Spiritual Formation at Hawthorn
An integral part of The Hawthorn School’s unique ethos is its commitment to moral and spiritual formation in an environment of personal freedom and responsibility. Religion is an essential part of our curriculum, fostering an understanding of faith and values. However, all students and families, regardless of religious background, are welcome and encouraged to participate in ways that align with their beliefs.
For Catholic students, the School offers opportunities for monthly reception of the Sacrament of Penance, as well as daily Mass next door at St. Patrick's Church, with participation entirely optional. We emphasize that faith should be freely chosen, never imposed. In addition to religious instruction, students receive mentorship in character development, encouraging them to pursue virtue out of love for what is good, rather than fear of failure or punishment.
Our approach to spiritual formation is centered on cultivating virtues such as:
Love for truth and a sense of wonder
Personal responsibility and freedom
Optimism and industriousness
Respect for others and a spirit of service
We believe that education is a collaborative effort between parents and the school. Parents are the primary educators of their children, and we work in harmony with families to ensure a seamless integration of academic and moral formation at home and at school. Every student has a mentor who, in close communication with parents, helps guide them in their academic and personal growth.
While our school is rooted in a Catholic worldview, we do not impose specific religious beliefs on any student. Our goal is to form thoughtful, principled, and service-oriented young men and women who are prepared to lead meaningful lives, no matter their faith tradition.
The Hawthorn Philosophy: A Partnership with Parents
At The Hawthorn School, we strive to provide an education that nurtures both the mind and character of our students. While we are not formally affiliated with Opus Dei, our school is inspired by its approach to education—one that encourages personal excellence, service to others, and a strong moral foundation.
What is Opus Dei?
Opus Dei is an international organization within the Catholic Church that helps people integrate their faith into everyday life, particularly through their work and family life. Founded in 1928 by Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Opus Dei emphasizes that everyone—no matter their background or profession—can strive for goodness, integrity, and a life of purpose in their daily activities.
Opus Dei and The Hawthorn School
At Hawthorn, this influence is reflected in our commitment to:
Academic Excellence with Purpose – Encouraging students to develop their talents to the fullest and use them for the good of others.
Character Formation – Instilling values like responsibility, kindness, and integrity in a way that is accessible to all.
A Welcoming Community – While our school is rooted in a Catholic worldview, we warmly welcome students of all faiths. Our goal is to provide an environment where all families feel at home, regardless of their religious background.
Our spiritual and moral formation programs are available to students and families who are interested, but they are never required. Above all, we believe in the dignity of every student and support them in their personal growth, whatever their beliefs may be.
If you have any questions, we are always happy to connect and share more about what makes Hawthorn a unique and enriching place for all students.