith in our mission as a Catholic Jesuit institution, focused on men and women for others — men and women who cannot conceive of a love of Christ which does not also issue forth a love of our neighbor, especially those who are marginalized and in need. This mission serves as the cornerstone for every other aspect of life at the school for both students and adults.

It is through this lens of faith that we shepherd an experience for our students that includes service, academics, retreats and participation in liturgies. Students are not required to be Catholic or even Christian to attend Prep, however we challenge each student to contemplate his gifts, and how he can use those gifts to help others. And when a Prep brother begins to understand that he lives not just for himself, but for others and for God's greater glory, we see it become a transformational experience.

 

How Faith is Applied

On a practical level, there are a number of ways in which our Catholic and Jesuit spirituality is applied to the Prep experience. Students take part in class retreats, are able to participate in service immersion trips, go on voluntary retreats like Kairos, and take mandatory Theology courses all four years at Prep. We also celebrate Mass during Holy Days of Obligation, and offer daily Mass before school in St. Joseph's Chapel.

All faith- and spirituality-based activities are maintained by the Office of Campus Ministry, which is the student-focused arm of the all encompassing Office of Mission & Ministry at Fairfield Prep.

Liturgical Life

The life of the Catholic Church is present daily at Fairfield Prep.

Morning Mass

Each morning, an optional, 25 minute Mass is offered before regular school hours, providing students and families who desire a traditional Catholic experience the opportunity to begin their day in prayer and reflection. While attendance is entirely voluntary, this morning worship creates sacred space for those families specifically seeking formal Mass as part of their educational journey.

Morning Prayer

Fairfield Prep gathers in school-wide prayer every day during third period. Prayers are read by student volunteers, who also provide the intentions of the day. Every Friday, the students pray the Examen Prayer, reflecting on how God was present in their lives that week.

School-Wide Mass

Fairfield Prep gathers as an entire school community — students and adults — for Mass during each Holy Day of Obligation. We also celebrate additional liturgies, such as class-wide Masses, and the Father-Son Communion Mass in February. 

Confession

Confession is held every Wednesday at St. Joseph Chapel at Fairfield Prep. All students and adults are welcome. 

 

Class Retreats

Class retreats are some of the main ways in which Prep students learn more about each other and grow in friendship. During these required retreats, Prep students reflect, pray and deepen their faith, together.

We encourage our students to engage in the retreat experience and to use them as opportunities to grow closer to God. 

 

Service Immersion Trips

Service is a core aspect of the faith life experience at Fairfield Prep. Students are required to complete service hours to graduate from Prep, which they do in their local communities.

However there are also a number of opportunities for service through local and international excursions. 

Kairos

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Kairos is one of the more beloved retreats at Fairfield Prep. For several decades, Prep students have spoken about the transformational experience they had attending this retreat, which involves prayer, discussion and fellowship between both students and adult leaders. The retreat is open to juniors and seniors.

 

Theology Program

Theology is required curriculum for all four years at Fairfield Prep. 

Students learn about major doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church, as well as other religions and faiths in the world.

Through our theology curriculum, we challenge our students to examine their own religious feelings, values, and beliefs through the lens of Ignatian spirituality, the graduate will deepen his relationship with God by means of active participation in a faith community.

Learn more about our the theology courses below.