Religious Programs & Services


Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
The mission of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is to make the Lord's presence alive in the world through Eucharistic Adoration and Apostolic Service.  To this end the Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the St. Raphaela Mary School Chapel  every morning from 7:30 a.m. to  11:00 a.m., and in the Sacred Heart Chapel on weekdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Eucharistic Celebrations
During the school year, there are several school-wide community Masses.  Class Masses are held in the Saint Raphaela Mary Chapel. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Students are provided with the opportunity to celebrate this sacrament annually.

Sacramental Preparation
In the fall, second grade students  prepare to celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.  Beginning in the spring of  first grade,their parents attend several meetings to assist them in preparing their children for these sacraments both of which are administered at the Academy.
Complete instruction for the sacrament of Confirmation is an integral part of the fifth grade Religion curriculum.  Parents are to make arrangements for their child to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation in the home parish and notify the Coordinator of Religious Education with this information.

Eighth Grade Retreat
Eighth grade students are given the opportunity annually to participate in a day of retreat and prayer at Saint Raphaela Center, Haverford.

Heart to Heart
Heart to Heart,  a  R.I.C.E. networking program designed to actualize the ACJ Mission, networks with  Handmaid missions throughout the world.   By sharing resources, Heart to Heart builds unity and promotes justice and peace.  Families  are  encouraged to participate during the Advent season, at which time donations are requested.

ACJ Associates
The ACJ Associate experience invites women and men to deepen their relationship with God in the spirit of St. Raphaela Mary.  This bonding challenges them to live the spirit of reparation and Eucharist in their daily living.  Monthly meetings  include faith sharing and the prayer of Adoration.

Service Outreach
Students are encouraged to "put their gifts at the service of others" and engage in age-appropriate, meaningful service and justice opportunities in order to help them understand our call to Chrisitan service and our identity as baptized Christians.  During the season of Lent, each grade makes a concerted effort  to connect through education, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity with groups locally in need of help. 

  • A Mission Fund, supported  mainly through donations on Mission Day in October, is used throughout the year to enable the Academy to respond to many other requests for assistance.

  • From Our Abundance is a year-round outreach program providing non-perishable foods to a local emergency food cupboard.  All are encouraged to make food donations to this program on a monthly basis.