Living Lent in Action: St. Rose School’s 2026 Lenten Mission
A Season of Giving, Service, and Faith in Action
At St. Rose School, Lent is not only a season of prayer and reflection, it is a time of action, generosity, and living out our faith in meaningful ways. Under the guidance of Sister Thaddeus, our annual Lenten Mission brings our entire school community together to answer one powerful question: “What can I do to help others?”
Throughout the Lenten season, our students, families, and faculty unite to support both global and local missions, reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.
Supporting Missions Near and Far
This year, St. Rose School is proud to support a wide range of missions that serve communities across the world and right here at home:
- The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth schools in Ghana
- The Sisters’ food program in the Philippines
- Grace’s Promise Preschool in Uganda, founded by St. Rose alumna Grace Herrick
- St. Rose Parish outreach to those in need
- The Faith Food Pantry on our campus
- Catholic Charities of Bridgeport
- Dorothy Day House in Danbury
- Merton House
- Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bridgeport, one of the most underserved parishes in our Diocese
Through these efforts, our students learn that their generosity extends far beyond the walls of our school, reaching children, families, and communities across the globe.
Student Leadership and Daily Mission Moments
Each morning during Lent begins with a special mission announcement led by a student from Grade 2. With confidence and compassion, they remind their peers of the importance of helping others and encourage everyone to give what they can. These daily messages reinforce the spirit of Lent and empower even our youngest learners to be missionaries of kindness.
Fun with a Purpose
Giving at St. Rose is both meaningful and engaging. Students can participate in weekly raffles by purchasing $1 tickets, with exciting prizes that bring joy while supporting a greater cause:
- Stuffed animals for students in Pre-K through Grade 3
- Dunkin’ gift cards for students in Grades 4–8
Each Friday, winners are announced, creating excitement while reinforcing that every contribution, big or small, matters.
Sacrifice, Service, and Community
Lent also calls us to personal sacrifice. Each Wednesday, students are encouraged to give up a small treat, like a snack, and donate instead to the Lenten Mission Drive. These intentional acts help students understand the value of sacrifice and empathy for those who have less.
In addition, our community comes together for a March Tag Sale, organized by Mrs. Rahtelli, Mrs. Winnington, and Mrs. Cocchiola. This special event not only raises funds but also brings families together in support of our shared mission.
A Faith That Lives Beyond the Classroom
Sister Thaddeus’ Lenten Mission is a beautiful reflection of what makes St. Rose School so special. It teaches our students that faith is not just something we learn, it is something we live. Through prayer, sacrifice, and generosity, our students are growing into compassionate leaders who understand the power of giving and the importance of serving others.
As we journey through Lent, we are reminded that even the smallest act of kindness can reflect God’s love in the world.
“Let’s all answer—Yes, we can help others!”
View more
Subscribe
Discovering Passions, Exploring Possibilities, and Preparing for the Future
St. Rose School joyfully celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation for our students, marking a meaningful milestone in their faith journey. It was a beautiful and reverent celebration, filled with prayer, reflection, and a strong sense of community. We are deeply grateful to Bishop Caggiano for presiding over this special Mass and for his inspiring message to our students as they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His presence made the day truly memorable for our candidates and their families. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Father Peter, Sister Thaddeus, and all of our dedicated religious who guide and nurture the spiritual growth of our students each and every day. Their commitment to faith formation is a true blessing to our school community. The liturgy was made even more special through the participation of our students. Seventh graders Dylan and Alessandra proclaimed the readings with confidence and grace, and we were proud to have altar servers made up of both current and former St. Rose students, an inspiring reminder of the lasting impact of a St. Rose education. Congratulations to our newly confirmed students! May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you, strengthen you, and fill your hearts with faith, courage, and love as you continue your journey.
There was a special kind of excitement in the air at St. Rose School as students celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a blend of faith-filled learning, creativity, and a touch of playful mystery. Second Grade: Learning with Wonder Our second grade students fully embraced the spirit of the day as they learned about St. Patrick and his teachings, with a special focus on the Holy Trinity. Through thoughtful discussions and hands-on activities, students explored how St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain this important concept of faith in a way that is still meaningful today. The classroom quickly transformed into a hub of creativity as students put their engineering skills to the test by designing and building leprechaun traps. Each trap was unique, showcasing imagination, problem-solving, and excitement as students eagerly anticipated whether their clever designs would succeed. Science was also woven into the day’s learning. Students explored the beauty and science of rainbows while discussing plant needs, connecting seasonal themes with foundational scientific concepts. These hands-on experiments encouraged curiosity and helped bring their learning to life in a tangible way. A Surprise Visit in Seventh Grade Meanwhile, in seventh grade, the day took an unexpected turn when a mischievous leprechaun appeared to have visited the classroom. Students arrived to find signs of a playful disturbance, tiny footprints, a bit of chaos, and a few surprises left behind. The experience sparked laughter, curiosity, and plenty of storytelling as students pieced together what might have happened. Moments like these create lasting memories while fostering a sense of fun and community within the classroom. Bringing Learning to Life From exploring faith through the story of St. Patrick to engaging in creative building challenges and hands-on science, the day reflected the dynamic learning environment across grade levels. Students were not only learning concepts but actively experiencing them, through collaboration, imagination, and shared moments of discovery. St. Patrick’s Day at St. Rose School was a reminder that meaningful learning often happens when tradition, creativity, and curiosity come together.
