Mass/Prayer Services
Class Masses
St. Finn Barr Catholic School gathers for school-wide Mass each Tuesday at 8:15 AM, unless a special liturgical celebration takes place that week (such as All Saints’ Day) or school is not in session.
These weekly liturgies are a cornerstone of our faith formation. Students participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, engage with scripture, and deepen their understanding of Gospel values through the Homily. Each class takes turns preparing and leading a liturgy, following the rhythm of the Church’s liturgical calendar, allowing students to connect their classroom learning with meaningful expressions of faith.
Family Masses
Each month, our community gathers for a whole-school Mass or prayer service, with different grade levels taking turns to plan and lead the liturgy. These celebrations are open to parents/guardians and the greater parish community, fostering a shared expression of faith and unity.
In addition, every class prepares and participates in at least one Sunday Family Liturgy each year. These special Masses help students build a deeper connection to the parish and encourage a sense of responsibility and belonging within the wider Catholic community.
2024-2025 Family Mass Schedule
| Sunday, October 27 | Family Mass hosted by 8th grade |
| Sunday, November 17 | Family Mass hosed by 7th grade |
| Sunday, January 26 | Catholic Schools Week - Family Mass hosted by 2nd & 6th grade |
| Sunday, February 23 | Family Mass hosted by 5th grade |
| Sunday, March 23 | Family Mass hosted by 3rd & 4th grade |
| Sunday, May 4 | First Holy Communion (2nd grade) |
| Saturday, TBD | Confirmation (8th grade) - Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption |
Feast of St. Finn Barr
The parish and school community join together in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Finn Barr in September each year, with a special unity mass in the Church followed by a festival in the schoolyard.
Blessing of the Animals
In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of our city and of animals, our school community celebrates his feast day with a special Blessing of the Animals during morning assembly.
Families are warmly invited to bring a leashed or caged pet to campus for this joyful tradition. Stuffed animals and photographs of beloved pets are also welcome. Our Pastor leads the blessing, offering prayers of gratitude and care for all of God’s creatures.
All Saints Day Mass
To honor All Saints’ Day, students engage in meaningful learning by researching and writing reports on the lives of the Saints. As a highlight of the celebration, our 4th grade class brings the Saints to life by dressing in costume and leading the school in a special Litany of the Saints—a cherished tradition that deepens our understanding of the holy men and women who inspire our faith.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12th is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a deeply meaningful celebration in the Catholic tradition. Our 7th grade class leads the school in a special morning prayer service, commemorating the miraculous apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill in 1531. As part of the celebration, students perform a dramatic reenactment of the story, sharing the powerful message of faith, hope, and cultural unity. The skit is presented both during the school day and again in the evening during the parish’s Spanish Mass, offering the broader community a chance to join in this vibrant and faith-filled tradition.
Grandparents/Special Persons Day Prayer Service
As part of our Catholic Schools Week celebrations, we host a heartfelt prayer service dedicated to the Grandparents and Special Persons who play an important role in the lives of our students.
We are deeply grateful for the love, guidance, and support they offer to both our school and parish community. This special event is our way of recognizing the lasting impact they have on our children’s faith and growth.
Christmas Eve Children's Mass
Our Christmas Eve Children’s Mass is a beloved tradition that brings the spirit of the season to life. Children from both St. Finn Barr School and the parish community participate in this joyful celebration through readings, the processional, choir, and a beautiful reenactment of the Nativity.
This special liturgy invites our young people to share the story of Christ’s birth in a meaningful and memorable way, while bringing families together in faith and celebration.
Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, our students receive ashes as a sign of repentance and renewal, marking the beginning of the Lenten season.
Throughout Lent, the school community comes together in reflection and faith, embracing the spiritual practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These traditions help guide our students in deepening their relationship with God and preparing their hearts for the joy of Easter.
May Crowning
Each May, we honor the Blessed Mother with a special May Crowning Mass, a cherished tradition at St. Finn Barr Catholic School. Our Second Grade students attend in their First Holy Communion attire, while class representatives from each grade present flowers in a beautiful offering to Mary. This reverent celebration reflects our deep love for the Mother of Jesus and invites students to grow in faith and grace.