Tradition

Long held traditions and customs have always been a valuable part of the culture and learning experience at St. Gregory the Great School. Traditions allow us to pass on what we know and what we care about, which helps create a sense of family for not only our students and faculty, but for the families of the students who attend our school as well. Traditions can help bridge separation between today's student body and our alumni, between parents and faculty, and infuses a sense of pride and confidence into the hearts and minds of everyone who attends, teaches, or supports our school community. Below are some of the examples of our time honored traditions.

3rd Grade Blessing of 8th Grade

This long held tradition within our school community is a very special time for both our third and eighth grade students. Third graders, having just received Communion for the first time with their school family, have the honor and privilege of blessing our eighth grade students who are nearing graduation, and are about to head off to new schools. For eighth graders, this is a moment to receive their blessing, reflect on their time spent at St. Greg's, and recall the time they were once the ones who gave the blessing to a graduating class, who are now in their first year of college.

Prayer Partners

Our Prayer Partners program originated 25 years ago. The older students were matched up with younger students at the beginning of the year. The prayer partners sat together at mass once a month. This program evolved over the years with a focus on nurturing relationships between older students mentoring the younger students. Prayer partners would meet once a month and participate in STREAM engineering activities, making holiday cards for nursing homes and veterans, collecting and packaging items for the needy, and fun social activities during Catholic Schools Week. This program helps to foster community between our early childhood, elementary and middle school students.

Walk-A-Thon

This annual school fair serves as the primary fundraiser of our school’s Athletic Association. A theme is selected each year and each student receives a t-shirt for the event. This fun-filled event in June includes an Opening Ceremony, School Pep Rally, celebrity guests, bounce houses, face painting, a magician, dunk tank and more. All students from Pre-K through 8th grade universally claim “it’s the most exciting day of the school year.” Teachers, administration, students, and parents come together to celebrate our school's athletic program and show school spirit through walking as classes through the surrounding neighborhoods. The Walk-A-Thon supports over ten Athletic Programs at St. Greg’s, including team uniforms, equipment, referee fees, and facility improvements.

Blessing of the Stuffies

In honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, and Early Kindergarten students gather in the church to celebrate this great saint. Each student is asked to bring their favorite stuffed animal into school for a very special blessing. All of the classes go to the church with their stuffed animals and their stuffed animals receive a special blessing from our pastor and parish priests. This gives the children the chance to learn about the blessing of animals and celebrate St. Francis of Assisi.