There was a sense of excitement in the air at St. Rose School as students gathered to celebrate National Bubble Day with a special visit from Bubble Mania and performer Casey Carle. From the moment the show began in the Gathering Hall, students were captivated. Preschool through grade 4 filled the room with anticipation as Casey launched into an engaging performance that blended science, storytelling, and interactive fun. Later in the morning, students in grades 5–8 had their turn, experiencing the same sense of wonder as they watched bubbles stretch, float, and transform in unexpected ways. Bubble Mania is more than entertainment. Through each demonstration, students were introduced to scientific concepts such as surface tension, air pressure, and geometry in a way that felt accessible and exciting. Watching a bubble expand to surround a person or float effortlessly across the stage sparked curiosity and invited questions, turning the performance into a memorable learning experience. The day extended beyond the show itself. Each student received their own bottle of bubbles, offering the opportunity to continue the experience back in the classroom and outdoors. Whether experimenting with bubble shapes, testing how long they could keep a bubble intact, or simply enjoying time together, students were able to carry the spirit of the day into their own hands-on exploration. Events like Bubble Mania reflect the vibrant learning environment at St. Rose. Students are encouraged to engage with new ideas, think creatively, and experience learning in ways that are both meaningful and memorable. At the same time, these shared experiences bring the school community together, creating moments of joy that resonate across grade levels. National Bubble Day at St. Rose was a reminder that learning can be both rigorous and joyful, and that even something as simple as a bubble can inspire curiosity, connection, and a lasting sense of wonder.
At St. Rose School, learning often extends beyond the traditional classroom experience, blending academics with creativity, leadership, and connection across grade levels. This week, our middle school students brought that spirit to life through a celebration of Pi Day, paired with a special opportunity to serve as mystery readers for our preschool students. Bringing Math to Life In honor of Pi Day (3.14), middle school students explored the significance of π through a variety of engaging, hands-on activities. Rather than simply learning formulas, students applied their understanding through creative projects, visual representations, and problem-solving exercises that highlighted both the precision and beauty of mathematics. From carefully designed circle diagrams to imaginative interpretations of the infinite nature of π, students demonstrated not only their understanding of mathematical concepts but also their ability to think critically and express ideas in meaningful ways. Leadership in Action This week, Middle school students stepped into a different kind of role, as mystery readers for our preschool classrooms. With books in hand and a sense of excitement, they visited the youngest members of our school community, sharing stories and engaging preschoolers in an experience that was as impactful for the readers as it was for the listeners. These interactions create natural opportunities for older students to lead with confidence and compassion, while younger students begin to see themselves as part of a larger, supportive school community. The connections formed in moments like these often leave a lasting impression, strengthening relationships across grade levels. A Community That Grows Together Experiences like Pi Day and mystery reading reflect the everyday rhythm of life at St. Rose School. Academic learning is enriched through creativity, and students are regularly given opportunities to step outside of themselves, to lead, to mentor, and to connect. It is in these shared moments that students develop not only knowledge, but also confidence, empathy, and a strong sense of belonging.
At St. Rose School, curiosity is alive and thriving in every classroom. Our students are learning that the future belongs to the curious, the ones who are willing to try new ideas, explore possibilities, ask questions, and discover how the world works. Throughout our classrooms, students are stepping into the roles of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. With hands-on learning experiences, they are experimenting, building, calculating, and problem-solving in ways that spark both creativity and critical thinking. Whether they are designing structures, conducting experiments, solving challenging math problems, or testing their ideas through trial and error, our students are learning that discovery often begins with a simple question: “What happens if…?” At St. Rose, we encourage our students to be bold thinkers. We celebrate the ones who are not afraid to try something new, explore different possibilities, poke at problems from different angles, question what they see, and even turn ideas completely inside out. These moments of curiosity are where learning truly comes to life. Our teachers foster an environment where exploration is encouraged and mistakes are simply part of the journey toward understanding. Students are learning that perseverance, creativity, and curiosity are just as important as the answers themselves. When students approach learning with curiosity, incredible things happen. They begin to see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders of the future. Whether they pursue careers in science, engineering, mathematics, or another field entirely, the skills they are building today, curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking, will serve them for a lifetime. At St. Rose School, we believe that every question has the potential to spark discovery, and every student has the potential to change the world. Because the future truly belongs to the curious.
