christian witness award

Virtues in Practice is a program St. Bernard School has adopted for students prek- 8th to grow closer to Jesus by imitating His life and virtues. It is set up in such a way that the  whole school studies the same virtue each month, to provide a whole-school (and at home, whole-family) focus. The program covers 27 virtues over a three-year cycle, 

These three years emphasize and are named for the three theological virtues:

The year of FAITH focuses on Catholic devotions and the idea that “faith works” (Gal 5:6), by a school-wide emphasis on service projects. (2019-2020)

The year of HOPE emphasizes study skills because in order to fulfill His plan for our lives we need to develop the talents God has given us. (2020-2021)

The year of CHARITY emphasizes community, particularly how students interact with one another, because “he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 Jn 4:20). (2021-2022)

A virtue is a good habit. When we practice these virtues we strengthen them and thereby make the presence of God more visible in the world around us. The Virtues in Practice program provides vocabulary and milestones for a continuous school-wide conversation about how we can creatively maintain and strengthen a safe school community that reflects the values and teachings of Jesus Christ. 

The students hear about each month's virtue during our daily morning prayer, in their religion classes and throughout the day. The students who consistently demonstrate this quality will be acknowledged by their homeroom teacher and earn special recognition at the end of the month during the student Mass. Recipients will receive the Christian Witness Award. As each name is read, the particular reason that the student was selected will also be announced in order that they can be an example to the other students.

Parents will be notified if their child is chosen so that they can attend this special celebration.